War Financial Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1919 No. 95, issued under the Defence Act 1903–1918, was enacted to amend War Financial Regulations, addressing the financial remuneration and allowances of various military personnel, including nurses, masseuses, and members of the Garrison Military Police. The regulations were brought into effect by the Governor-General in Council, reflecting the need to update compensation structures in light of changing operational needs during and after the First World War. The primary aim of these amendments was to ensure that personnel received fair compensation and allowances reflective of their roles and responsibilities, while also maintaining a controlled budget for military expenditures. These regulations sought to balance the financial support provided to military personnel with the fiscal constraints of the Commonwealth government during a period of significant military activity.

Scope and Application

These regulations, enacted under the Defence Act 1903–1918, apply specifically to personnel within the Australian Imperial Force, particularly focusing on the remuneration and allowances for nurses and certain medical staff. The regulations establish detailed pay scales for various ranks of nurses, including Matron-in-Chief, Principal Matrons, Sisters-in-Charge, and Nursing Sisters, among others, and specify their effective dates from June 1, 1918. Additionally, these regulations address the payment of Masseuses, providing for a potential increase in pay after two years of service, subject to a cap on the number eligible for the increase. Furthermore, they outline provisions for the cash value of rations and allowances for nurses not supplied with government rations, as well as specific allowances for the Matron-in-Chief. These regulations extend to the entire Commonwealth of Australia and are applicable to all members of the Australian Army Nursing Service and other specified medical staff serving abroad. The application of these regulations is further extended to members of the Garrison Military Police who are engaged in police duties, with specific provisions for extra duty pay.

Key Provisions

The Statutory Rules 1919 No. 95 amends the War Financial Regulations under the Defence Act 1903–1918. Section 5 of the Regulation sets out the new pay rates for nurses appointed to the Australian Imperial Force for service abroad, effective from 1 June 1918. The pay rates vary depending on the rank and role of the nurse, with the Matron-in-Chief receiving the highest pay and nursing sisters receiving the lowest. Additionally, a Sister-in-Charge of Sea Transport Staff shall receive the temporary rank and pay of Matron. Section 6 amends the regulation to allow for an increase in pay for Masseuses after two years of efficient service, but only up to a maximum of 20 per cent of Masseuses serving abroad with the Australian Imperial Force. Section 18 of the Regulation provides that nurses and Masseuses not supplied with Government rations shall receive the cash value of such ration, and that members of the Australian Army Nursing Service allotted to and performing duty at non-Australian hospitals shall be paid the difference in excess of Ten pence between the full daily charge for messing at such hospital and the value of the A.I.F. daily ration. The Regulation also states that Field Allowance for Nurses and Masseuses is not issuable under any circumstances. The new Regulations impose certain obligations and requirements on the parties and entities it governs. Firstly, nurses appointed to the Australian Imperial Force for service abroad must receive the pay rates outlined in Section 5 of the Regulation. The Regulation also requires that Masseuses who have completed two years of efficient service may receive an increase in pay, but only up to a maximum of 20 per cent of Masseuses serving abroad with the Australian Imperial Force. In addition, nurses and Masseuses not supplied with Government rations must receive the cash value of such ration, and members of the Australian Army Nursing Service allotted to and performing duty at non-Australian hospitals must be paid the difference in excess of Ten pence between the full daily charge for messing at such hospital and the value of the A.I.F. daily ration. Section 18 of the Regulation also states that Field Allowance for Nurses and Masseuses is not issuable under any circumstances. Failure to comply with the provisions of the new Regulations may result in offences, penalties or civil/criminal consequences. However, the legislation does not specify any particular penalties or consequences for non-compliance. The Regulation states that Members of the Garrison Military Police shall, while engaged on police duties, be paid extra duty pay at the rate of 2s. per diem, and, for the purpose of computing separation allowance under regulation 57a, such extra duty pay shall not be regarded as portion of the member’s pay. Overall, the new Regulations aim to provide fair and equitable pay and allowances to nurses and Masseuses serving with the Australian Imperial Force during the First World War.