War Financial Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1920 No. 69 were enacted to amend the War Financial Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1918. This legislative instrument, made by the Governor-General in Council, aimed to address various financial and administrative concerns related to the Australian Imperial Force, particularly focusing on the remuneration of specific personnel and adjustments to pay rates. The problem it was introduced to address included ensuring appropriate compensation for military and nursing service personnel based on their service history and rank. The policy objective was to provide fair and timely financial adjustments to personnel in light of their contributions and service conditions during wartime.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules of 1920, No. 69, which amend the War Financial Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1918, establish specific financial provisions for personnel within the Australian Imperial Force, including the Australian Imperial Force Nursing Service and Chaplains. These regulations apply to those who served prior to July 10, 1915, and to Chaplains who have completed five years of service. Furthermore, they address the payment of allowances for various ranks and specific circumstances, such as absence on duty, and establish a flat rate of travel expenses for certain officers. The changes are effective as of May 1, 1919, and provide detailed guidelines on meal allowances and additional expenses. The regulations extend the application of the Defence Act 1903-1918 to cover financial aspects of military service during and after World War I.

Key Provisions

The statutory rules (No. 69) amend the War Financial Regulations under the Defence Act 1903-1918, introducing specific adjustments to pay and allowances for various personnel. Regulation 5 is amended to allow payment to nurses who were appointed to the Australian Imperial Force Nursing Service prior to embarkation, provided the Principal Medical Officer certifies their appointment date (s. 5(1)). Regulation 7 now specifies that chaplains who have served for five years and hold the rank of 2nd Class Chaplain will receive pay and allowances equivalent to their substantive rank, as defined in regulation 16 (s. 7). Sub-regulation (a) of regulation 23 is amended to include a new schedule of allowances for different ranks, effective from 1 May 1919, with specific rates set for officers and non-commissioned officers (s. 23(a)). Additionally, the regulation introduces new provisions for meal allowances and travelling expenses for personnel absent on duty, clarifying how these allowances are to be computed and paid (s. 23(a)(vi)-(x)). The obligations imposed by these regulations require various officials to certify and authorise payments as per the amended rules. For instance, the Principal Medical Officer must certify the appointment dates of nurses to ensure they qualify for specific payments (s. 5(1)). The Commandant, Australian Imperial Force Headquarters, must verify and authorise additional payments if the travelling expenses claimed by a member do not cover their actual expenses (s. 23(a)(x)). The new schedule of allowances necessitates that appropriate payments be made according to the rank and circumstances of the personnel, as detailed in the amended regulations (s. 23(a)). Breaches of these regulations could result in legal consequences, although specific offences and penalties are not explicitly detailed in the statutory rules. However, any failure to comply with the requirements for certification, authorisation, or payment as stipulated could potentially lead to administrative or disciplinary actions. The regulations emphasise the importance of adherence to the prescribed processes for ensuring that personnel receive the correct allowances and payments.