STATUTORY RULES.
1917. No. 89.
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REGULATION UNDER THE DEFENCE ACT 1903-1915.
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulation under the Defence Act 1903-1915 to come into operation forthwith.
Dated this first day of May, 1917.
R. M. FERGUSON.
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
E. J. RUSSELL,
for Minister of State for Defence.
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War Financial Regulation, Australian Imperial Force.
Regulation No. 18 of War Financial Regulations (Australian Imperial Force), dated 28th February, 1917 (Statutory Rules 1917, No. 49), is amended by the insertion of the following paragraph after the second paragraph thereof:—
“In cases where members of the Australian Army Nursing Service and female members of the Massage Service employed in Australian hospitals overseas are rationed and provided with necessary attendance for cooking and serving same they will be granted the difference between the commuted value of such ration and the allowance of 2s. 6d. per day.”
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Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by Albert J. Mullett, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.
C.4485.—Price 3d.
Overview
The War Financial Regulation, Australian Imperial Force, introduced in 1917 as a statutory rule under the Defence Act 1903-1915, addresses the financial needs and provisions for female service members during World War I. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, this regulation ensures that female members of the Australian Army Nursing Service and the Massage Service, who are rationed and provided with necessary attendance for cooking and serving in Australian hospitals overseas, receive the difference between the commuted value of their rations and their daily allowance. This amendment aims to rectify any financial discrepancies experienced by these service members and acknowledges their essential contributions to the war effort. The regulation underscores the policy objective of providing equitable financial support to all members of the Australian Imperial Force, regardless of gender.
Scope and Application
The War Financial Regulation, Australian Imperial Force, made under the Defence Act 1903-1915, applies to members of the Australian Army Nursing Service and female members of the Massage Service who are employed in Australian hospitals overseas. The regulation specifically addresses their ration and provision for necessary attendance, including cooking and serving of food. It ensures that these individuals receive compensation for the difference between the commuted value of their ration and the allowance of 2s. 6d. per day, thereby recognising their contributions and ensuring equitable treatment. The geographic reach of this regulation is limited to members serving in Australian hospitals overseas, thereby extending the application of the Defence Act 1903-1915 to these specific personnel in international settings. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this particular amendment, and the regulation does not specify thresholds for its application. The regulation is an example of how the Defence Act 1903-1915 can be extended through subordinate instruments to address specific needs arising from wartime conditions.
Key Provisions
The primary operative section of the legislation is the amendment to Regulation No. 18 of War Financial Regulations (Australian Imperial Force), which introduces a specific provision regarding the ration and allowance for members of the Australian Army Nursing Service and female members of the Massage Service employed in Australian hospitals overseas (Regulation No. 18, para 3). This provision mandates that in cases where these service members are provided with rations and necessary attendance for cooking and serving, they will be granted the difference between the commuted value of such rations and the allowance of 2s. 6d. per day. This amendment aims to ensure that the financial support provided to these service members is equitable and reflective of the actual cost of their rations.
The Act imposes specific obligations on the relevant authorities to ensure that the amended provisions are adhered to. The authorities must calculate the commuted value of the rations provided to the members of the Australian Army Nursing Service and the Massage Service and compare it with the allowance of 2s. 6d. per day. If the commuted value exceeds the allowance, the difference must be granted to the service members. This requirement ensures transparency and fairness in the financial support provided to these essential personnel.
The legislation does not explicitly state any offences, penalties, or consequences for breach. However, the omission of such provisions may imply that non-compliance could lead to administrative or legal repercussions, as is often the case in regulatory frameworks. The exact consequences would likely be determined by the Defence Act 1903-1915 or other relevant laws governing the administration of the Australian Imperial Force. The lack of explicit penalties in the amendment may suggest that the primary focus is on ensuring that the provisions are implemented correctly rather than penalising non-compliance.
Overall, the amended regulation aims to address a specific financial need for service members in the Australian Army Nursing Service and the Massage Service, ensuring that their financial support aligns with the actual costs of their rations. The obligations placed on the authorities are clear and focused on equitable treatment, while the absence of explicit penalties may indicate a reliance on broader legal frameworks to enforce compliance.