Commonwealth Public Service (Parliamentary Officers) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1933 No. 93, made under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1932, was enacted to introduce amendments to existing regulations governing various aspects of the public service. This legislative instrument was issued by the Governor-General in Council, acting on the advice of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The primary objective of these amendments was to address administrative and procedural aspects of the Commonwealth public service, including provisions for officers summoned as jurors, adjustments to allowances for officers residing in Canberra, and modifications to salary variations based on the retail price index. The regulations reflect an effort to refine and update the administrative framework to better meet the needs of the public service during that period.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1933, No. 93, made under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1932, pertains to the Commonwealth Public Service, specifically targeting officers who are summoned as jurors and those residing in Canberra, as well as adjustments to salary variations based on retail price index numbers. These regulations apply to officers who are summoned as jurors, requiring them to promptly notify the Permanent Head and entitling them to leave with full pay during their attendance at court. They also apply to temporary employees and officers residing at Commonwealth hotels or boarding-houses in Canberra, granting specific allowances. Furthermore, the regulations outline adjustments to salaries for officers in various categories—under twenty-one years of age, adult female officers, and adult male officers—based on the retail price index number for the six State capital cities. These amendments are set to take effect from 1 July 1933 and are contingent on the index number notifications made by the Commonwealth Statistician. The regulations also include provisions for the cessation of certain sub-regulations from 1 July 1934, demonstrating the dynamic nature of public service regulations in response to economic and administrative needs.

Key Provisions

The Regulations Under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1932 (No. 93) include several key provisions, notably in relation to officers summoned as jurors, allowances for officers residing in Canberra, and variations in salaries based on the retail price index. Firstly, Regulation 34a (1) stipulates that officers summoned as jurors must promptly notify the Permanent Head. These officers are to be granted leave of absence for the period necessary for their attendance in court, with full pay less any compensation received for their attendance (34a (2)). This provision applies to temporary employees as well (34a (3)). Secondly, Regulation 67 has been amended to adjust the salary structures and allowances for officers. Sub-regulation (1) now specifies an allowance of thirteen pounds per annum for officers appointed, transferred, or promoted to an office in Canberra, who reside in Commonwealth hotels or boarding-houses. This allowance cannot be paid in addition to other allowances and can replace lesser allowances under other regulations (67 (1)). Regulation 72 has been revised to adjust salaries based on the retail price index. If the index number falls outside the range of 1672 to 1744, salary adjustments will be made. For officers under 21 years, the adjustment is three pounds per annum for each 48 points variance (72 (1) (i)). For adult female officers, the adjustment is four pounds per annum (72 (1) (ii)), and for adult male officers, the adjustment is six pounds per annum (72 (1) (iii)). These salary variations take effect on the first day of July following the notification of the index number and remain in force for twelve months (72 (2)). These regulations impose specific obligations on officers summoned as jurors, requiring them to notify the Permanent Head and to take leave with appropriate pay adjustments. Officers residing in Canberra and certain other officers are entitled to an allowance, subject to certain conditions. Additionally, the regulations mandate that salaries be adjusted according to the retail price index, which is to be notified in the Gazette by the Commonwealth Statistician. Failure to comply with these provisions could result in civil or administrative penalties, though the exact nature of these penalties is not specified within the text of these Regulations. For instance, officers summoned as jurors who fail to notify the Permanent Head may face disciplinary action or other consequences for non-compliance. Officers who do not meet the conditions for allowances or fail to adhere to the salary adjustment provisions could also face repercussions. However, the text does not specify the exact penalties or consequences for breaches of these provisions.