War Financial Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1918 No. 214, made under the Defence Act 1903–1918, were enacted to address financial and administrative issues arising from the First World War, specifically pertaining to the Australian Imperial Force. These regulations were established by the Federal Executive Council, with the authority of the Deputy of the Governor-General, to ensure proper financial management and compensation for members of the Australian military during and after their service. The policy objective was to provide adequate financial support and benefits to service members, including interest on deferred pay, allowances for air cadets, and provisions for members suffering from venereal diseases while in hospital. These regulations also addressed the financial implications of leave and furlough for troops serving abroad and those returning to Australia.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules of 1918, No. 214, issued under the Defence Act 1903–1918, detail amendments to the War Financial Regulations. These regulations primarily apply to members of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) who are on active service abroad, encompassing various financial aspects of their service, including interest on deferred pay, allowances for Air Cadets, and financial penalties for those hospitalized with venereal diseases. The amendments also provide for specific allowances for Air Cadets undergoing instruction at the Central Flying School, including per diem payments and gratuities upon obtaining a Pilot's Certificate. Additionally, the regulations address leave entitlements for AIF members, including conditions for pay during leave and furlough periods. These amendments apply nationwide as Commonwealth regulations, and the specific financial provisions and penalties are enforced to regulate and support the military operations during wartime.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these regulations under the Defence Act 1903–1918 pertain to financial provisions for members of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and Air Cadets. Firstly, regulation 2 introduces interest payments on deferred pay for AIF members, to be calculated from 17 April 1918 at a rate of 4½ per cent per annum, subject to conditions such as the accrual of deferred pay for a period of twelve months (section 2). Secondly, regulation 3a provides a daily payment of 10 shillings for Air Cadets undergoing instruction at the Central Flying School (section 3a). Thirdly, regulation 3b establishes a gratuity of £15 for Air Cadets who successfully complete the course and obtain a Pilot’s Certificate (section 3b). Regulation 13a imposes a financial penalty on AIF members who are hospitalised with venereal disease, resulting in the forfeiture of one-third of their daily rate of pay for each day of hospitalisation (section 13a). Regulation 17b mandates an allowance of 4 shillings and 6 pence per diem for each Air Cadet for mess expenses, to be paid upon certification by the Officer Commanding, Central Flying School (section 17b). Lastly, regulation 42 outlines the leave entitlements for AIF members on active service abroad, specifying conditions under which leave may be granted and the pay arrangements during such leave (section 42). These regulations impose several obligations on the parties they govern. AIF members are required to adhere to the conditions for interest payments on deferred pay, ensuring that the deferred pay has accrued for a minimum period of twelve months before interest is payable (section 2). Air Cadets must attend the Central Flying School on the specified days to be eligible for the daily payment and gratuity (section 3a and 3b). Members hospitalised with venereal disease must accept the financial penalty of forfeiting one-third of their daily pay, as per the provisions in regulation 13a (section 13a). The Officer Commanding, Central Flying School, is obligated to certify the attendance of Air Cadets for the payment of mess expenses as per regulation 17b (section 17b). Members on active service abroad must comply with the leave provisions outlined in regulation 42, including the conditions for payment during leave (section 42). The regulations establish potential consequences and penalties for non-compliance with the outlined provisions. For instance, members who do not meet the conditions for interest payments on deferred pay or who are hospitalised with venereal disease and fail to adhere to the financial penalty may face financial losses. Air Cadets who do not attend the Central Flying School as required may not receive the daily payment and gratuity. The specific penalties for breaches of these provisions are not detailed in the text, but non-compliance could result in financial penalties or other administrative consequences as determined by the Minister or approving authorities.