War Financial Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1919, No. 214, introduced under the Defence Act 1903-1918, aimed to amend the War Financial Regulations to provide an additional financial support to members of the Australian Military Forces. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, the regulation sought to address the financial strain on personnel who were required to extend their duty beyond the regular hours, providing them with a meal allowance of two shillings when they were not in camp or entitled to rations in kind. This legislative instrument underscores the federal government's commitment to supporting military personnel in their extended duties, ensuring their basic needs are met during periods of increased workload.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1919 No. 214, issued under the Defence Act 1903-1918, introduces a specific amendment to the War Financial Regulations, particularly concerning the payment of meal allowances. This regulation applies to members of the Australian Military Forces who are engaged in continuous Home Service duties and are required to remain on special duty for an additional two hours beyond their prescribed daily period of duty, provided they are not in camp or entitled to draw rations in kind otherwise. The regulation extends to the Commonwealth of Australia, governing the financial compensation for military personnel under the purview of the Defence Act. No specific exclusions or exemptions are mentioned in this particular legislative instrument, meaning that all eligible members of the Australian Military Forces should adhere to this new financial provision. The regulation is expected to be enforced as per the terms laid out, with any further specifications or interpretations being potentially detailed in subordinate instruments or additional legislation.

Key Provisions

The main operative section of this regulation is the insertion of regulation 57d into the War Financial Regulations, which was done under the Defence Act 1903-1918. This new regulation (57d) allows for the payment of a meal allowance of two shillings to a member of the Australian Military Forces who is on continuous Home Service duties and required to remain on special duty for two additional hours beyond their prescribed daily period of duty. This allowance is only applicable if the member is not in Camp or entitled to draw rations in kind otherwise. This provision aims to ensure that members who extend their duty time beyond the standard hours receive some form of compensation. The obligations imposed by this regulation primarily concern the Defence Force and its administration. The Defence Force is obligated to ensure that eligible members receive the meal allowance specified in the regulation. This means that they must identify members who meet the criteria outlined in regulation 57d and process their claims for the meal allowance accordingly. The regulation does not place additional burdens on the members themselves, other than ensuring that they are aware of their eligibility for the meal allowance if they meet the specified conditions. The regulation does not explicitly state any offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach. However, any failure by the Defence Force to comply with the regulation and process the meal allowance claims correctly could potentially lead to disputes or claims from eligible members. While the regulation itself does not specify punitive measures, breaches of such administrative duties could result in internal Defence Force disciplinary actions or legal claims for compensation if members are not properly remunerated for their extended duties. The absence of specific penalties in the regulation suggests that compliance is expected through standard Defence Force administrative practices rather than through punitive measures outlined in the regulation.