Commonwealth Public Service Regulations 1913

STATUTORY RULES.

1913. No. 341

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REGULATIONS UNDER THE COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC SERVICE ACT 1902-1911.

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 Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1911 to come into operation forthwith.

Dated this nineteenth day of December, One thousand nine hundred and thirteen.

DENMAN,

Governor-General.

By His Excellency’s Command.

JOSEPH COOK.

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REGULATIONS UNDER THE COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC SERVICE ACT 1902-1911.

Part I.—Administration and Discipline.

Division I.—Preliminary.

Short title.

1. These Regulations may be cited as the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations 1913.

Application of award. Arbitration (Public Service) Act.

1a. Notwithstanding anything contained in these Regulations or in the award made by the Commonwealth Court of Conciliation and Arbitration on the twenty-eighth day of April, 1913, upon a claim submitted to the said Court in pursuance of the Arbitration (Public Service) Act 1911, the provisions of that award shall apply as from the date on which the award comes into operation, to all officers who are employed under the designations set forth in the award.

Division of Regulations.

1b. These Regulations are divided into Parts as follows:—

Part I.—Administration and Discipline.

Division I.—Preliminary.

Division II.—Attendance of officers.

Division III.—Duties of officers.

Division IV.—Miscellaneous.

Part II.—Classification of the General Division.

Part III.—Classification of the Clerical Division.

Part IV.—Classification of the Professional Division.

Part V.—Temporary Employment.

Part VI.—Employment of Married Women.

Part VII.—Promotion and Transfer with Promotion of Officers.

C.17442––Price, 1s. 3d.

Part VIII.—Travelling and other Allowances.

Division I.—General Allowances.

Division II.—Mode of Travelling.

Division III.—Special Allowances.

Division IV.—District Allowances.

Part IX.—Life Assurance and Superannuation.

Part X.—Appointments and Transfers.

Division I.—Professional Division.

Division II.—Clerical Division.

Division III.—General Division.

Division IV.—Miscellaneous.

Part XI.—Election of Divisional Representatives.

Part XII.—Offences : Boards of Inquiry.

Part XIII.—Boards of Appeal.

Part XIV.—Directions to be observed by Candidates at Competitive Examinations.

Part XV.—Instructions for the guidance of Superintendents at Competitive Examinations.

Part XVI.—Repeal of Previous Regulations.

Officers to be acquainted with regulations.

2. All officers are required to acquaint themselves with the Act and Regulations. Officers at the head of the various branches of each Department should send in requisitions for copies for the use of the officers under their control; and they are hereby directed to keep a copy of the Act and Regulations in each room to which officers of the Public Service commonly have access.

Communications, how to be made.

3. Except as otherwise provided, all communications intended for the Commissioner, relating to the Public Service or the administration thereof, or to any subject or matter referred to in the Act or Regulations, should be addressed to the “Secretary to the Commonwealth Public Service Commissioner.” All communications intended for the Inspector should be addressed to the Commonwealth Public Service Inspector.

Division II.—Attendance of Officers.

Hours of business.

4. (1) The hours of attendance to be observed by officers not subject to special Regulations or departmental arrangements in that behalf, or not specially exempted by the Commissioner or by the Permanent Head, shall be from 9 o’clock a.m. to 4.30 p.m., except on Saturdays, when the hours of attendance shall be from 9 o’clock a.m. to 12 noon. Where the nature of the work will not, in the public interest, admit of the general observance of this Regulation, the Permanent Head or Chief Officer shall recommend, and the Commissioner will prescribe, the hours of duty.

(2) The hours of attendance of officers in the General Division will be determined by the Commissioner from time to time, but the ordinary hours of duty for artisans, labourers, and similar classes should be, as far as practicable, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with half-an-hour off for luncheon, and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.

Attendance-books.

5. In every Department attendance-books shall be kept, and every officer supervising a division or branch shall have charge of the attendance-books to be used by himself and the officers under him, and he will be held responsible to the Chief Officer for the proper keeping of the attendance-books and the due observance of the regulation hours. The Commissioner may, in special circumstances, authorize the use of time recorders in place of attendance-books.

Entries in attendance books.

6. Every officer not specially exempted by the Commissioner or the Permanent Head shall enter daily in one of these books the times of his arrival and departure.

Attendance books, when accessible

7. Attendance-books shall be accessible for record and signature by officers before and up to 9.15 a.m. every day, when they shall be withdrawn, and a line ruled under the last signature therein, by the officer supervising the Division or Branch, and shall not be produced for recording departures until the proper time for ceasing work. The allowance of fifteen minutes before the withdrawal of the attendance-book must only be considered as a concession to meet emergent cases. Officers not subject to special Regulations in that behalf, or not specially exempted from attendance at that hour, must be in their offices at 9 a.m.

Certain officers not required to sign attendance books.

8. Officers of the Administrative Division and officers specially exempted by the Commissioner or the Permanent Head shall not be required to enter in the attendance-books the times of their arrival at and departure from their offices; but this exemption shall not be held to authorize any officer so exempted from absenting himself from duty during office hours.

Irregularity of attendance.

9. Any officer not subject to special Regulations in that behalf, or not specially exempted, arriving at his office after 9.15 a.m., shall report himself to the officer in charge or sub-charge, who shall record the time of his arrival in the attendance-book, and, if a satisfactory explanation be not made, his conduct shall be brought under the notice of the Chief Officer as a breach of the Regulations.

Officers not to leave their Offices.

10. No officer shall be allowed to leave his office during office hours, except on official business or by express permission of the Chief Officer or head of the branch, and the period of such absence, if not on official business, shall be recorded in the attendance-book.

Absence during office hours.

11. If any officer is found to be habitually irregular in the time of his arrival or departure, or to absent himself without leave during office hours, his conduct shall be reported to the Chief Officer.

Time allowed for luncheon.

12. To officers who are required to attend on week days from 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., three-quarters of an hour will be allowed daily for luncheon, viz., from 1 o’clock p.m. to 1.45 p.m., or at such time as the officer in charge or sub-charge may arrange, so as to prevent any interference with the transaction of public business.

Absence from duty.

13. No officer shall be absent from duty, or shall leave his district without authorized leave, unless reasonable cause be shown. If an officer be prevented by illness or other emergency from attending to duty, he shall immediately report the fact through the head of the branch to the Chief Officer, and it shall be incumbent upon the officer to furnish such evidence of the illness or emergency as the Chief Officer may consider necessary. The duties of any absent officer shall be performed, if practicable, by his fellow officers, without additional salary or remuneration, in such manner as the superior officer of the branch or sub-department may authorize or direct; but, if not practicable, then in such manner as the Chief Officer may direct.

Absence without Leave.

14. In cases where an officer’s absence is not sanctioned, there shall be deducted from his salary his pay for each day of such absence.

Division III—Duties of Officer.

Responsibility of Permanent Heads.

15. The Permanent Head shall be responsible for the general working of the Department over which he presides, and for all the business thereof, and shall advise the Minister on all matters relating thereto.

Information to be furnished by Permanent Head.

16. Whenever the Commissioner directs, the Permanent Head shall forward to the Commissioner any information required by him in connexion with the administration of the Act, and, in particular, a return in duplicate showing the officers under his control, arranged under the head of the branches or sub-departments in which they are immediately employed; the offices they hold, specifying division, class, and subdivision of class or grade; the emoluments, salaries, allowances, and fees paid to, and an accurate description, in moderate detail, of the duties

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performed by each officer, the date of his birth, the date of his appointment, and the number of years he has been in the Service. The Permanent Head shall report to the Commissioner, whenever the necessity arises, what alterations, if any, are, in his opinion necessary or expedient for the more economic, efficient, or convenient working of his Department or any branch thereof. He shall further report to the Commissioner what alterations, if any, are in his opinion, necessary in the salaries, fees or allowances of any of the officers under his control; and shall also bring under the attention of the Commissioner any matter, whether in relation to any officer or to the work of any branch of his Department, with which he may think it desirable for the Commissioner to be acquainted. All such returns and reports will be filed as a record by the Commissioner.

17. (Repealed.)

18. (Repealed.)

Charges against officers.

19. If any officer is charged before any Court with, or is convicted of, any offence, whether punishable by summary conviction or otherwise, the officer in charge of the sub-branch in which the officer is employed shall immediately report the circumstances to the Chief Officer, who if he is of opinion that the offence is an offence within the meaning of section 46 of the Act shall deal with the case under that section.

Forfeiture of office upon indictment or presentment.

20. If an officer is on an indictment or presentment convicted of any offence he shall be deemed to have forfeited his office, and shall thereupon cease to perform his duties or receive his salary.

Return of punishments.

21. The Chief Office of each Department shall cause a return to be forwarded to the Commissioner monthly, showing all fines of the amount of five shillings and upward and punishments by deprivation of leave of absence imposed under the provisions of the Act or Regulations during the previous month. The return shall set forth the name of the officer, office held, offence, and punishment.

22. (Repealed.)

Insobriety.

23. If an officer in charge or sub-charge observes at any time that any one under his supervision is unfit to perform his duties properly by reason of over-indulgence in intoxicating liquor, he shall temporarily suspend him from duty, and immediately report the matter to the Chief Officer of the Department.

24. (Repealed.)

Officers of 60 years of age.

25. When any officer attains the age of 60 years the Permanent Head shall advise the Commissioner whether such officer is willing and fit to continue to perform the duties of his position or whether he should be retired from the service.

Return of officers over 60 years of age.

26. The Permanent Head shall furnish the Commissioner in the month of April in each year with a return of officers in his Department who have attained the age of 60 years or over, together with a report in each case as to whether the officer is able and willing to continue to perform his duties. Should the Permanent Head recommend the retirement of any officer over the age specified, he shall also state the reasons for such recommendation.

Officers of 65 years of age.

26a. Every officer reaching the age of 65 years shall inform the Chief-Officer of his Department, who shall notify the Permanent Head in order that he may make a recommendation to the Commissioner as to whether it is desirable or otherwise to continue the officer in the Service.

Death of officer.

27. The Chief Officer shall immediately report the death of any officer to the Inspector for transmission to the Commissioner.

Chief officer to furnish information.

28. Whenever requested by the Inspector the Chief Officer shall supply such returns or other information as may be required.

Quarterly return of temporary employés.

29. At the beginning of April, July, October, and January of each year the Chief Officer of each Department in each State shall furnish the Inspector, for transmission to the Commissioner, with a return showing the names (arranged in alphabetical order) of all persons temporarily employed during the previous quarter, the branch or office, and the capacity in which employed, their periods of employment, and rates of pay.

Creation of new offices, &c.

30. (1) The Permanent Head of each Department shall report to the Commissioner whenever it is deemed advisable—

(a) To create a new office in any Division in the Department under his control;

(b) To abolish any office in his Department;

(c) To raise or lower the classification or grading of any office, the duties of which have been materially changed.

(2) On receiving the report of the permanent Head, the Commissioner may make a recommendation on the subject to the Governor-General. Provided, however, that where, under section 13 (2) of the Act, the Permanent Head has assigned to the Chief Officer, either generally or in any particular cases or classes of cases, power and authority to report in respect of any of the matters specified in section 41, the Chief Officer shall himself report accordingly, and such report shall be sent to the Inspector for transmission to the Commissioner.

Report as to excess officers.

31. Whenever the Chief Officer finds that the number of officers under his control is greater than is required to perform the current work of the Department, he shall forthwith report the circumstances to the Permanent Head, who shall advise the Commissioner. Officers in sub-charge are required to report to the Chief Officer when it is considered that a reduction in staff can be made through reduction in amount of work or re-arrangement of duties.

Use of public buildings for residence.

32. (1) When any officer occupies for the purpose of residence the whole or part of a building belonging to or occupied by the Commonwealth, the Chief Officer shall notify the Permanent Head, who shall report the fact to the Commissioner. Postmasters and others who are provided with quarters are required to reside in them.

Sub-letting.

(2) Officers who rent Government buildings are prohibited from sub-letting any portion of same without the consent, in writing, of the Permanent Head of their several Departments.

Journals.

33. Unless otherwise ordered by the Permanent Head of the Department, every officer not immediately under supervision shall keep a journal showing daily the duties performed by him, and the time occupied therein, and shall furnish a copy of this journal when required to the officer under whose authority he is placed.

Obligations of senior officers.

34. Officers in charge of any sub-department, branch, or minor division of the Public Service shall be accountable for the maintenance of good order, and afford the utmost aid and support to the Chief Officer and Permanent Head.

Officers to report breach of regulations.

35. All officers in charge of any sub-department, branch, or minor division of the Public Service shall report to the Chief Officer any breaches of these Regulations which come to their knowledge.

Officers to obey summons.

36. (1) Every officer who is summoned by the Commissioner or an Inspector or the Chairman of a Board of Inquiry or of a Board of Appeal to give evidence upon any subject of inspection, inquire, or investigation, shall attend to give evidence at the time and place specified in the summons.

(2) Every officer appearing before the Commissioner, an Inspector, a Board of Inquiry, or a Board of Appeal (whether summoned or attending voluntarily) shall answer all questions asked him pertinent to the inspection, inquiry, or investigation, and shall produce all official or public books, documents, or writings in his control which he is required to produce.

(3) No officer shall be compelled to answer any question tending to incriminate him.

Attention and devotion to business.

37. All officers shall, during the hours of business, devote themselves exclusively and zealously to the discharge of their public duties and shall behave at all times with courtesy to the public, giving prompt attention to all reasonable requirements. Officers having to undertake duty at more than one place of business shall, as far as possible, attend at regular periods, and shall post a notice at each office showing the days and hours at which they will be present.

Application of officers, how to be made.

38. The application of any officer upon any matter affecting his position in the Service shall be made by the applicant himself, through the head of his branch, to the Chief Officer. Where in exceptional cases an officer desires to communicate with the Commissioner, the communication must be so addressed, and shall be forwarded by the Chief Officer to the Inspector for transmission to the Commissioner, with any remarks considered necessary.

Subordination of officers.

39. Every officer shall obey promptly all instructions given to him by the officer under whose immediate control or supervision he is placed. If any officer has ground of complaint arising out of such instructions, or from any other cause whatsoever, he may appeal in regard thereto, through his immediate superior, who shall forward such appeal forthwith to the Chief Officer; but he shall, nevertheless, as far as possible, carry out any instructions which may be given to him until the same are countermanded by competent authority.

Performance of duties.

40. Every officer shall promptly and correctly carry out all duties appertaining to his office, and shall in due course and at proper times comply with and give effect to all enactments, regulations, and authoritative instructions made or issued for his guidance in the performance of his duties.

Officers not to publicly comment on administration, &c.

41. An officer shall not—

(a) publicly comment upon the administration of any Department of the Commonwealth; or

(b) use for any purpose other than for the discharge of his official duties information gained by or conveyed to him through his connexion with the Public Service.

Information not to be given.

42. Except in the course of official duty, no information concerning public business or any matter of which an officer has knowledge officially shall be given, directly or indirectly, by an officer without the express direction or permission of the Chief Officer.

Outside influence.

43. Officers are prohibited from seeking the influence or interest of any person in order to obtain promotion, removal, or other advantage. Any officer who considers that his claims for promotion or consideration have been overlooked may communicate with the Commissioner in the manner prescribed by Regulation 38.

Solicitation of gifts or presents.

43a. Officers are expressly forbidden to directly or indirectly—

(a) solicit gifts or presents, or

(b) issue addresses, complimentary cards, or other communications, intended or likely to induce the public to make gifts or presents to them.

Care of public property.

44. All officers shall be held responsible for the careful use and preservation of all Government property in their possession, custody, or care. Officers in charge of public buildings shall, in the event of repairs being required, report to the Chief Officer, and shall not allow the buildings to fall into decay, or to become permanently injured, for the want of timely requisition for such repairs.

Borrowing or lending money.

45. Any monetary transaction between officers, either as principals or agents, whereby any interest or other return in money or kind is charged or paid, or money is borrowed by senior officers from their subordinates, is forbidden.

Bankruptcy of officers.

46. If the estate of an officer is sequestrated either voluntarily or compulsorily for the benefit of his creditors he shall, within seven days, give written notice thereof, with a statement or explanation of the causes of his embarrassment, to his superior officer; and such notice and statement shall within seven days of the receipt thereof be transmitted, with a report, to the Chief Officer, who shall forward same, through the Inspector, to the Commissioner, with any remarks he may desire to make thereon; and, unless and until the Commissioner otherwise directs, the officer in question shall continue to perform the duties of his position and to receive his salary.

Certificate of discharge.

47. Any officer whose estate is sequestrated either voluntarily or compulsorily shall apply as soon as he may legally do so to a Court of Insolvency for his certificate of discharge, and, within seven days from the date on which the decision of the court on such application has been delivered, shall inform the Commissioner in writing, through the Chief Officer and Permanent Head, of the result of his application, and thereupon the matter may be dealt with under section 66 of the Act. Provided that nothing in this Regulation shall prevent the case of an officer from being dealt with at any time under the said section.

Division IV.—Miscellaneous.

Permanent Heads of departments.

47a. The persons for the time being holding the several offices named herein shall be Permanent Heads of Departments:—

The Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Department.

The Secretary to the Department of External Affairs.

The Secretary to the Attorney-General’s Department.

The Secretary to the Department of Home Affairs.

The Secretary to the Department of the Treasury.

The Comptroller-General of Customs.

The Secretary to the Department of Defence.

The Secretary to the Postmaster-General’s Department.

Chief Officers of departments.

48. (1) The offices held by the following persons shall constitute the holders thereof ex officio Chief Officers of Departments:—

Deputy Postmaster-General in each State.

Collector of Customs for each State.

(2) In the undermentioned Departments, the Secretary, until otherwise determined, may exercise the powers conferred, and shall perform the duties imposed by the Act or by these Regulations on the Chief Officer:—

The Prime Minister’s Department.

The Department of External Affairs.

The Attorney-General’s Department.

The Department of Home Affairs.

The Department of the Treasury.

The Department of Defence.

(3) In the case of the Departments referred to in sub-regulation (2) of this Regulation any reference in these Regulations to a Chief Officer shall, unless inconsistent with the context, be taken to refer to the Permanent Head.

(4) In the case of the Postmaster-General’s Department and the Department of Trade and Customs, the Permanent Head shall, as regards the officers of the central staffs of these Departments, be taken to be the Chief Officer.

Power to “fix” salary in special cases.

49. On the recommendation of the Commissioner, the rate of salary to be paid to an officer occupying any particular office may be “fixed” by order at any sum within the limits of his class or grade, and such sum shall be the salary attached to such officer while he holds such office; but no such order shall be made so as to diminish the rate of salary received by the occupant when the order is made.

Seniority.

Salary on transfer.

49a. In any case where an officer is appointed, promoted, or transferred to any particular office, the Commissioner may, as a condition of such appointment, transfer, or promotion, define the relative seniority of such officer; otherwise relative seniority shall be determined by the salary paid and the time during which such salary has been received. An officer may be transferred from one office to another without reduction of salary provided that unless otherwise directed by the Commissioner the salary paid in the new office shall not exceed the maximum for such office.

Transfer of officers from place to place.

50. (1) No officer shall refuse compliance with an order of the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Commissioner directing his transfer from one position to another of equal importance in the same or any other part of the Commonwealth

(2) The circumstances of individual officers will receive due consideration, but, while attention will be given to objections of a personal or private nature, in view of a proposed transfer, it is to be understood that private considerations must give place to the interests of the Service.

(3) Should any officer object to a change of station or of work, on the grounds that it will involve him in pecuniary loss, or that the change is not to a position of equal importance, he may

apply, through the Chief Officer and Inspector, to the Commissioner for permission to decline the transfer; and if the Commissioner finds that the objection is well founded, permission may be granted without prejudice to the officer’s right of future promotion or appointment: Provided that he shall have no grounds of appeal against loss of seniority should another officer be appointed to the position, and should the Commissioner determine that it is of higher status than the position occupied by the officer objecting to transfer.

(4) Where officers of the same class or grade desire to exchange positions, the Chief Officer, with the concurrence of the Inspector, may approve thereof; notification of such exchange shall be made by the Chief Officer to the Permanent Head and by the Inspector to the Commissioner.

Temporary transfers.

51. The Chief Officer may temporarily transfer an officer from one position to another. When it is necessary temporarily to fill a position by the transfer of an officer of lower class or grade, the senior competent officer who is available shall be selected. The Chief Officer shall cause a return to be forwarded monthly to the Public Service Inspector for transmission to the Commissioner showing all officers whose temporary transfer at the date of such return has exceeded a period of three months. The return shall show the reason for each temporary transfer. A temporary transfer shall not be continued if disapproved by the Commissioner.

Officers stationed in remote localities.

52. (1) An officer stationed for a prolonged period in a remote locality, and who desires transfer, may apply to the Chief Officer, who shall, after recording the application for consideration when opportunity occurs, forward it to the Inspector.

(2) On the occurrence of a suitable vacancy, any such application shall be brought under review by the Chief Officer, and if the officer is otherwise eligible the length of his service in the remote locality shall be held to entitle him to special consideration.

(3) On the report of the Permanent Head, the Commissioner will determine the particular places to which this Regulation shall apply, and the periods of residence which shall entitle an officer to special consideration as regards transfer.

Conveyance of officers transferred.

Officers to bear cost.

53. Officers who are transferred from one locality to another solely at their own request, or by exchange (except as provided for in the next regulation), must bear the whole cost of their removal. When transferred on account of misconduct, the cost must be borne by officers in fault, unless otherwise determined by the Permanent Head prior to removal.

Department to bear cost of conveyance.

54. When officers are transferred—

(a) in the public interest;

(b) to meet the convenience of the Department, or in the ordinary course of promotion;

(c) on account of illness, due to causes over which the officer has no control, provided a medical certificate be furnished to the effect that a change is needed to restore health;

(d) after a residence of three years or over in an extreme climate, or in a locality where the necessaries of life are exceptionally dear; or

(e) to fill vacancies occurring at places described in the last preceding sub-clause—

the actual cost of conveyance of such officers, as well as that of their wives and children, will be paid by the Department.

Removal of furniture.

55. (1) Reimbursement of cost of removing furniture shall be subject to the following limitations:—

(2) In providing for cost of removal only necessary household furniture and effects shall be taken into consideration.

(3) Where exceptional circumstances can be shown to exist, a reasonable amount in excess of the maximum under these Regulations may be authorized by the Chief Officer.

56. (1) Before removal is undertaken, the officer shall, where practicable, obtain offers from at least two carriers, and submit same to the Chief Officer, who may authorize the acceptance of the more suitable, provided that the maximum amount above stated is not exceeded.

(2) The Chief Officer may, in lieu of cost of removal, authorize payment of an amount less than the maximum prescribed for removal expenses, to compensate for loss in any case where an officer elects to dispose of his furniture and effects instead of removing them to his new station.

(3) An officer shall not be entitled to any compensation from the Government for losses or damages arising from removal.

(4) Furniture, where practicable, shall be removed by railway if the cost be not greater than by other means of conveyance.

(5) Vouchers must be produced for all sums paid.

Increases and increments.

57. (1) All increments shall be discretionary, and subject to the approval of the Commissioner and to the necessary appropriation by Parliament.

(2) Increments shall be payable from the first day of the month following the date they accrue, provided that any increase in salary accruing through an officer reaching twenty-one years of age shall be paid from the officer’s twenty first birthday.

(3) Where an officer receives no increase of pay on transfer, the time served in his former office may be counted in reckoning the interval for increment.

(4) All departmental recommendations for increments shall be forwarded by the Chief Officer to the Inspector for transmission to the Commissioner.

(5) Where an increment has been deferred, the Commissioner may determine that, for purposes of seniority and future advancement the increment shall be deemed to have been granted from the date on which, but for such deferment, it would have become due:

Provided that where an increment has been deferred owing to misconduct or inefficiency, the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply unless the officer’s conduct, diligence, and efficiency during the ensuing twelve months be reported as satisfactory.

Promotion examiners.

58. Whenever it appears to be necessary to subject candidates for a vacancy to a practical test of their qualifications, the Commissioner may appoint a committee consisting of the Inspector, a senior officer of the Department, selected on the recommendation of the Permanent Head, and a senior officer from another Department, to act as promotion examiners:

Provided that the Commissioner may, if he deems such a course expedient, add to or otherwise alter such committee so as to include other officers or persons more conversant with the duties of the position.

Officers not British subjects to be naturalized

59. Every officer admitted to the Public Service before the commencement of the Act who is not a natural-born or naturalized subject of His Majesty shall forthwith, or so soon as he is qualified to do so, obtain a certificate of naturalization under the laws of the United Kingdom, or of the Commonwealth or of a State.

Duty after usual hours.

60. Officers will be required to perform public duty after the usual hours, whenever it is necessary to bring up arrears of work or to meet any temporary pressure of business. Where found essential, the staff dealing with such work, or, at the discretion of the officer in charge, the whole staff, may be retained beyond the ordinary official hours. Every officer shall, when required by the officer in charge, remain after the usual hours to complete work considered necessary to be done on the same day.

Overtime.

61. (1) Where attendance beyond the usual hours is considered necessary, and such attendance may involve the payment of overtime under the conditions hereinafter set out, the Officers in Charge shall immediately report, in writing, the circumstances to the Chief Officer, or such other officer as may be approved by

the Commissioner. The report shall specify the officer or officers to be employed and the probable duration of the overtime, and the Chief Officer or other approved officer, if satisfied as to the necessity therefor, may sanction the working of overtime.

(2) In emergent cases the Officer in Charge may directly authorize the working of overtime, but in such cases a report shall immediately be made to the Chief Officer.

(3) In any case where it is necesssary for an officer to work beyond the usual hours to meet some emergency, and it is not practicable to obtain prior authority, the officer shall immediately upon the completion of the work report the circumstances, and the Chief Officer, if satisfied as to the necessity for the work, shall authorize the recording of the excess time as overtime.

(4) At the end of each calendar month the Officer in Charge shall furnish the Chief Officer with a return of all overtime worked during the month, together with claims of officers for payment at the prescribed rates. No claim for overtime payment shall be recognised unless accompanied by the authority of the Chief Officer or by a certificate from the Officer in Charge that the overtime has been worked by direction.

(5) Payment of claims for overtime shall be made only on the approval of the Chief Officer.

(6) A return shall be forwarded to the Permanent Head quarterly showing overtime worked by each officer in each branch, sub-branch, or sub-office during the preceding quarter, the amount paid therefor, and briefly the reasons for requiring the overtime to be worked.

(7) Overtime shall be recorded and paid subject to the provisions of this Regulation and to the following conditions:—

(a) In the case of officers whose hours of attendance are defined by Regulation or otherwise, and who work ordinarily for eight hours a day or less, overtime shall be time worked in excess of eight hours a day.

(b) In the case of officers whose hours of attendance are defined by Regulation or otherwise, and whose regular term of daily duty exceeds eight hours a day, overtime shall be time worked on any day in excess of the regular hours of duty, provided also that in any case, except where otherwise prescribed, time worked in excess of forty-eight hours per week shall be regarded as overtime.

(c) In the case of officers employed between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., overtime shall be time worked in excess of seven hours a day, except where otherwise prescribed.

(d) In cases of shift duties, officers may be employed for more than forty-eight hours in any one week, or for more than seven hours between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., without being entitled to overtime payment. In such cases, overtime shall be time worked beyond the ordinary shift hours, or where, in a complete rotation of shifts, an officer may be required to exceed an average of eight hours per shift, overtime shall be the time in excess of such average.

(e) In the cases of officers performing telephonists’ duties, or such duties combined with any other work, between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., overtime shall be time worked in excess of forty-four hours per week. This provision shall apply only to officers who are required to be in constant attendance at the switch-board during their term of duty, and to whom the provisions of the preceding paragraph would not apply.

(f) Notwithstanding anything contained in parts (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) hereof, in the cases of the following classes of officers, overtime shall be time worked in excess of the hours shown hereunder:—

Clerical Assistants, Sorters, Postal Assistants, and other officers employed wholly or mainly on indoor

work whose hours of duty, owing to varying condition of business, are not fixed within prescribed daily limits:—

Provided that where officers are required to work in alternating weeks or longer periods above and below the hours specified, overtime shall be the aggregate time worked during such alternating periods in excess of the hours specified above multiplied by the number of weeks covered by such periods.

(g) In cases where an officer who has ceased work for the day is recalled to duty, such duty shall be recorded as overtime, and shall include the time necessarily occupied in travelling to the place of duty and returning therefrom.

(h) In cases where an officer is required to perform, outside his usual hours, work for some Department other than that to which he is attached, such work not being compensated for by allowance or payment of similar nature, time thus worked beyond the usual hours shall be regarded as overtime.

(i) In cases where officers are required to work on a Saturday, or some other day in lieu thereof, for portion of a day only, time worked in excess of the usual hours of duty on such day shall be regarded as overtime, provided that in any case where the usual hours of duty on such day are less than four hours, overtime payment shall only be made for time worked in excess of four hours. This provision shall only apply to cases where overtime is computed on a daily basis.

(j) In any case where an officer, in consequence of having worked overtime, is released from ordinary duty, there shall be deducted from any payment to be made for overtime the value, computed at the ordinary rate of pay of the time during which he has been released from duty.

(k) When overtime is computed on a weekly basis, and a half-holiday, holiday, or holidays occur in any week, and the attendance of the officer on such half-holiday, holiday, or holidays is not required, a deduction at the rate of one-twelfth for a half-holiday, and one-sixth for each holiday, shall be made from the number of hours to be worked before overtime can be claimed. A similar deduction shall be made in the case of absences on authorized leave.

(l) In any case not covered by the foregoing, the Commissioner may determine the conditions under which overtime shall be recorded and paid.

(m) Officers not working under close supervision, or whose hours of duty cannot be definitely determined, such as Inspectors, Postmasters, Detectives, Patrol Officers, Caretakers (in residence), Boatmen, Messengers, and Watchmen, shall not be entitled to claim overtime except as prescribed in clause (h) of this Regulation, or in such cases as may be specially approved by the Commissioner, nor shall officers stationed at Lighthouses nor any officer in receipt of salary exceeding £400 per annum be so entitled.

Rate of payment for overtime.

62. Overtime shall be paid for at the rate of time and a quarter based on a day of eight hours, provided that not less than One shilling per hour shall be paid. For the purpose of ascertaining the hourly payment for overtime, the yearly salary shall be divided by 313, and the result multiplied by 5/32. A fraction of a penny in the hourly rate shall not be regarded in computing overtime payment unless it exceeds a halfpenny, when one penny shall be allowed in lieu of the fraction. Overtime shall be calculated to the nearest quarter of an hour.

Meal allowance.

63. (1) Where an officer, whose ordinary hours of duty are between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., is required to attend for duty before 6.30 a.m., or to remain on duty after 6.30 p.m., or in any case where an officer is required to commence duty at least two hours before the usual time, or to remain on duty at least two hours beyond the usual time, and such attendance necessitates his obtaining a meal away from home, he shall be granted a meal allowance on the following scale:—

Officers receiving £500 a year and over, 2s. 6d.; over £200 a year and under £500 a year, 2s.; £200 a year and under, 1s. 6d.

A meal allowance shall not be granted when overtime pay is given, but when the amount of the meal allowance would exceed the amount of overtime pay, the meal allowance may be granted instead of overtime pay.

Travelling time.

64. In any case where an officer is required to attend for duty at some place other than his usual station, and such officer in the course of daily travelling between his home and his temporary station is necessarily obliged to exceed the time required to travel between his home and his permanent station, he shall be entitled to be paid for time spent in travelling at a rate equal to his ordinary rate of pay:

Provided that to payment shall be made under this Regulation unless the time in excess is more than half an hour daily, or in any case where the officer is paid relieving or other allowance consequent upon his temporary transfer.

65 (Repealed.)

Payment for Sunday work.

66. (1) Where an officer, whose ordinary duties require him to work on week days, is required to work on Sunday, the Permanent Head or Chief Officer may authorize the payment to the officer for the Sunday work of additional pay in accordance with this Regulation.

(2) In cases where the officer is on duty on seven or more consecutive days, in consequence of having to work on the Sunday, he shall be allowed one and a half day’s pay for a full day, and a proportionate amount for less than a full day.

(3) In cases where the officer is on duty on not more than six consecutive days, in consequence of haying to work on the Sunday, he shall be allowed half a day’s additional pay for a full day and a proportionate part for less than a full day:

Provided that in all cases where an officer resides on the premises where his duties are performed, and his attendances for work on Sundays are intermittent, or for brief periods, he shall not be entitled to claim any additional pay for those attendances, except in such cases as may be approved for payment by the Commissioner. In any such case, the minimum payment for attendance shall be 2s.

(4) Where in any Department of the Public Service the performance of Sunday duty is necessitated by the public requirements, every officer called upon for such duty shall be liable therefor under the conditions herein; provided, however, that any officer possessing conscientious scruples against Sunday duty may apply for permission to furnish a substitute.

(5) This Regulation shall not apply to officers stationed at lighthouses.

Fees, rewards, and gratuities.

67. An officer shall not demand or receive for his own use any fee, reward, gratuity, or remuneration of any kind whatsoever, other than his official salary and allowances, for services performed by him, either in or out of office hours, in connexion with the Public Service.

Prosecuting officers.

68. When a public officer, engaged in the execution of his official duty, successfully prosecutes an offender, and the magistrate adjudicating on the case awards him a moiety or other part of any fine inflicted upon and recovered from the offender, he shall forthwith notify the Chief Officer, and shall forward, together with the notification, evidence that he has paid the sum awarded to him into the Consolidated Revenue.

Attendance at Courts.

69. (1) An officer subpoenaed or called as a witness must promptly notify the Chief Officer.

(2) An officer required as a witness on behalf of the Commonwealth shall not be entitled to receive any witness fee, but shall be granted leave with pay and in cases where the officer is required to travel he may be allowed his ordinary travelling allowance.

(3) Officers subpoenaed or called as witnesses on behalf of a State Government shall be granted any necessary leave with pay and shall not be entitled to retain any portion of the witness fees received, but must pay such fees to the Receiver of Revenue to be credited to Miscellaneous Receipts:

Provided that if the officer is required to travel he may deduct from any payments received the expenses necessarily incurred in travelling. A statement of the fees received and any deductions made therefrom shall be forwarded to the Chief Officer with the receipt from the Receiver of Revenue.

(4) An officer subpoenaed or called as a witness in any other circumstances may be granted leave, but such leave shall be without pay, and any fees received as a witness may be retained by the officer.

70. (Repealed.)

Accounts and public moneys.

71. In the matter of accounts and the collection and payment of public moneys, officers are enjoined to conform strictly to the provisions of the Audit Act and regulations and such directions as are issued from time to time by order of the Treasurer.

Liability on behalf of the Government.

72. No officer, unless duly authorized in that behalf, shall incur-any liability or enter into any contract on behalf of the Government, or alter the terms or conditions of any approved contract.

Performance of work outside Public Service,

73. (1) No officer, except with the express permission of the Governor-General, after report by the Commissioner shall—

(a) accept or continue to hold an office in or under the Government of any State or in or under any public or municipal corporation; or

(b) accept or continue to hold or discharge the duties of or be employed in a paid office in connexion with any banking, insurance, mining, mercantile, or other commercial business, whether the same be carried on by any corporation, company, firm, or individual; or

(c) engage in or undertake any such business whether as principal or agent; or

(d) engage or continue in the private practice of any profession; or

(e) accept or engage in any paid employment other than in connexion with the duties of his office or offices under the Commonwealth:

Provided that nothing herein contained shall be deemed to prevent an officer from becoming a member or shareholder only of any incorporated company or of any company or society of persons registered under any Act in any State or elsewhere:

Provided also that an officer who at the proclamation of the Act performs any service for a State may continue to do so under arrangements then existing until the terms and conditions under which such service shall be performed in future are determined by the Governor-General by agreement with the Governor in Council of the State in which the officer is employed or otherwise.

(2) All applications for permission to engage in the performance of work outside the Public Service shall be made to the Chief Officer, who shall forward same, with his report, through the Inspector to the Commissioner.

Officers acting as Area Officers under Defence Act.

73a. Subject to the approval of the Chief Officer, an officer may be permitted to accept appointment as an Area Officer under the Defence Acts, and may receive the allowance attached to such position, in addition to his salary as an officer of the Public Service, provided that in any case where the officer is called upon to absent himself from his ordinary official duties he may, subject to the convenience of the Department, be granted leave of absence on full pay, and such leave shall be deducted from any leave due or accruing under the Act or Regulations.

Addresses and testimonials.

74. No address or testimonial shall be accepted by any officer without the sanction in writing of the Chief Officer or Permanent Head of the Department in which the officer is employed.

Applications for leave of absence.

75. Every application for leave of absence shall be made to the Chief Officer through the officer in charge or sub-charge of the branch in which the applicant is employed. The officer in charge or sub-charge shall report as to the conduct of the applicant and as to his compliance with these regulations, and whether the leave can be granted without detriment to the work of the branch in which the applicant is employed.

Leave of absence for recreation.

76. (1) Unless otherwise directed by the Minister, the Chief Officer may grant to every officer of his Department leave of absence for recreation for any period or periods not exceeding in the whole eighteen days in each year, exclusive of Sundays and holidays; such leave shall be dependent upon the good conduct and regular attention to duty of the officer; provided that the Minister may grant the whole or any part of such leave.

(2) The Chief Officer in each Department in each State shall make such arrangements as will allow each officer in his Department leave of absence annually for recreation, as provided in the foregoing regulation; but if it is found impracticable to grant such leave in any year or for any other sufficient reason the Chief Officer may permit the leave to be taken in the following year, in addition to the leave for such year. Provided that in other cases, leave not taken during the year it accrues shall lapse.

Leave of absence on ground of illness.

77. (1) Applications for leave of absence on the ground of illness shall be supported by the certificate of a duly qualified medical practitioner.

(2) The Chief Officer, in cases of sickness or ill-health, may, on production of satisfactory evidence, provisionally grant extended leave, not exceeding three months, in accordance with the following schedule; but a schedule of all leave granted under this Regulation shall be submitted monthly for the approval of the Minister, who may in any case disallow the leave so granted:—

Further leave.

78. Where in case of illness any officer who has received leave of absence for three months is not so far recovered as to be able to resume his duties, further extensions of leave may be provisionally granted by the Inspector in accordance with the following schedule; provided that on each extension of leave the applicant shall be subjected to an examination by a medical officer approved by the Inspector. A schedule of all such leave granted by the Inspector shall be forwarded monthly to the

Commissioner for submission to the Governor-General, and such leave, or any part thereof, shall be subject to disallowance by the Commissioner:—

Medical examination before resumption of work.

79. If any officer is absent from duty on account of. illness, and such absence has extended beyond three months, he shall not be permitted to return to duty unless and until the Government Medical Officer, or some other medical practitioner approved by the Inspector, has certified that he is fit to resume work.

Payment for Sundays and holidays during leave on reduced pay.

80. When extended leave is granted other than on full pay the rate paid for Sundays and holidays shall be the same as that allowed for the period of leave

Pay not to be granted if illness due to misconduct.

Examination by Medical Officer,

81. No leave on account of illness shall be granted with pay if the sickness or ill-health has been caused by the misconduct of the officer, to satisfy himself on which point the Chief Officer may send a special medical officer to attend on and examine such officer at his residence. A fee of £1 1s. shall be paid to the special medical officer for his attendance and report, and if such report is, in the opinion of the Chief Officer; not favorable to the officer concerned, or if the officer is absent from his residence at the time of the medical officer’s visit without, in the opinion of the Chief Officer, reasonable cause therefor, the amount of the fee so paid shall be deducted from any money which is or becomes payable to the said officer, by the Government. The same practice may be followed where an officer is suspected of absenting himself from duty without sufficient causes.

Sick leave to be apart from recreation leave.

82. Leave of absence in case of illness shall not be reckoned as nor included in leave of absence for recreation.

Triennial period.

83. (1) Sick leave allowed under Regulations 77 and 78 may be granted in one or more periods, but the aggregate amount of leave provided for in the Schedules is intended to cover a period of three years, dating from the first absence on sick leave.

(2) The second or any subsequent triennial period will commence on the date of first absence on sick leave following the date upon which the previous triennial period expired, and for the three years thus commencing the full amount of leave provided in the Schedules according to length of service may again be allowed.

Extended leave without pay

84. With the approval of the Governor-General, on the recommendation of the Commissioner, leave of absence, without pay, may be granted to any officer for any period not exceeding twelve months, but the period of such leave shall not for any purpose he included as part of such officer’s period of service.

Leave of absence in case of pressing necessity.

85. In case of other pressing necessity, the Minister may grant leave of absence for a period not exceeding three months, without salary, to any officer, and such leave may be in addition to the leave for recreation.

Extra and accumulated leave.

86. Officers stationed in places remote from large centres of population, or whose duties cannot ordinarily be performed within usual regular hours, and when no compensation in time or money has been given for the extra time worked, may be granted by the Chief Officer twenty-four days’ leave of absence in any year exclusive of Sundays, for recreation purposes: Provided that—

(a) Should an officer in a remote district not avail himself of leave in any year, it may be granted to him in a subsequent year in addition to the leave for that year, but the accumulated leave shall not exceed forty-eight days, exclusive of Sundays. This provision shall apply to all officers stationed in localities where, under ordinary conditions of conveyance, the time occupied on the journey from such places to the chief city of the State is in excess of three days, or where, in the opinion of the Chief Officer, the conditions are such as to warrant the granting of such leave.

(b) In very exceptional cases special circumstances may be taken into consideration, such as excessive distance of a locality from the chief city of the State, unusually trying nature of climatic conditions, &c., and leave of absence for recreation may be allowed to accumulate for three consecutive years.

(c) The Chief Officer may, in very exceptional cases, in addition to leave as above specified, grant such reasonable time for travelling, not exceeding two weeks, as circumstances warrant.

Short leave of absence.

87. The Chief Officer, or other officer authorized by the Minister, may, on sufficient cause being shown, grant any officer leave of absence not exceeding three days; but all such periods of leave shall be properly recorded in a book to be kept for that purpose, and at the discretion of the Chief Officer shall or shall not be deducted from the next annual leave or accumulated leave. Provided that if the leave granted under this Regulation to any officer exceeds three days in one year, the excess shall be deducted from the officer’s next annual leave.

Leave of absence for Naval and Military purposes.

88. Subject to Departmental convenience, the Chief Officer may grant to officers who are members of the Defence Force leave of absence on full pay for the purpose of attending camps and courses of naval and military instruction. Leave of absence granted in pursuance of this Regulation shall not be deducted from the officer’s annual or accumulated leave.

Leave of absence to temporary employees.

88a. Temporary employees shall be treated in the same manner as permanent officers as regards public holidays and leave of absence on full pay for the purpose of attending camps and courses of naval and military instruction, but leave of absence granted on other occasions shall be without pay.

Furlough.

89. (1) When an officer has continued in the Public Service at least twenty years, the Governor-General may grant to him, on the recommendation of the Commissioner, leave of absence for a period not exceeding twelve months on half pay, or six months on full pay. Where an officer not having been granted such leave of absence retires from the Public Service after at least twenty years’ service, the Governor-General, on the recommendation of the Commissioner, may grant such officer six months’ pay upon retirement, or upon the death of any officer who has continued in the Public Service for at least twenty years, and has not been granted leave of absence under the provisions of this Regulation, the Governor-General, on the recommendation of the Commissioner, may pay to the dependents of such deceased officer a sum equivalent to six months’ salary of such officer. Provided that where an officer has been reduced in position or salary through misconduct, such misconduct shall be taken into consideration in determining whether the whole or any portion of the prescribed leave of absence may be granted, or, in the event of retirement or death of an officer, whether payment may be made under the conditions prescribed herein and as to the terms of such payment.

(2) Where any person has become transferred from any position of a permanent nature in the Naval or Military Forces of the Commonwealth, or of a State, to the Public Service of the Commonwealth, either directly or through the Public Service of the State, his service in the Naval or Military Forces shall, for the purpose of furlough, be reckoned as service in the Public Service.

Extended leave to officers not entitled to furlough.

89a. (1) The Governor-General may, upon the recommendation of the Commissioner, grant to any officer of satisfactory service who is not eligible for the furlough prescribed in Regulation 89, prior to his retirement from the Public Service on or subsequent to his attaining the age of 60 years, leave of absence with full pay as follows:—

(2) Or in lieu of such leave the Governor-General may, on the recommendation of the Commissioner, grant to the officer a sum equivalent to the pay for such period of leave, or, in the event of the death of any officer who was eligible for but had not been granted the leave prescribed herein, may authorize payment to the dependents of such deceased officer of a sum equivalent to the pay of such officer for the period of leave which he could have been granted under this Regulation.

Applications for furlough or extended leave.

90. The Chief Officer shall report upon all applications for furlough or extended leave, and shall forward same to the Inspector for transmission to the Commissioner.

Public holidays.

91. (1) The following days or any days prescribed under the law of any State to be observed in lieu thereof in that State shall be observed as holidays in the public offices, namely:—

First day of January,

Commonwealth Day,

Christmas Day and the following day,

Good Friday and the following Saturday and Monday,

the anniversary of the Birthday of the Sovereign, and any day proclaimed by the Governor-General or required by any Act to be observed in lieu of any of the said days.

(2) Whenever any of the days specified in sub-regulation (1) of this Regulation falls upon a Sunday the next following Monday shall be observed as a holiday in the public offices in lieu of such Sunday.

State holidays.

92. Where by or under the law of a State any day or part of a day is appointed to be or is proclaimed as a public holiday or bank holiday or half-holiday throughout such State or in any part of such State, such day or half-day shall be observed as a holiday or half-holiday (as the case may be) in the public offices of the Commonwealth throughout such State or in such part of such State (as the case may be).

93. The Governor-General may also by proclamation at any time appoint in addition to the days herein before named any specified day or specified part of a day to be kept as a holiday or half-holiday in the public offices of the Commonwealth, or in any part thereof.

Attendance on holidays.

94. The Minister of a Department, or the Permanent Head or Chief Officer thereof, may require such Department or any part thereof to be kept open in the public interest for the whole or any portion of a holiday, and may require the attendance and services of any officer of such Department during any such holiday : but in that case every such officer shall be granted in lieu thereof a holiday upon such other occasion as does not interfere with public business : Provided that when an officer is required to work for only half a day or less, half a holiday may be allowed in lieu thereof.

PART II.—Classification of the General Division.

General Division.

95. The General Division shall comprise all officers not included in the Administrative, Professional, or Clerical Divisions, but shall not include any officer or class of officers to whom or to which, on the recommendation of the Commissioner, the Governor-General declares that the provisions of the Act shall not apply.

96. (Repealed.)

97. (Repealed.)

Increases of salary to General Division.

98. (1) Increases of salary may, subject to the Regulations, be granted to such officers or classes of officers in the General Division within the several grades as are determined by the Commissioner.

(2) The granting of an increment under this Regulation shall be discretionary, and conditional on the good conduct, diligence, and efficiency of the officer concerned, and on the value of the work justifying the increase of salary, regarding which a report must be furnished by the Chief Officer of the Department to the Inspector for transmission to the Commissioner.

Salary in excess of maximum rate of office.

99. If any officer is in receipt of pay greater than the maximum rate assigned to his grade or office, he may continue to receive such greater pay until he can be employed in another office on work equivalent to his salary. In such cases the Governor-General, on the recommendation of the Commissioner, may fix by order the rate of salary or wages the officer is then receiving, so that it shall neither be increased nor diminished while he holds such first-mentioned office. The rate of salary or wages may be similarly fixed where an officer is in receipt of pay determined as the maximum for his office.

100. (Repealed.)

Appointments at higher than minimum salaries.

101. Where in the opinion of the Commissioner the minimum salary of any grade would not be adequate remuneration for any officer or class of officers on first entering the grade he may assign to such officer or class of officers a minimum salary at any higher subdivision of the grade.

102. (Repealed.)

103. (Repealed.)

Grades of General Division.

104. The General Division shall be arranged in grades as set forth in Table A in this Regulation. Except where otherwise provided the limits of salary to be paid an officer occupying any office designated in Table B in this Regulation shall be those prescribed therein in respect to such office. The Governor-General may, from time to time, upon the recommendation of the Commissioner, create any office in the General Division not designated in Table B, and may fix the grade in which the officer occupying such office shall be placed and the limits of salary for such office, or may raise the grading of any office and fix the limits of salary for such office, and thereupon Table B shall be deemed to have been amended by the inclusion of the office so created or raised.

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Table A.

Table B.

Table B—continued.

Table B—continued.

* Designation to apply only to officers in positions where telegraphic qualifications are required.

† No increments are provided in these grades. Salary within the limits of the grades will be such as may be determined from time to time by the Commissioner.

Table B—continued.

(a) To apply only to supervisors of telephone traffic or such other positions of supervisor as the Commissioner may determine.

Minimum adult salary.

104a. Notwithstanding anything contained in the preceding Regulation, officers of 21 years of age and over shall be paid salary at the rate of £110 per annum if occupying positions of Boy on Launch, Female Assistant (printing), Female Assistant (quarantine). Messenger, Pensions Receipt Sorter, Notes Sorter, or Telephonist, and at the rate of £126 per annum if occupying any other position in Grade I. or II. designated in the preceding Regulation. Where an officer has received £126 per annum under this Regulation his salary may be advanced by annual increments of £6 to the maximum salary of the position filled by him, but salary so paid shall not be taken into consideration for purposes of seniority.

Advancement from grade to grade.

104b. Except where otherwise provided advancement from grade to grade shall be dependent upon the occurrence of vacancies in the higher grades, or upon alteration of the classification of an office.

Grade of officer.

104c. The grade of an officer under the provisions of Regulation 104 shall be that corresponding to his designation, provided that when the same designation occurs in two or more grades the grade of the officer shall be that corresponding to the rate of salary received by him prior to the issue of this Regulation.

Advancement to minimum salary of higher grade.

104d. Notwithstanding anything in the tables contained in Regulation 104, in any case where the Governor-General, on the recommendation of the Commissioner, directs that an office shall be classified in any particular grade, the officer occupying such office may, subject to the approval of the Commissioner, be advanced to the minimum salary of such grade.

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PART III.—Classification of The Clerical Division.

Clerical Division.

105. The Clerical Division shall include all officers whose offices the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Commissioner directs to be included in such division, and shall be divided into five classes. Each of such classes shall be subdivided as set forth in the following table, and the rate of salary of an officer in a subdivision of any such class shall be that assigned to such subdivision in such table.

Provided that the classification of an officer in a subdivision of the Fourth Class, as existing prior to the commencement of this Regulation, shall not confer any right to advancement to the salary specified in the table in respect of such subdivision:

Provided further that, where the duties of any office included in the First Class are of such a special nature that they would not be adequately remunerated by the rates of salary specified in the table, the Governor-General may, on the recommendation of the Commissioner, fix the salary to be paid to the officer occupying the office at a rate not exceeding Seven hundred pounds per annum.

New appointments to Clerical Division.

106. Except in the cases of persons who are eligible for appointment under sections 33 and 34 of the Act all new appointments to the Clerical Division shall be made to the First Subdivision of the Fifth Class, and the rate of salary at which a person is first appointed to such subdivision shall be Sixty pounds per annum. Every such officer shall be advanced after twelve months’ service in a subdivision to the next higher subdivision, until his salary reaches One hundred and eighty pounds per annum, provided that such advancement has been approved by the Commissioner upon report from the Chief Officer as to the conduct, diligence, and general efficiency of the officer; and provided further that every such officer shall be entitled, upon attaining the age of twenty-one years, to a salary of One hundred and ten pounds per annum.

Allowance to adult clerical officers.

107. An officer of the Clerical Division who has been paid salary at the rate of One hundred and ten pounds per annum by reason of having reached the age of 21 years, shall not be entitled to further increase of salary until such time as he would have become eligible for such increase in the ordinary course of progression through the subdivisions of his class, but upon the approval of the Commissioner he may be granted an allowance at the rate of Sixteen pounds per annum, and such allowance may be increased at the end of each succeeding twelve months at the rate of Twelve pounds per annum, provided that the total amount payable to the officer by way of salary with allowance under this Regulation shall not exceed One hundred and fifty-six pounds per annum.

Advancement beyond £180 per annum.

108. Where an officer has served at least one year in the Ninth Subdivision of the Fifth Class, he may be advanced by yearly increments of Ten pounds to salary of Two hundred pounds per annum, provided that in the opinion of the Commissioner such increases are justified by the efficiency of the officer and the value of the work performed.

Advancement in Fourth and higher classes.

109. Except where the salary to be paid an officer occupying any particular office has been fixed by order of the Governor-General no officer shall be advanced within a class in the Fourth and higher classes of the Clerical Division except by promotion from one subdivision to the next higher subdivision, and until he has been at least twelve months in the subdivision from which it is proposed to promote him, but any such advancement may be authorized subject to regulations, whether there is or is not a vacancy in the subdivision to which the promotion is made.

Promotion from class to class.

110. No officer shall be promoted from one class to another unless he has served at least one year in each subdivision of the lower class, and then only to fill a vacancy or a new office in the higher class, provided that upon a report from the Permanent Head and the recommendation of the Commissioner an officer may be promoted from any class to the next higher class, although he has not served one year in each subdivision of the class from which he is promoted.

Conditions of advancement and promotion.

111. No advancement within a class, or promotion from class to class, shall be allowed unless the Commissioner is satisfied that the officer is entitled by the amount and importance of his work, and by his efficiency, seniority, and good conduct, to receive it.

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PART IV.—Classification of Professional Division.

Professional division.

112. The Professional Division shall include Barristers, Solicitors, Medical Practitioners, Engineers, Architects, Actuaries, Land Surveyors, Draughtsmen, and others who, subject to the approval of the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Commissioner, are classified or admitted to the Public Service as such.

Division into classes.

113. The Professional Division shall be divided into six classes. Officers in Class A (except those paid a specified rate by virtue of any Act) shall be paid such salaries as are recommended by the Commissioner from time to time and are appropriated by Parliament, provided that the minimum salary payable to officers in Class A shall be £648 per annum, and the maximum salary shall be £1,250 per annum. Each of the remaining classes shall be subdivided as shown in the table in the following Regulation, and the rate of salary of an officer in a subdivision of any class shall be that assigned to such subdivision in such table.

Classification of Professional division.

114. Officers other than those in Class A shall be classified as under:—

New appointments.

115. (1) Except in the cases of persons appointed under section 31 of the Act, or of persons who have qualified by examination for appointment to Class E or a higher class, all new appointments to the Professional Division shall be made to the First Subdivision of Class F, and the rate of salary at which a person is first appointed to such subdivision shall be £72 per annum. Provided that any officer in Class F of twenty-one years of age or over may be paid salary at the rate of £126 per annum, but the payment of such salary shall not be taken into consideration for purposes of seniority or future advancement.

(2) Subject to the approval of the Commissioner, an officer who has been paid £126 per annum under the provisions of this Regulation may be paid twelve months thereafter an allowance at the rate of Twelve pounds per annum, and such allowance, may be increased at the end of each succeeding twelve months at a rate not exceeding Twelve pounds per annum, provided that the total amount payable to the officer by way of salary and allowance under this Regulation shall not exceed £156 per annum.

Advancement in Class F.

116. Every officer in Class F who has been twelve months in the Service shall be eligible to receive an annual increase of salary in accordance with the prescribed classifications provided that such increase has been approved by the Commissioner upon report from the Chief Officer as to the conduct, diligence, and general efficiency of the officer.

Effect on existing classification.

116a. Notwithstanding anything contained in these Regulations, the classification of an officer in any subdivision of a class prior to the issue of the Regulation shall not, until approved by the Commissioner, entitle an officer to salary other than that received by the officer at the date of this Regulation.

Advancement in Classes E to B.

117. Except where the salary to be paid an officer occupying any particular office has been fixed by order of the Governor General no officer shall be advanced within a class in Classes E to B of the Professional Division, except by Promotion from one subdivision to the next higher subdivision thereof. No such officer shall until he has been at least twelve months in a subdivision of a class in the Professional Division be promoted to a higher subdivision thereof.

Conditions of advancement.

118. No promotion of any officer from class to class or within the limits of a class in Classes E to B in the Professional Division shall be granted unless the Commissioner is satisfied that the officer is entitled by the amount and importance of his work, and by his efficiency, seniority, and good conduct, to receive it.

Examination before promotion.

119. No officer shall be promoted from a class in the Professional Division to the next higher class, or be transferred from one department to another, unless he has passed, the non-competitive examination prescribed in section 43 of the Act. Such examination shall be of such a nature as will test his knowledge of the work to be performed in the higher position, and of subjects acquaintance with which would increase the efficiency of the department: Provided that the Commissioner may accept an examination conducted by a University in any State, or by any public examining body therein as sufficient compliance with this Regulation:

Provided further that, where reported by the Commissioner to be unnecessary, examination may be dispensed with in the case of Barristers, Solicitors, Medical Practitioners, Engineers, Architects, Actuaries, Land Surveyors, and Draughtsmen employed and seeking promotion or transfer in the line of their profession.

Constitution of Examination Board.

120. Examinations for promotion in or transfer to the Professional Division shall be held from time to time and be conducted by a board consisting of three competent persons appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Commissioner, one of whom shall be a professional officer in the same department of the service in which the officer is employed, to be selected by the Permanent Head, one, a senior professional officer from another department, and one to be selected by the Commissioner.

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PART V.—Temporary Employment.

Temporary employees, how selected.

121. (1) Whenever in the opinion of the Minister the business of a department renders temporary assistance necessary, the Permanent Head or the Chief Officer shall select, in order of registration as far as possible, having regard to the nature of the work, from the persons whose names are upon the register in the State in which such assistance is required, such available person or persons as appear to be best qualified for such work, and shall forthwith supply the Inspector with the names of those selected, together with the rate of remuneration to be paid.

(2) If the Inspector considers the rate of remuneration excessive or inadequate, he shall refer the matter to the Commissioner, who shall determine the rate to be paid. Provided that wherever the Inspector shall have previously notified the Chief Officer or Permanent Head of his ability to provide assistance from other departments, or from the lists of successful un-appointed candidates at an examination, selection from the register shall not take place without previous reference to the Inspector.

(3) For the purposes of temporary employment, all successful unappointed candidates at an examination shall, during the period of their eligibility for permanent appointment, be deemed to be registered for temporary employment in the class of work for which they have qualified.

(4) The Commissioner may empower an Inspector to authorize, on his behalf, the extended temporary employment of a person for not more than three additional months, as prescribed in section 40 (4).

Application, how to fee made.

122. Every person applying to be recorded for employment on any temporary work in any department under the Commonwealth must forward an application in his own handwriting, stating his full name and address, the date of his birth, whether he is a British subject, length of residence in the State if not born therein, and, if naturalized, date of letters of naturalization, and a full description of the work desired by him and the work to which he has been accustomed. Application must be made to the Inspector for the State in which the applicant resides.

Evidence to accompany application.

123. (1) Every applicant must forward with his application documentary evidence that he is of good moral character and industrious habits, of sound bodily health, and possesses the physical strength necessary for the performance of the work which he desires, and, if possible, testimonials from recent employers.

(2) Applicants are prohibited from using the interest of any person in order to obtain temporary employment.

Qualification to be stated.

124. Every applicant for temporary employment in a clerical capacity must address the Inspector in his own handwriting in a communication of not less than 50 words in length, and, in addition to a general statement of his qualifications, must state whether he is able to write shorthand and use a typewriter, or whether he has been accustomed to accounts, and, if such be the case, furnish evidence thereof.

Technical qualifications.

125. Every applicant for employment in any temporary work requiring the exercise of skill usually acquired in some profession, mechanical trade, or other occupation, must satisfy the Chief Officer that he possesses the skill and experience necessary for the work he desires.

Temporary Employment Register.

126. Every applicant who, in the opinion of the Inspector, has complied with the above regulations, and from the evidence furnished appears to be qualified to perform the work applied for, shall be deemed to be a fit and proper person to be employed in temporary employment, and his full name and address, and his age, together with the date of entry, and a full description of the kind of temporary work which he desires, and such other particulars as the Commissioner directs, shall forthwith be entered in a book to be called the “Temporary Employment Register.” Provided always that, if the work desired is clerical, the Inspector must first be satisfied with the applicant’s handwriting.

Entries in Register of persons nominated for employment.

127. Whenever any person whose name is recorded in the “Temporary Employment Register” is nominated for employment under the provisions of Section 40 of the Act, an entry shall be made in the Register of such nomination.

Deletion of name when employed, for six or nine months.

128. The name of any person who accepts temporary employment under the provisions of section 40 shall be struck off the Register when he has completed a period or periods of service amounting in the aggregate to six months in any one year, unless his term of employment is extended to nine months, when his name shall be struck off at the expiry of the latter period.

Removal of names of persons not available.

129. Whenever any person whose name is recorded in the ‘‘Temporary Employment Register” is proposed for appointment to perform temporary work of the kind desired by him, and he is not available or not willing to be so appointed, his name may be removed from the Register.

Removal of names of persons not replying to letters.

130. If any person omits to cause a reply to be delivered at the office of the Inspector within seven days to any letter from the Inspector requesting him to state whether he is prepared to accept such temporary employment, his name may be removed from the Register.

Duration of registration.

131. Every name which has remained on the “Temporary Employment Register” for the space of nine months from the date of entry shall be removed from the Register, unless in the meantime the applicant has applied to the Inspector to be re-registered, in which case he shall retain his position on the Register.

Period of employment.

132. No person who has been temporarily employed in any department for a period of six months continuously, or for nine months continuously where extended, or for six months on the whole in any twelve months, shall during the six months following such temporary employment be eligible for further temporary employment.

Services may be dispensed with.

132a. The services of any person temporarily employed may be dispensed with at any time by the Minister or by the Permanent Head or Chief Officer.

Continuance of employment till work completed.

133. Whenever it appears in the public interest to be desirable in the carrying out of any public work or scheme, the Governor-General, on the recommendation of the Commissioner, may order that the temporary employment of all or any persons employed upon such work or scheme may be continued until completion of the same.

Telegraph messengers and telephonists.

134. Local examinations shall be held as required for appointment as Telegraph Messenger or as Telephonists. Except in capital cities, applications will be received by the local Postmaster, who shall, where possible, supervise the examination in accordance with directions issued to him by the Commissioner. The Postmaster shall keep a record of the names, addresses, and ages of all candidates who enter for the examination. Upon publication in the Gazette of the names of candidates who have qualified for appointment at such centre, the Postmaster shall note their addresses, so that, should temporary or casual assistance be required during the eligibility of the successful candidates, selection shall be made from those who are qualified by examination and are resident in the particular centre.

Application for re-registration.

135. (1) When renewing an application or when re-applying after completing a term of employment, it shall not be necessary within a period of two years from the date of the first application to furnish further evidence of health and character.

(2) Applicants for registration for further employment must forward with their application a certificate from the Permanent Head or the Chief Officer or the superior officer under whom they have been serving in the State that the work on which they have been engaged has been performed in a satisfactory manner, and that they have been punctual in attendance, diligent, and well conducted.

Regulations affecting temporary employés.

136. Every temporary employé shall be deemed to be subject to the regulations for the time being for the guidance of officers of the Commonwealth Public Service relating to—

Attendance;

Absence from duty;

Performance of duties;

Holidays prescribed by section 72 of the Act.

Offences by temporary employés.

137. (1) Any temporary employé charged with the commission of an offence may—

(a) In the case of minor offences against discipline, be reprimanded or cautioned by the Chief Officer, or, in any office or place not under his immediate control, by the principal officer in such office or place.

(b) In the case of offences of a more serious nature, be suspended by the Chief Officer or such principal officer.

(2) The officer suspending shall forthwith furnish the offending employé with a copy of the charge on which he is suspended, and require him to forthwith state, in writing, whether he admits or denies the truth of such charge, and to give any explanation, in writing, as to such offence for the consideration of the Chief Officer.

(3) On receipt of such explanation, the Chief Officer, Permanent Head, or Minister may summarily deal with the offending employé, or, if such a course be deemed necessary, any person or persons may be appointed to make further inquiry and report.

Punishment for offences.

138. (1) If any temporary employé be found guilty—

(a) of wilful disobedience; or

(b) of being negligent or careless in the discharge of his duties; or

(c) of being inefficient or incompetent; or

(d) of using intoxicating beverages to excess; or

(e) of any disgraceful or improper conduct;

then such temporary employé shall be liable to summary dismissal by the Minister, or by the Permanent Head, or by the Chief Officer.

(2) In the case of minor offences he may be fined, reprimanded or cautioned by the Chief Officer, who shall advise the Inspector of the action taken.

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PART VI.—Employment of Married Women.

Employment of married women.

139. The employment of married women in the Service is deemed undesirable, but if in any special case it should be considered advisable to depart from this rule, employment may be sanctioned upon the recommendation of the Permanent Head and the special certificate of the Commissioner in each case.

Leave of absence to female officers on marriage.

140. Unless the Permanent Head recommends, and the Commissioner certifies that her continuance in office is required in the public interest, a female officer upon her marriage shall, if she has been continuously employed for at least five years, be granted leave of absence on full pay in accordance with the

following scale. At the expiration of any leave so granted she shall be deemed to have forfeited her office, and shall thereupon cease to perform her duties and to receive her salary:—

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PART VII.—Promotion and Transfer with Promotion of Officers

Transfer of officers from one Division to another.

141. On the report of the Permanent Head an officer may with his own consent be transferred or promoted from one Division to any other, provided that—

(a) In the case of transfer or promotion from the Clerical or General to the Professional Division he shall first pass the ordinary or special examination prescribed for entrance to the class in the Department to which it is proposed to promote or transfer him. The special examination may be conducted by a Board of Examiners of not less than three persons appointed by the Commissioner and shall be of such a nature as will test the practical knowledge of the candidate of the duties which he would be expected to perform in the new position to which he desires to be transferred or promoted.

(b) In the case of transfer or promotion from the General to the Clerical Division he shall first pass the tests and examination prescribed in Regulation 196 or 197, as the case may be.

Transfers from General Division to Professional or Clerical Division.

142. Transfers from the General to the Professional or Clerical Division of officers who have qualified by passing the prescribed examination, or are eligible by virtue of qualifications preserved to them by their Classification, shall be made in accordance with relative fitness for the duties to be performed. An officer, upon transfer, shall continue to receive the salary paid to him in the General Division, provided that, if the Commissioner so determine, such officer may be granted, either upon transfer, or at a later date to be fixed, the salary of the subdivision next above that corresponding to the salary received by him in the General Division, such salary not being the minimum salary payable under section 25 of the Act.

Seniority of officers transferred from General Division.

142a. The seniority of officers transferred from the General Division shall be determined by subdivision of class, and date of entrance to such subdivision.

Transfer and promotion.

143. The transfer of an officer from one Department to another, or from one position to another position in the same Department, for the purpose of promotion, may be temporary for a period not exceeding one month, and the officer transferred shall not receive promotion to the superior class or position unless he satisfies the Commissioner of his ability to perform the work. If it appears to the Commissioner that such officer is not fitted to perform the duties required of him, he may if practicable be re-transferred to the position previously occupied by him in the Department or to some other similar position.

144. (Repealed.)

145. (Repealed.)

146. (Repealed.)

147. (Repealed.)

Procedure in filling Staff vacancies.

148. When a vacancy occurs in any Department, the Chief Officer shall, without delay, report such vacancy to the Inspector, stating whether, in his opinion, it is necessary that the vacancy should be filled.

General Division.

Advertised vacancies.

(1) Where notification of the vacancy in the Gazette is required by the Commissioner, the following action shall be taken:—

(a) The Inspector shall immediately advise the Commissioner.

(b) The Commissioner will cause to be published in the Gazette a notice stating the office to be filled, the division, grade, salary, and location of the office.

(c) Applications for the vacancy shall be addressed to the Commonwealth Public Service Inspector of the State in which the vacancy exists, and be forwarded through the Chief Officer of the Department to which the applicant belongs.

(d) The Inspector, after conferring with the Chief Officer as to the qualifications of the applicants and as to any changes consequent upon the filling of the vacancy, shall forward the applications, together with a report, to the Commissioner for determination. If, after conference, the Inspector and the Chief Officer are not in agreement, the Chief Officer shall make a report of the circumstances to the Permanent Head, who shall forward same to the Commissioner, with any comments he may deem desirable.

(e) Where the filling of the vacancy, or of any consequent vacancy, involves the promotion of any officer to a higher grade, the Commissioner will recommend such promotion or promotions for the approval of the Governor-General; but where promotion to a higher grade is not involved, the Commissioner will make the appointment and any changes consequent thereon.

(f) The Commissioner will notify the Permanent Head of any such recommendations to the Governor-General, and of any such changes not the subject of a recommendation, and he shall at the same time likewise notify the Inspector and the Chief Officer. Upon receipt of such notification from the Commissioner, the Chief Officer may effect all necessary changes.

Non-advertised Vacancies.

(2) When notification of the vacancy in the Gazette is not required by the Commissioner, and it is desirable to fill the vacancy by the promotion or transfer of an officer, the following action shall be taken:—

(a) The Inspector, after conferring with the Chief Officer as to the qualifications of officers eligible for promotion or transfer to the vacancy, and as to any changes consequent upon the filling of such vacancy, shall furnish a report to the Commissioner, who shall thereupon deal with such vacancy and consequent changes (if any) in the manner hereinbefore prescribed with respect to notified vacancies and vacancies consequent thereon. Provided that where an officer of the same grade has applied for transfer to the vacancy, the transfer of such officer may be effected by the Chief Officer with the approval of the Inspector, who shall notify the Commissioner of such transfer, and the Commissioner shall advise the Permanent Head as hereinbefore provided. Where after conference the Inspector and the Chief Officer are not in agreement, the Chief Officer shall make a report of the circumstances to the Permanent Head, who shall forward the same to the Commissioner, with any comments he may deem desirable.

Vacancies filled by qualified candidates.

(3) Where it is desirable to fill a vacancy from the Register of Qualified Candidates at an examination:—

(a) The Inspector shall furnish the Chief Officer with the name of the person entitled to appointment, and the Chief Officer may thereupon direct such person to take up duty temporarily, pending appointment by the Commissioner.

(b) The Inspector shall advise the Commissioner of the vacancy, and of the name of the person proposed for appointment, and the Commissioner may appoint such person upon probation.

(c) The Commissioner shall notify the Permanent Head, the Inspector, and the Chief Officer of such appointment as is prescribed in the case of notified vacancies.

(d) Where there is no person available from the Register of Qualified Candidates the Inspector shall notify the Commissioner of the vacancy, who may cause an examination to be held and thereafter make the necessary appointment, and notify the Permanent Head, the Inspector, and the Chief Officer thereof, as prescribed above.

Administrative, Professional, and Clerical Divisions.

(4) (a) Where, under section 13 (2) of the Public Service Act the Permanent Head has assigned to the Chief Officer, either generally or in any special cases or classes of cases, power and authority to report in respect of appointments and promotions under sections 31 and 44 of the Act, the Chief Officer shall himself report accordingly, and such report shall, where the Chief Officer and Inspector are in agreement, be sent to the Inspector for transmission to the Commissioner.

(b) Where such authority has not been so assigned, the Inspector and the Chief Officer shall confer as to the filling of any vacancy or consequent vacancy in the Administrative Division, or any vacancy involving promotion to a higher class in the Professional or in the Clerical Division. After consultation, the Inspector shall report for the information of the Commissioner, and the Chief Officer for the information of the Permanent Head, who may forward such report, together with his independent report, to the Commissioner for determination. In such cases the applications (if any), together with all necessary departmental papers, shall accompany the Chief Officer’s report.

(c) In all other respects the procedure hereinbefore prescribed for filling vacancies in the General Division shall be followed in regard to vacancies in the Administrative, Professional, and Clerical Divisions, “class” in respect of the Professional and Clerical Divisions being substituted for “grade” in the General Division.

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PART VIII.—Travelling and Other Allowances.

Division I.—General Allowances.

149. The following shall be the scale of travelling allowances:—

Provided—

Allowances in Western Australia.

(a) That the allowances payable to officers stationed in Western Australia, when travelling within that State, shall be at the following rates:—

Gold-fields’ allowance.

With an additional allowance of 25 per cent. on these rates when an officer is travelling in the gold-fields districts, and a deduction of 25 per cent. when an officer is stationed for any period in excess of ten days in any one place.

Allowance to members of Boards of Inquiry and Appeal

(b) That the minimum travelling allowance to officers acting as Members of Boards of Inquiry and Appeal shall be at the rate of 12s. per diem, excepting in the cases of such officers travelling in Western Australia, where the minimum allowance shall be at the rate of 12s. 6d. per diem.

Allowance to officers temporarily transferred.

(c) That in the case of officers transferred temporarily from their head-quarters to take up duty at another station for a period of two weeks or over, the Chief Officer may direct that a reduced allowance be paid after the first week of residence, provided that no allowance shall be reduced below the rates in the following scale:—

Allowance to relieving officers.

(d) That in the case of officers regularly employed on relieving duties, the following shall be the scale of allowances.

Travelling sorters.

(e) That the rate of allowance to sorters and senior sorters on Travelling Staffs shall be as follows:—

Suburban relieving allowance.

(f) That the rate of allowance to officers Travelling Staffs shall be as follows:—

Provided that allowance shall not be paid unless the office at which the officer is relieving is further from his home than his ordinary station.

Camp allowance.

(g) That in the case of officers who are required to camp in the performance of their work, the allowance shall be on the following scale:—

Allowance when not absent over night.

(h) That unless specially approved by the Commissioner no allowance other than for expenses necessarily incurred shall be paid in any case where the officer is not required to be absent from his head-quarters over night.

Allowance to officers supervising contracts when camping.

(i) That in the case of officers supervising contracts who are required to camp on the work, and are supplied with camp equipment and meals, no allowance shall be paid whilst so engaged. If meals are not supplied, allowance of 25s. per week shall be paid.

Patrol linemen.

(j) That the rate of allowance to patrol linemen employed outside the metropolitan area be 30s. per week.

Allowance on steamers, &c.

150. (1) When officers travel by steamer or other vessel in which the fare paid includes subsistence, one quarter of the ordinary rates to which such officers would otherwise be entitled shall be allowed.

Allowance when subsistence and lodging provided.

(2) In any case where an officer is provided with subsistence and lodging the Chief Officer shall determine what allowance, if any, shall be granted, but any allowance granted shall not exceed one-quarter of the amount allowable under the ordinary scale of travelling allowances.

Allowance when travelling beyond the State.

151. Officers travelling beyond the limits of the State in which they are ordinarily employed shall receive an increase of one-fifth on the scale rates. Provided that this regulation shall not apply to officers employed at stations on or near the border of any State when temporarily transferred to stations on or near the opposite border, or to officers performing duties in defined districts extending beyond the border of a State, or to any officer to whom on report from the Chief Officer the Commissioner directs it shall not apply.

Cost of conveyance and method of computing from.

152. All travelling allowances shall be in addition to the cost of conveyance. The period for which travelling allowances may be claimed shall be computed from the time of departure of the train, steamer, or other conveyance by which officers travel.

153. (Repealed.)

Allowance may be increased by Commissioner.

154. Where it is proved to the satisfaction of the Commissioner, by any officer, that the travelling expenses he would be entitled to draw under these regulations do not as a rule cover his actual expenses, the Commissioner may authorize a payment in addition to that set forth in the foregoing schedule of allowances. Provided that, in States other than Victoria the Public Service Inspector may authorize payments under this regulation in cases where the amount involved does not exceed the sum of Two pounds.

155. (Repealed)

Division II.—Mode of Travelling.

Means of conveyance.

156. (1) Officers shall travel by railway if the cost be not greater than by other means of conveyance.

(2) Whenever an officer does not travel by railway he shall be repaid the actual cost of the necessary and most economical means of conveyance upon furnishing receipts for such payment. Receipts will not be required for any amounts not exceeding 5s.

Bicycle allowance.

157. Officers not in receipt of forage or equipment allowance who use their own bicycles when travelling on public business, or any officer whose bicycle is used for such purpose, may be allowed in respect thereof at the rate of 3d. per mile for journeys of 20 miles and under, but where the distance travelled exceeds 20 miles the allowance shall be at the rate of 1½d. per mile for each additional mile. Proof must be given that the use of the bicycle results in greater efficiency and saving than would be the case were other means of conveyance employed.

Payment of fares.

158. First-class fares shall be allowed to all officers receiving salary of £185 and upwards per annum, and second-class fares to officers receiving under £185 per annum. Provided that officers travelling by steamer on the Queensland or Western Australian coast may be allowed saloon fares, and that officers travelling by railway in tropical climates on journeys exceeding twelve hours in duration, or on journeys of any duration in company with their wives and families, may be allowed first-class fares. Provided, further, that in special cases the Permanent Head or Chief Officer may allow first-class fare to any officer.

New appointees.

Cost of conveyance.

158A. Except upon the approval of the Commissioner no allowance shall be made to any person, whether previously temporarily employed or otherwise, upon appointment to the Public Service, for cost of conveyance to the locality of appointment, unless the cost for railway or other fares, including, if married, those of wife and children, exceeds £3, when the Chief Officer may allow the appointee the amount in excess. The Commissioner may increase the allowance when in his opinion the circumstances warrant it.

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Division III.—Special Allowances.

Hire of room for official purposes.

159. The actual expense incurred by officers in the hire of a private room for official purposes when travelling on specially important duties may be allowed in such cases as the Chief Officer shall determine.

Extra travelling allowance.

160. When an officer temporarily stationed at any place and receiving a travelling allowance has to visit any other place, and thereby necessarily incurs extra personal expenses, he may be permitted to draw such additional allowance for the visit as the Chief Officer directs.

Allowances to acting officers.

161. An officer acting for another officer shall whilst so acting be entitled to receive allowances on the same scale as the officer for whom he is acting. The officer relieved shall cease to draw such allowances while the relieving officer receives them, unless the Chief Officer otherwise directs.

Report when two horses used.

162. When the distance travelled or the state of the road necessitates the use of two horses, a special report shall accompany the account.

Commuted allowances may be reduced during absence.

163. Officers in receipt of commuted allowances when absent from duty, either on leave or through illness, for any period over a fortnight, shall be paid such portion only of their commuted allowances as the Chief Officer directs.

Allowances for cleaning and light.

Bicycle allowance.

Allowance for sleeping on official premises.

163a. Allowances may be granted, on the authority of the Chief Officer, for the cleaning and lighting of offices, such allowances not to exceed a maximum annual rate of Ten pounds (£10) for each of the services mentioned. In special cases, where it may be deemed advisable to grant an allowance for the delivery of correspondence, the Chief Officer may authorize such allowance up to, but not exceeding, Six pounds (£6) per annum The Chief Officer may also authorize the payment to officers of allowances, not exceeding Four pounds (£4) in each case, for the use of bicycles for official purposes, and not exceeding Five shillings (5s.) per week to each officer not in residence and not in receipt of a relieving allowance who is required to sleep on official premises and to provide himself with sleeping requisites.

Forage allowance.

164. In cases where officers are required to provide horse and equipment for the performance of their duties, allowances ranging from £24 to £42 per annum may be allowed by the Chief Officer. Where the minimum rate is considered excessive, it may be reduced by the Chief Officer, and where the maximum rate is considered to be inadequate to meet the actual expenses of any officer, the Commissioner, on reasonable cause being shown, may authorize an increased rate. Where, by direction of the Chief Officer, more than one horse must be kept, half the prescribed allowance may be granted for each additional horse.

Horse allowance.

165. In districts where horses cannot be easily hired, the Chief Officer may authorize a commuted allowance for the keep of horses.

Allowance to telegraphists for use of typewriter.

166. Where any telegraphist is required by the Chief Officer to use a typewriter, and to provide the machine and accessories, an allowance at the rate of Ten shillings per month shall be paid the telegraphist, subject to the following conditions:—

(a) That the telegraphist is capable of satisfactorily receiving telegraph messages by sound, and typing as received, at the rate of at least thirty words per minute for ten consecutive minutes.

(b) That the typewriter is of a pattern approved by the Chief Officer, gives satisfactory service, and is used regularly by the telegraphist when receiving.

(c) That the allowance shall cease for any period when the typewriter is not in use, and shall also cease if the telegraphist be transferred to another position where, in the opinion of the Chief Officer, the typewriter is not required.

Allowance for performance of higher duties.

166a. (1) Where any officer has performed the duties of a position of a higher class or grade than that in which he is classified for six months continuously or for six months in the preceding twelve months, he may be granted, on the approval of the Commissioner, during the period for which he continues to perform the duties of such higher position, payment in addition to salary at a rate equal to the difference between his salary and the minimum salary of the class or grade of the higher position.

(2) No payment shall be made unless application be made by the officer within one month from the date on which he becomes eligible for payment under the provisions of this regulation.

Allowance to junior officers appointed away from home.

166b. Officers appointed or transferred away from their homes may be paid an allowance in addition to salary of such sum as may be approved by the Commissioner, provided that no allowance shall be paid under this Regulation of a sum which, added to salary, would raise an officer’s total remuneration above £78 per annum, nor shall any allowance be paid in any case where, in the opinion of the Commissioner, the circumstances do not warrant such payment.

Married officers transferred.

Allowance where quarters not available.

166c. (1) Where a married officer is stationed at an office where the quarters provided are temporarily not available for occupancy and the officer must therefore necessarily reside for the time being with his family at a hotel or other house of accommodation, the Chief Officer may grant such officer an allowance not exceeding half the cost of board and lodging of himself and family provided that such allowance shall not be paid for more than one month except upon the approval of the Commissioner.

Allowance where no residence is available.

(2) In the case of a married officer transferred to a station where quarters are not provided, an allowance may be similarly granted upon evidence to the satisfaction of the Chief Officer that suitable premises for residence are not available at the time the officer reaches his new station.

Allowances previously granted to be discontinued.

167. All allowances previously granted other than those in accordance with these Regulations shall be discontinued unless specially approved by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Commissioner.

Division IV.—District Allowances.

District allowances.

168. (1) The following shall be the scale of allowances which may be paid to officers living in localities where the climatic conditions are severe, or where the cost of living is exceptionally high:—

Provided that a Married Officer whose family resides with him at his station may be paid the allowance of the scale next higher than that in which his station is classified. In cases of Married Officers stationed in localities in Scale VII., the allowance may be increased by an amount equal to one-fifth of the scale allowance. An Unmarried Officer may be paid the allowance prescribed for Married Officers if he shows to the satisfaction of the Chief Officer that he is the main support of persons related to him, and that such persons reside with him at his station.

(2) Officers in the State of Western Australia who do not receive a District Allowance under the foregoing scale may be paid a Special Allowance equal to 5 per cent. of their salary.

(3) Where in computing on the above scale the annual amount of District Allowance the result involves fractional parts of a pound up to and including Ten shillings, the nearest lesser amount in pounds shall be that allowed; where the fractional part exceeds Ten shillings, the nearest greater amount in pounds shall be allowed.

(4) In localities where these allowances do not, in the opinion of the Permanent Head, fairly compensate the officer for extremely severe and costly conditions of living, the rates in the foregoing scale may be increased by the Commissioner, with the approval of the Governor-General.

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District allowance not payable to officers temporarily stationed.

168a. District Allowances are not payable to officers while temporarily stationed in a District Allowance locality; but the Commissioner may, under special circumstances, increase the prescribed travelling allowance payable to an officer while stationed in such a locality.

Classification may be raised or lowered.

169. The Commissioner, after report from the Inspector and the Permanent Head, and with the approval of the Governor-General, may raise or lower the classification of any district or locality, and may classify any locality where an allowance is not now granted, or may direct that any locality be removed from the classified list. The list of classified localities and all subsequent alterations therein will be published in the Commonwealth Gazette.

PART IX.—Life Assurance and Superannuation.

Officers to assure their lives.

170. Every officer, on the confirmation of his appointment, shall effect an assurance on his life with any of the assurance companies or societies approved by the Governor-General which are willing to arrange for the necessary progressive increases from time to time on the sum or sums already assured without any medical examination other than that which was required in connexion with the original assurance. Provided, however, that this Regulation shall not apply to any officer who at the time of his appointment is already assured in such company or society for benefits equivalent to those prescribed. A list of the companies or societies above referred to shall be kept in each Department.

Commonwealth not liable for breach of contract of assurance.

170a. Every policy of assurance issued by an approved company or society under the provisions of the Act and Regulations shall be subject to the condition that the assured officer accepts all responsibility, and that the Commonwealth shall not, by reason of the approval of any company or society by the Governor-General, be held to be liable for any breach of contract of assurance.

Premiums may be deducted from salary.

171. Every officer whose appointment is confirmed shall be considered as accepting and holding his appointment subject to the condition that a deduction may from time to time be made from the salary, wages, or allowance due to him of a sum sufficient to cover the premium on his life assurance. The Chief Officer may, if the premium be more than two months in arrear, or whenever any policy is liable to lapse within one month, deduct from the salary of the officer assured the amount of arrears of premiums and fines, if any, payable on account of assurance, and pay the same to the company with whom the officer is assured.

Failure to pay premiums an offence.

It is the duty of an officer to pay his premiums as they become due, and any officer who omits or neglects to do so shall be deemed to have committed a breach of these Regulations, and may be punished accordingly.

Amount of assurance.

172. Every policy taken out as aforesaid by any person not already assured shall provide for the payment of an amount in accordance with the following scale to the person assured on his attaining the age of 60 years, or to his personal representatives within three (3) months from the date of his death if the person assured should die before reaching that age In special circumstances the Commissioner may permit an officer to effect an assurance payable at 65 years of age.

Assurance to be increased.

173. The amount of assurance shall be increased by £100 for every £100 of salary above £600 provided that the assurance shall be so increased whenever the salary exceeds the amount of assurance. Such additions to assurance shall be made in conformity with a specified table of rates, and according to the ages of the assured at the times the assurances are increased.

Policy effected prior to appointment may be accepted.

174. Any policy taken out prior to entry of an officer to the Service which provides for the payment of a sum of money to the person assured on his attaining any age less than 60 years may be accepted by the Commissioner in lieu of the prescribed policy maturing at 60 years of age. Any such policy must provide for benefits equivalent to those prescribed, and must otherwise conform to these regulations.

Persons exempted from assurance.

175. The following persons shall not be subject to the foregoing regulations relating to assurance:—

(a) Persons who at the time of the transfer to the Commonwealth of a Department of the Public Service of a State were officers of such Department.

(b) Persons in the Public Service of a State who are appointed officers of the Commonwealth.

(c) Persons temporarily employed.

Payment of premiums.

Deposit of policies.

176. All life assurances under the Act and Regulations shall be in the name of the assured, and every policy effected in pursuance of the Act shall be deposited with and remain in the custody of the Chief Officer so long as the assured remains in the Public Service, and the premiums payable thereunder shall be paid in advance.

Policies of officers transferred from State.

177. If the person assured under any policy or policies lodged as hereinbefore provided has been transferred from a State to the Public Service of the Commonwealth such policy or policies may be delivered up to the Public Service Commissioner of the Commonwealth or to any officer of the Commonwealth duly authorized to hold the policies of officers in the Department to which the person assured has been transferred.

178. (Repealed.)

No policy to be varied, altered, or discharged.

179. No contract of assurance once effected with any company under the provisions of the Act or Regulations shall be varied, altered, or discharged without the knowledge and consent of the Chief Officer.

Increases in salary to be notified.

180. The Chief Officer shall notify the company concerned of any increase of the salary or wage of the officer assured which involves an increase in the amount of assurance, and the necessary addition to the amount assured shall thereupon be inscribed on the policy, or a new policy issued. Assurances so increased shall be continued with the company which issued the original policy.

Policies not assignable, &c.

181. Every policy lodged with the Chief Officer as aforesaid shall contain a condition to the effect that the policy shall not be made void for the non-payment of premiums until one month after notice of such non-payment has been served on the Chief Officer, and that the company will within one month after the service of such notice receive the overdue premiums without interest, and a further condition that the policy shall not, so long as the officer remains in the Public Service, be assignable or transferable either at law or in equity, or be charged in any way either wholly or in part.

Officers over 60 years of age.

182. If the person assured is permitted to remain in the Public Service beyond the age at which any sum becomes payable under such policy, a sum of money equal to the maximum amount for which he is required to be assured under these Regulations shall be held by the company in which such officer is assured until he retires or is removed from the Public Service or depart this life, and until this happens such company shall pay the officer so assured interest half-yearly at the rate of 3 per cent, per annum on the sum retained.

Reduction of assurance.

183. From and after the passing of these Regulations any officer who has effected a policy of assurance on his life may agree with the company which issued such policy to reduce the sum assured under the same to an amount at least equal to that specified in these Regulations corresponding to the salary of the officer, and such policy may be indorsed with a condition setting forth the terms of the agreement entered into between the company and the officer upon whose life such policy was issued.

Deductions from salary in lieu of assurance.

184. When an officer is unable to assure his life, or is unable to assure his life without a loading of five years or more being made upon his age, and in such latter case is unwilling to

assure his life, the following deductions shall be made annually by quarterly payments, in advance, from his salary, viz., for every £100 of insurance which an officer would be required to effect under the foregoing regulations:—

Sums deducted to be paid into trust fund.

185. The sums deducted under the foregoing Regulation shall be paid into a trust fund in the Commonwealth Treasury to be invested and accumulated in the interest of the person from whose salary the amounts have been deducted, and shall be repaid with interest to the officer should he subsequently effect the prescribed assurance or on his leaving the Service, or to his representative should he die while in the employ of the Government.

Delivery of policies in case of retirement.

186. When any officer retires, or is dismissed, or otherwise leaves the Public Service, the Chief Officer shall deliver to him all his policies of assurance which are in possession of such Chief Officer, and shall notify the company concerned.

Delivery of policies in case of death.

187. On the death of an officer before he has attained the age of 60 years, the policies of assurance in his name which are ill the possession or custody of the Chief Officer shall be delivered to the legal personal representative of the deceased officer.

Transferred officers.

188. All officers who at the establishment of the Commonwealth were employed in a Department transferred to the Commonwealth, and all officers in the Public, Railway, or other Service of a State so transferred shall be subject to the following arrangements:—

(a) Where the law of a State required that they should insure their lives and increase such assurance from time to time whenever their salaries were increased, they shall continue to keep up and increase such assurance as if their service in the Commonwealth were a continuation of their service in the State.

(b) Where under the law of a State at the establishment of the Commonwealth they were contributors to a superannuation account, or where they may subsequently agree in writing to become contributors to any superannuation or provident fund, the proportion of salary provided by the State law shall, from time to time, be deducted from the salary paid by the Commonwealth as if the service with the Commonwealth were a continuation of the service with the State.

(c) Where, under the law of a State, they elected to cease contributing to a superannuation account, they shall be entitled to receive on retirement or removal from the Service, for any cause other than an offence, all moneys that would have been payable had they remained in the service of the State until their retirement or removal: Provided that, in any case where the employment of an officer ceases for any cause other than his voluntary resignation or his removal for an offence, such cessation of employment shall be deemed to be a retirement or removal entitling him to all the rights and benefits conferred upon persons retired or removed from the Public Service.

(d) Where under the law of a State at the establishment of the Commonwealth an officer, on leaving the Service for any reason specified in the law of the State, would have been entitled to any benefits under such law, he shall, on leaving the Service of the Commonwealth for any of the reasons specified in the State law, be entitled to all such benefits as if his service in the Commonwealth were a continuation of his service in the State.

PART X.—Appointments and Transfers.

Interpretation.

189. The word ‘‘Candidate,” wherever used in this part of these Regulations, shall mean a candidate for admission to the Public Service.

Division I.—Professional Division.

Examinations and tests.

190. Every candidate for admission to the Professional Division shall be examined in the following subjects:—

Appointment dependent on pass.

191. No candidate for admission to the Professional Division shall be qualified for appointment unless he obtains pass marks as shown above.

Examination for special positions.

192. For special positions in the Professional Division the subjects of examination and marks will be such as are from time to time arranged by the Commissioner.

Division II.—Clerical Division.

Examinations and tests.

193. Every candidate for admission to the Clerical Division shall be examined in the following subjects:—

and may, if the candidate so desires, be examined in not more than two of the following optional or additional subjects:—

Proportion of marks to be obtained.

194. (1) No candidate for admission to the Clerical Divisions shall be qualified for appointment unless he obtains at least three-fifths of the full marks in each of the first four subjects, and half the aggregate marks in the remaining two compulsory subjects.

(2) In optional subjects no candidate shall be credited with any marks unless he obtains at least 25 per cent. of the full number allotted for any subject.

Certificates of competency in technical work.

195. Candidates for employment in the Postmaster-General’s Department, in positions in the Clerical Division where operating ability is required, must, prior to registration for examination, produce a certificate from the Chief Officer or other officer in the State duly authorized by the Permanent Head, setting forth that such candidates have the requisite technical knowledge and experience, and that they are capable of undertaking the work required of them.

Transfer from General Division to Clerical Division, Class 5.

196. Examinations may be held as required under the provisions of section 23 (4) to enable officers of the General Division to qualify for transfer to the Fifth Class of the Clerical Division. Candidates for examination under this Regulation shall, in addition to such other subjects or tests as the Commissioner may from time to time specify for particular positions, be required to pass in the subjects specified in (1), (2), (3), and (4) of Regulation 193.

Transfer from General Division to Fourth and higher classes of Clerical Division.

197. (1) Examinations may be held as required under the provisions of section 41 (d) for transfer from the General Division to the Fourth and higher classes of the Clerical Division, and shall comprise, in addition to the following, viz. :—Spelling, letter-writing, précis writing, correction of grammatical errors, the meanings of words, knowledge of Departmental Acts and Regulations, and elementary arithmetic, such subjects as the Commissioner may from time to time specify when notifying the examination. Examinations held under this Regulation will be competitive, and shall be open to such officers or classes of officers as the Commissioner may specify.

(2) An officer applying to be examined under this Regulation will be required to submit with his application a certificate from the Chief Officer of his Department as to his official record and general fitness or capacity for performing the duties of the higher position, and the Commissioner shall thereupon determine whether or not such officer shall be admitted to examination.

Division III.—General Division.

Examinations and teats.

198. Except as provided in Regulation 203 every candidate for admission to the General Division shall be examined in the following subjects:—

Telegraph Messengers.

199. Every candidate for appointment as telegraph messenger must be not less than fourteen years of age, and must not have attained his sixteenth birthday, at the date of examination. Every successful candidate nominated for appointment as telegraph messenger must be not less than fourteen and not more than sixteen years of age at his last birthday previous to appointment.

Certificates of Fitness for special positions.

200. (1) Every candidate for examination for any position where technical knowledge usually gained in some trade or other occupation is necessary may be required to submit with his application satisfactory evidence by certificate or otherwise that he possesses the handicraft and experience necessary for the work of the position.

(2) In every case where the Commissioner is of opinion that there is no evidence of fitness disclosed, he may exclude the candidate from examination.

Telegraphic qualifications.

201. Candidates for employment in, or officers desiring transfer to positions in the General Division where telegraphic duties form part of the work to be done, will be required to produce a certificate of competency for such work from the Chief Officer, or other officer in the State duly authorized by the Permanent Head.

Subjects of examination.

202. The subjects of examination for candidates for appointment as telegraph messenger, telephonist, or any other office or position where, in the opinion of the Commissioner, a special examination is not necessary shall be those specified in Regulation No. 198, and all applicants to whom the examiners award one-half of the maximum number of marks therein in each subject set forth shall be declared qualified for appointment. Provided that candidates for the position of Telegraph Messenger shall be held to be qualified for appointment if they obtain half the maximum number of marks in spelling and handwriting, but their order of merit shall be determined by the number of marks obtained for these subjects and arithmetic. Any person appointed as Telegraph Messenger who, at his entrance examination, does not secure half the maximum number of marks allotted for arithmetic, shall not be eligible for transfer or promotion in the General Division until he obtains half marks in arithmetic at a subsequent examination. Examinations in arithmetic to enable Telegraph Messengers to become eligible for transfer or promotion in the General Division will be held annually.

203. The subjects of examination for positions in the General Division where technical knowledge is required shall be those specified from time to time by the Commissioner.

204. (Repealed).

Division IV.—Miscellaneous.

Competitive examinations.

205. Competitive examinations shall be held at such times and places as the Commissioner considers necessary, and due notice thereof shall be given in the Commonwealth Gazette, calling upon intending candidates to make application to present themselves for examination. The public notice aforesaid shall specifically state the times when, and the places where, the examination will be held, as well as the appointments or classes of appointment the selection for which is to be determined by the results of the examination:

Local examinations.

Provided that when vacancies occur for which it would be inexpedient to hold a general examination, the Commissioner may direct that a special examination be held in the locality where such vacancies exist. Due notice of such examination shall be given in the Commonwealth Gazette and in a newspaper published in the district.

Candidate resident in another State.

206. If a candidate residing in one State desires appointment in another, it will be necessary for him to specifically state the same in his application.

Age of candidates Professional or General Division.

207. The Commissioner may fix minimum and maximum ages for examination and appointment to any particular position in the Professional or General Division. Any determination of the Commissioner under this Regulation shall be notified in the Commonwealth Gazette.

Age of candidates for Clerical Division.

208. Candidates for appointment to the Clerical Division must, on the day of the examination, be not less than fifteen nor more than twenty-one years of age at their last birthday, provided that successful candidates who have not attained the age of sixteen years shall not be eligible for appointment until they have attained that age.

Particulars to be furnished by candidates.

209. Each candidate for appointment to the Public Service shall forward to the Commissioner an application in his own handwriting, stating his full name and address, the date and place of his birth, the particular appointment or the class of appointment he desires to obtain, the place at which he desires to be examined, and the State in which he wishes to be employed, and he must also forward a certificate of good moral character and industrious habits from his present or a past employer, or a clergyman, teacher, or a justice of the peace.

Centre and subjects to be specified.

210. Every candidate when making application shall specify the centre where and the optional subjects in which he desires to be examined, and the particular State in which he wishes to be registered for appointment.

211. (Repealed.)

212. (Repealed.)

213. (Repealed.)

Register of candidates.

214. The name of every applicant who, in the opinion of the Commissioner, has complied with the requirements of these regulations shall be entered in a book to be called the “Register of Candidates,” together with the date of such compliance.

Persons ineligible for examination unless registered.

215. No person shall be allowed to compete at any examination unless his name is entered in the “Register of Candidates” as an applicant for one of the appointments included in the public notice.

Naturalization.

216. Every candidate shall be a natural born or naturalized subject of His Majesty, provided, however, that with the permission of the Governor-General a candidate not so naturalized may be allowed to present himself for examination.

217. (Repealed).

Candidates to be informed as to place, &c., of examination.

218. Candidates will, as soon as practicable before the date fixed for the examination, be informed by circular of the place and time at which they are to present themselves for examination, and of the distinguishing number to be allotted to them at such examination. Candidates must produce this circular to the Superintendent conducting the examination.

Persons ineligible for examination to be informed.

219. Candidates who for any reason are not entitled to have their names in a “Register of Candidates” for any particular examination, will be so informed.

Fee for examination.

220. The following entrance fees shall be paid by applicants for examination, and a postal note for the requisite amount, made payable to the Secretary to the Commonwealth Public Service Commissioner, Melbourne, must be forwarded with each application, viz.:— For appointment to the Professional or Clerical Division, fifteen shillings; for appointment to the General Division to a position other than that of Telegraph Messenger, seven shillings and sixpence; for appointment as Telegraph Messenger, five shillings. If an applicant fails to comply with this Regulation he will not be allowed to present himself for examination. The amount paid will be refunded if the applicant is found to be ineligible for examination or if satisfactory reasons are furnished as to inability to attend an examination. Provided that at examinations limited to Officers of the Public Service, or examinations at which such Officers are in competition with persons outside the Public Service, the Commissioner may decide, according to the circumstances of the case and the conditions of the examination, whether a fee should be imposed upon all or any of the candidates who are Officers of the Public Service, and, if such fee be imposed, may determine the amount of same.

221. (Repealed).

Appointment of superintendents of examinations

222. In addition to the examiners to be appointed under section 27 of the Act, the Commissioner will appoint suitable persons for the purpose of superintending examinations, and will furnish them with printed instructions for their guidance.

Opening of examination papers.

223. The sealed envelopes containing the papers set for the examination shall be opened in the examination-rooms, in the presence of the superintendents and of the candidates, immediately before the time fixed for the beginning of the examination.

Transmission of written answers.

224. Immediately after the close of the examination the written answers shall be transmitted, under seal, by the superintendents to the examiners, who shall, as soon as practicable, forward to the Commissioner the examination papers, together with a return duly signed showing the marks obtained by each candidate in each subject, and, in the case of candidates who have obtained the prescribed number of marks in each subject, the order of their passing. Each return shall also contain a certificate, signed by the Examiner, that he has himself personally examined each paper, and has allotted the marks assigned thereto.

Cancellation of entries in Register of Candidates.

225. Immediately after an examination has been held all the entries in the “Register of Candidates” shall be cancelled, and a new series of entries shall be commenced for each succeeding examination.

Publication of results of examination.

226. The results of the examinations will be published in the Commonwealth Gazette as soon as practicable after the examination specifying, in order of merit, the names of the successful candidates, the total number of marks obtained, and the marks gained respectively in each subject.

Registration and appointment.

227. The Commissioner will cause the names of all candidates up to twice the estimated number of new appointments, who have qualified for appointment by passing the required standard of examination for the advertised positions, to be entered in their order of merit in a book, to be called the “Register of Persons Qualified for Appointment.” The date of the examination, the number of marks obtained thereat, and the State in which each candidate will be available for appointment shall also be entered. If two or more candidates obtain the same number of marks, the order

of their merit shall be determined in the Professional Division by the number of marks severally obtained for (1) Arithmetic, (2) Algebra, and (3) Geometry; in the Clerical Division by the number of marks obtained for (1) Handwriting, (2) Dictation, and (3) Arithmetic; and in the General Division by the number of marks obtained for (1) Arithmetic and (2) Handwriting; and if these numbers be also the same, then by ballot. In the event of the number of vacancies estimated by the Commissioner being less than the number occurring during the eighteen months succeeding the examination, he may recommend for appointment in their order of merit such other qualified candidates as may be required.

Period of eligibility.

228. The names of all candidates from outside the service, and also the names of all candidates at examinations held for promotion or transfer of officers within the service, not recommended by the Commissioner for appointment, promotion, or transfer, as the case may be, within eighteen months of the date of registration, shall be ruled out of the Register. Provided, however, that the Commissioner may, if he deem such a course expedient, extend the period of eligibility of successful candidates at examinations confined to officers of the service.

Order of appointment.

229. New appointments in the Professional and Clerical Divisions shall be made from among those persons whose names are registered in the “Register of Persons Qualified for Appointment,” according to the order of their registration, and in the General Division according to the order of their registration for vacant offices, combined with fitness in each case for the particular office to be filled.

Certificates to be furnished.

229a. (1) A successful candidate shall, upon appointment, and within fourteen days of a request being made therefor, forward to the Commissioner (a) a properly certified extract from an official register of births, or other evidence of age satisfactory to the Commissioner, and (b) a certificate, from a medical practitioner registered within the Commonwealth, of sound bodily health, and freedom from physical defects, containing satisfactory answers to such detailed questions as the Commissioner may specify. Provided that when so directed such medical certificate must be obtained from a medical practitioner nominated by the Commissioner.

(2) If the required certificates are not forwarded within the time specified, or are not considered satisfactory, the Commissioner may cancel the appointment.

Removal of names from Register.

230. If any person declines to accept an appointment which is offered to him, his name may thereupon be removed from the Register. The name of a candidate may also be removed from the Register if he fails to reply within seven days to any communication from the Commissioner, respecting his nomination to the Public Service, addressed to him at his last-known place of residence.

Conditions of appointment.

231. Every person admitted to the Public Service shall in the first instance be appointed on probation for a period of six months, but his services may be dispensed with by the Commissioner at any time during such period. Before the expiration of the period of probation the Permanent Head shall report to the Commissioner on the manner in which the probationer has performed his duties, and upon his general conduct. Upon receipt of such report the Commissioner will recommend to the Governor-General that the appointment be confirmed or annulled, or that the period of probation be extended for a further period of six months.

Appointment of telephonists.

231a. (1) Every person appointed to the position of Telephonist shall, after the expiration of three months from the date of his appointment, be tested by the Chief Officer or some person nominated by the Chief Officer in the following matters:—

(a) Clearness of speech and acuteness of hearing over a telephone line; and

(b) Practical efficiency in the operation of a telephone switch board.

If he fails to pass the test his appointment shall be annulled.

(2) An officer shall not be transferred or promoted to the office of Telephonist unless he has passed a test in clearness of speech and acuteness of hearing similar to the examination mentioned in the preceding paragraph, and is otherwise considered suitable to undertake the duties of the position.

PART XI—Election of Divisional Representatives on Boards or Inquiry and Boards of Appeal.

Election.

232. As soon as practicable after the date on which the Act comes into operation by proclamation, an election of divisional representatives shall be held in each State of the Commonwealth.

Division of officers.

233. For the purposes of the first election to be held in accordance with section 50 of the Act, the officers of the Commonwealth Service shall be held to be divided into classes, whose duties correspond with those of the four divisions described in the Act, viz.:—Administrative, Professional, Clerical, and General, notwithstanding that under existing State Acts governing the administration of the Public Service other names may be applied to these divisions.

Division pending classification.

234. In the event of doubt arising as to the division in which an officer shall be placed, the Chief Officer of each Department in each State shall have power, for the purposes of the first election, or until the classification of officers by the Commissioner has been completed, to decide under which division any officer in his Department may vote.

Record of signatures to be prepared.

235. As soon as practicable after the date on which the Act comes into operation by proclamation, and from time to time thereafter as is necessary, the Chief Officer of each Department in each State shall cause to be prepared a record of signatures of all officers employed, numbering them consecutively, and keeping those of each division separate from those of each other division, and shall, whenever required by the Returning Officer, place the same at his disposal. At the conclusion of each election the record shall be returned to the custody of the Chief Officer for careful preservation.

Returning Officers, nomination.

236. The Commissioner will nominate an officer in each State who shall, for the State in which he is employed, act as Returning Officer in connexion with the election of divisional representatives.

Release from regular duties.

237. For such time as is required for the conduct of the election, and for necessary proceedings antecedent thereto, the Returning Officer shall, if necessary, be released from his regular duties, and shall, for the purposes of the election, be supplied by the Chief Officer of each Department with reasonable clerical assistance, such assistance to be, as nearly as possible, proportionate to the numerical strength of each Department.

Authority to incur expense.

238. The Returning Officer shall have authority to incur the expense in printing and advertising made necessary by these Regulations.

Nominations of candidates.

239. All nominations of candidates for the position of Representative of Division shall be made, in writing, by not less than twenty persons entitled to vote in such division, except in the case of the Administrative and Professional Divisions, where nomination by two persons of each division will suffice, and shall be forwarded, together with the written consent of the candidate, to the Returning Officer six weeks before such date as is intimated for the election by public advertisement inserted three times in the Commonwealth Gazette.

Voting to be by post or by telegraph in special cases.

240. All voting shall be by post. Provided that upon the recommendation of the Returning Officer and the approval of the Commissioner officers may be permitted to vote by telegraph where by reason of remoteness from the capital city of a State

the time fixed between the date for receiving nominations and the date of election is insufficient to enable officers to vote by post.

Ballot-papers to be marked.

241. The Returning Officer shall stamp or initial all ballot-papers issued, and number them on the counterfoil, so as to correspond with the departmental record of signatures of officers.

Delivery of ballot-papers.

242. There shall be delivered or posted to every officer, not less than fourteen days before the date of election, a postal ballot-paper, with a counterfoil attached, and also an envelope, addressed to the Public Service Returning Officer for the State.

Form of ballot-paper.

243. Every ballot-paper shall be in the form or to the effect set forth in the schedule hereto.

Manner of recording vote.

244. Any officer who has received a ballot-paper shall record his vote in the following manner:—

(a) By making a cross in the square opposite the name of the candidate for whom he desires to vote.

(b) By signing his name upon the counterfoil.

(c) By folding up and fastening the ballot-paper so that the vote cannot be seen, and forwarding it by post, enclosed in an envelope, addressed to the Public Service Returning Officer, so that it will reach him not later than 12 o’clock noon on the day of election.

Returning Officer to deal with voting-paper.

245. After comparison of the signature on the counterfoil with the record signature, and if it be found to correspond, the Returning Officer shall detach the counterfoil from the voting-paper, and deposit the voting-paper in a ballot-box.

Rejected ballot-paper.

246. Any rejected ballot-paper shall be preserved with counterfoil attached, pending settlement of any dispute arising out of any election.

Discretion of Returning Officer.

247. The Returning Officer shall have discretion in the matter of accepting any vote, where no reasonable doubt exists as to the identity of the voter with a particular officer.

Scrutineers.

248. Two scrutineers shall be appointed by the Returning Officer, and each candidate shall be allowed to appoint one scrutineer, and all such scrutineers may be present with the Returning Officer when he opens the ballot-box and counts the votes.

Equality of votes.

249. In the case of an equality of votes between candidates, it shall be decided by lot, in such manner as the Returning Officer determines, which of them is elected.

Returning Officer may vote.

250. The Returning Officer shall, if qualified to vote at any election, be entitled to vote in the same manner as if he had not been appointed to act as Returning Officer.

To decide questions.

251. The Returning Officer shall, subject to these Regulations, determine conclusively all questions of detail concerning any election.

Votes to be counted and announced.

252. All votes received prior to 12 o’clock noon on the day of election shall be counted by the Returning Officer in the presence of at least two scrutineers, and the result shall be communicated to the Commissioner, who will announce same in the Commonwealth Gazette.