Commonwealth Public Service (Parliamentary Officers) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1938, No. 54, made under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1936, were introduced to amend the Commonwealth Public Services (Parliamentary Officers) Regulations (Statutory Rules 1931, No. 153). Enacted by the Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia on 8 June 1938, these regulations were made on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, following recommendations by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The purpose of these amendments was to adjust the salary figures for the position of "Second Reporter," reflecting changes in the public service remuneration structure. The policy objective was to ensure that the salaries of parliamentary officers were aligned with the broader adjustments in public service pay scales.

Scope and Application

The regulation under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1936 pertains specifically to amendments of the Commonwealth Public Services (Parliamentary Officers) Regulations. This legislative instrument applies to the positions and roles within the Commonwealth public service, particularly those of parliamentary officers, as outlined in Statutory Rules 1931, No. 153. The amendment affects the salary scales for the position of Second Reporter, adjusting the figures to "876" and "925," replacing the previous figures of "852" and "900." The regulation is limited to the Commonwealth jurisdiction, impacting only those employed within the federal public service framework. No exclusions, exemptions, or specific thresholds are mentioned in this particular legislative instrument. The regulation does not extend its application beyond the specified amendment to the salary scales for the identified position, reflecting a focused adjustment within the public service structure.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this regulation (C1938L00054) involve the amendment of the Commonwealth Public Services (Parliamentary Officers) Regulations (Statutory Rules 1931, No. 153). Specifically, Regulation 68(1) is amended to change the figures associated with the position of "Second Reporter" from "852" and "900" to "876" and "925" respectively. This adjustment reflects a revision in the salary scales for the role of Second Reporter within the parliamentary officer category. Under the amended regulation, the obligations and requirements imposed on the parties or entities governed by this legislation pertain primarily to the accurate reporting and application of the new salary figures for the Second Reporter position. Public service entities and employers must ensure that the updated figures are reflected in payroll systems, employment contracts, and any relevant documentation. This change necessitates a review of existing records to ensure compliance with the new salary specifications. Failure to adhere to the updated salary figures could result in legal and financial repercussions for both the government and the affected employees. While the regulation itself does not explicitly state offences or penalties, breaches of employment terms, as amended by this regulation, may lead to disputes that could be addressed under other sections of employment law or specific public service regulations. Employers may face claims for underpayment, while employees may seek rectification of their salaries through internal grievance procedures or external legal channels. Although specific penalties are not outlined in this particular regulation, the broader framework of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1936 and associated employment laws provide a basis for addressing non-compliance. Employers could be liable for financial compensation to affected employees, and in severe cases, disciplinary action might be taken against officials responsible for non-compliance. The precise nature and extent of penalties would depend on the specific circumstances and the applicable laws in place at the time of the breach.