STATUTORY RULES
1920. No. 217.
REGULATIONS UNDER THE WAR GRATUITY ACTS 1920.
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the War Gratuity Acts 1920, to come into operation forthwith.
Dated this third day of November, 1920.
FORSTER,
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
JOSEPH COOK,
Treasurer.
Amendment of War Gratuity Regulations.
(Statutory Rules 1920, No. 85, as amended by Statutory Rules 1920, Nos. 130, 147, 154, and 170.)
1.—(1) Regulation 3 of the War Gratuity Regulations is amended by omitting sub-regulation (1) and inserting in its stead the following sub-regulations:—
“(1) There shall be a Central War Gratuity Board which shall, subject to these Regulations, be the prescribed authority for all the purposes of the Act and these Regulations.
“(1a) The Governor-General may appoint such subordinate Boards as he thinks fit, each of which Boards shall, subject to these Regulations and to the directions of the Governor-General, have all the powers of the prescribed authority under the Act and these Regulations, and shall for the purpose of the exercise of those powers be the prescribed authority.”
(2) This regulation shall be deemed to have come into operation as from the nineteenth day of May, One thousand nine hundred and twenty.
2. Regulation 5 of the War Gratuity Regulations is amended by omitting sub-regulation (1) thereof.
Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by Albert J. Mullett, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.
Overview
The War Gratuity Acts 1920, enacted by the Parliament of Australia, were designed to address the need for financial support for service personnel and their families who were impacted by their participation in World War I. This legislative framework was introduced to ensure that those who served their country and were subsequently incapacitated, wounded, or faced other hardships as a result of their service would receive appropriate compensation. The 1920 Statutory Rules No. 217, under the War Gratuity Acts, represent a refinement of the initial legislative provisions, aiming to streamline the administration and disbursement of gratuities and pensions to eligible recipients. These regulations were crafted to ensure that the policy objectives of providing timely and equitable support to war veterans and their dependents were effectively met. The enacting body, the Governor-General in Council, played a pivotal role in implementing these regulations to uphold the government’s commitment to those who had served.
Scope and Application
The War Gratuity Regulations 1920, as amended, govern the administration of war gratuities under the War Gratuity Acts 1920, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia. The Regulations establish a Central War Gratuity Board, with the authority to make decisions and administer payments in accordance with the Acts. The Governor-General has the power to appoint subordinate Boards that will also operate under the authority granted by these Regulations. This structure ensures that the processes for determining eligibility and the distribution of war gratuities are carried out in a structured and uniform manner across the nation. The scope of the Regulations extends to all individuals and entities involved in the administration and receipt of war gratuities, encompassing military personnel and their families. The Regulations are designed to ensure that the provisions of the Acts are implemented effectively and efficiently, providing a clear framework for the delivery of these benefits.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the War Gratuity Regulations 1920, as amended, introduce significant structural changes to the administration of war gratuities. Section 1(1) of the Regulation replaces the existing provision by establishing a Central War Gratuity Board as the primary authority for all purposes under the War Gratuity Acts 1920 and these Regulations. Section 1(1a) further provides that the Governor-General has the authority to appoint subordinate Boards, each endowed with the same powers as the Central Board, subject to the direction of the Governor-General and the terms of these Regulations. This amendment streamlines the administration process by centralising authority in the Central Board, while allowing for regional or specific needs through the appointment of subordinate Boards.
These Regulations impose specific obligations on the parties involved in the administration of war gratuities. The Central War Gratuity Board, as well as any subordinate Boards appointed by the Governor-General, must operate in accordance with the War Gratuity Acts 1920 and these Regulations. This includes ensuring that all decisions, claims, and payments are made fairly, transparently, and in compliance with the statutory requirements. The Boards are also tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the distribution of war gratuities to eligible recipients, ensuring that they receive their entitlements promptly and without undue delay.
Failure to comply with the War Gratuity Acts 1920 and these Regulations can result in significant consequences. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the provided text, it is common under Australian legislation for breaches to result in both civil and criminal penalties. Typically, civil penalties might include fines or compensation for any harm caused by non-compliance, while criminal penalties could involve imprisonment, depending on the severity and intent behind the breach. The exact penalties would be detailed in the primary legislation or subsidiary legislation linked to the War Gratuity Acts 1920, but it is clear that non-compliance is taken seriously to ensure the proper administration of war gratuities.