War Financial Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1920, No. 215, comprise regulations made under the Defence Act 1903-1918. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations were designed to bring about immediate changes to the War Financial Regulations, specifically to address issues arising from the ongoing need to manage the financial aspects of defence operations. The regulations amend the payment structures for domestics and wardsmaids employed in military hospitals, reflecting the need to adjust compensation in line with changing circumstances and the conclusion of certain wartime provisions. The policy objective, as embedded in these regulations, is to ensure that personnel involved in the care of military patients are adequately compensated, while also streamlining administrative processes in line with post-war adjustments.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules of 1920, No. 215, made under the Defence Act 1903-1918, pertain to amendments in the War Financial Regulations, specifically concerning the pay and allowances for Domestics and Wardsmaids employed in Military Hospitals across Australia. These regulations apply directly to the personnel involved, namely Domestics and Wardsmaids, within the scope of military hospitals operating in Australia, and dictate the remuneration structure including allowances and deductions. The geographic reach of these regulations is confined to the Australian jurisdiction, as they apply to military hospitals within the country. Notably, these regulations have been specifically tailored to the context of the First World War, and as such, their operational timeline is set from 25th August, 1920, marking a transition from previous wartime financial provisions to newly defined terms of employment and compensation. The regulations also include modifications to existing rules and the introduction of new clauses to govern the financial aspects of the employment of these staff members.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of these regulations are concerned with amending the War Financial Regulations (regulations 54, 54a, 54b, 54c, and 54d). The regulations specify the cancellation and re-numbering of existing provisions, as well as the insertion of a new regulation (regulation 54A) which sets out new rates of pay and allowances for Domestics and Wardsmaids employed in Military Hospitals in Australia, effective from 25 August 1920 (section 1). Regulation 54A sets forth the total pay and allowances, inclusive of all allowances, per week for Domestics and Wardsmaids, with specific deductions when rations are issued or when quarters are made available (section 1(3)). These regulations impose obligations on the relevant parties or entities, including the Defence Department and those managing military hospitals in Australia. They must ensure that the amended War Financial Regulations are applied correctly, particularly in the context of the rates of pay and allowances for Domestics and Wardsmaids employed in Military Hospitals. This includes making the necessary deductions when rations are issued or when quarters are made available, as stipulated in the new regulation 54A (section 1). The regulations do not explicitly state any offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches. However, failure to comply with the financial regulations could potentially lead to civil or criminal consequences under the Defence Act 1903-1918 or other relevant legislation. The specific penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as the applicable laws at the time. It is important to note that the maximum penalties are not stated in the text provided.