War Financial Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1918, No. 320, constitutes Regulations made under the Defence Act 1903-1918. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations aim to address various financial and service-related issues for members of the Australian Imperial Force, including adjustments to pay rates for masseuses, allotments for venereal disease patients, and the conditions under which these members are compensated. The primary objective of these regulations, as indicated in the text, is to ensure fair compensation and maintain discipline among the forces, reflecting the evolving needs of the military during the First World War.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules of 1918, No. 320, pertain to the amendment of the War Financial Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1918. These regulations apply specifically to individuals and entities involved with the Australian Imperial Force, particularly focusing on the remuneration and conditions of service for masseuses appointed in a civilian capacity. The amendments introduced by these regulations are designed to adjust the pay rates for masseuses, establish conditions for increments in pay based on service duration, and specify how rations and quarters are to be provided. Additionally, the regulations address the allotment of pay for venereal patients in hospitals and the promotion criteria for masseuses within the force. The changes outlined in these regulations have a national jurisdictional reach, impacting all personnel of the Australian Imperial Force across Australia and abroad, and they come into effect from specified dates within October 1918. The regulations do not explicitly state any exclusions or thresholds but imply conditions under which certain pay and promotion provisions apply. The scope of these regulations is further extended and defined through subordinate instruments as necessary to implement the changes detailed in the War Financial Regulations.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these Regulations amend the War Financial Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1918. The Regulations insert a new section 5a (1) specifying the pay rates for Masseuses in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) serving in Australia and abroad, and allow for an additional payment after two years of service if certain conditions are met. Regulation 6 (2) is amended to allow for an increase in pay for Masseuses after two years of service with the AIF serving abroad, with a cap on the number of Masseuses eligible for this increase. Regulation 13a (3) is amended to remove a specific exclusion, and regulation 14 (4) is updated to limit the pay of venereal disease patients in hospitals in Australia to 1s. per diem, subject to good behaviour and obedience to orders. Regulation 38 (5) outlines how allotments of pay for venereal disease patients in Australian hospitals should be handled, depending on the soldier's drawing rate. Regulation 54 (6) is amended to include Senior Masseuses in the table of rates and to allow for promotion to Senior Masseuse after two years of service in the AIF, subject to a cap on the number of such promotions. Regulation 54b (7) applies the provisions of regulations 13a and 14 to members of the AIF enlisted for Home Service. The obligations imposed by these Regulations primarily concern the payment and treatment of Masseuses and venereal disease patients in the AIF. Masseuses serving in Australia or abroad are entitled to specified pay rates, with potential increases after two years of service, provided that the number of Masseuses receiving such increases does not exceed 20% of those serving. Venereal disease patients in Australian hospitals must adhere to strict pay limits and conduct requirements to receive any pay. The Regulations also detail how allotments of pay for venereal disease patients should be managed, ensuring that the soldier receives a minimum drawing rate of sixpence per diem. Promotion to the rank of Senior Masseuse is permitted after two years of efficient service, subject to the same numerical limitation as the pay increases. The provisions regarding pay and conduct for venereal disease patients and the promotion of Masseuses apply equally to members of the AIF enlisted for Home Service. The Regulations do not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breaches. However, the imposition of financial penalties and the potential forfeiture of pay for venereal disease patients due to misconduct or disobedience suggests that breaches of conduct requirements could lead to financial penalties. The strict numerical limitations on pay increases and promotions for Masseuses imply that exceeding these limits could result in non-compliance with the Regulations, potentially leading to administrative or disciplinary actions. The precise consequences of such breaches would likely be determined by the Defence Force Discipline Rules or other relevant military regulations.