War Financial Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1919 No. 73, enacted under the Defence Act 1903–1918, aim to amend the War Financial Regulations by altering the rates of daily pay for various ranks within the military, as well as modifying the terms of leave for military personnel. This legislative instrument was introduced by the Governor-General in the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and was made with the intent to provide immediate effect upon its creation. The policy objective behind these amendments is to adjust financial compensation and leave conditions for military personnel in response to changing circumstances and needs during the post-war period. This legislative action underscores the necessity for timely updates to military regulations to ensure they remain relevant and effective in supporting the armed forces.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1919, No. 73, made under the Defence Act 1903-1918, pertains to amendments to the War Financial Regulations. These regulations apply to members of the Defence Force, specifically concerning financial aspects such as rates per diem for various ranks and the conditions of leave. The Act applies to personnel within the Defence Force, including officers from the rank of Lieutenant-General to non-commissioned officers and men, and it affects the financial entitlements and leave conditions of these individuals. The regulations are applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring uniformity in the financial treatment of Defence Force members. The amendments to the War Financial Regulations adjust the rates per diem and the conditions under which leave may be granted, with changes to take effect from specified dates in 1918. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text of these regulations, and they extend directly from the Defence Act 1903-1918 without additional instruments.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation involve amendments to the War Financial Regulations under the Defence Act 1903–1918. Specifically, Regulation 22 is amended to update the rates of per diem payments for various military ranks (s.1). This new table of rates will apply from 1 December 1918, with changes such as the Lieutenant-General receiving 30 shillings per day, while Majors, Captains, and Lieutenants receive 10 shillings per day. Additionally, Regulation 42 is amended to allow for leave to be granted without pay, with half pay, or with full pay, depending on the circumstances of each case and as decided by the approving authority (s.2). This amendment takes effect from 11 November 1918. These regulations impose clear obligations on the parties and entities governed by them, primarily concerning financial allowances for military personnel. The amendments to Regulation 22 require the payment of specific rates per diem to various ranks of officers, as outlined in the new table. This ensures that each rank is compensated according to their position, reflecting changes in the financial support provided to the military. Similarly, the amendment to Regulation 42 mandates that leave entitlements be determined on a case-by-case basis, allowing for flexibility in how leave is compensated. This approach ensures that the financial implications of leave are managed in a manner that is fair and appropriate to the circumstances of each service member. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in legal consequences. While the specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breach are not detailed within the provided text, the legislative context implies that non-compliance could lead to disciplinary action or other legal repercussions. Given the formal nature of these regulations and their importance to military personnel, it is likely that breaches could be subject to review by military authorities, potentially leading to penalties or corrective measures. The precise nature of these penalties would typically be outlined in the Defence Act 1903–1918 or related legislation, which may include administrative, civil, or criminal sanctions depending on the severity and nature of the breach.