Commonwealth Public Service Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1915, as amended by Statutory Rules 1916, No. 32, provides for the regulation of travel allowances for Commonwealth public servants. This legislative instrument was enacted by the Governor-General in Council, under the authority granted by the Commonwealth Public Service Act, to clarify and update travel fare entitlements for officers within the public service. The primary objective of this regulation is to establish clear guidelines for the allocation of travel fares, ensuring that officers receive appropriate allowances commensurate with their rank and specific travel circumstances, while maintaining efficiency and fairness in public service expenditure. The 1916 regulation replaces an earlier provisional regulation, refining the criteria for second-class and first-class fare entitlements. It specifies that officers of certain ranks and salary brackets are eligible for second-class fares, while others must be granted first-class fares. Exceptions are noted for travel by steamer along specific coasts and for longer railway journeys in tropical climates, alongside provisions for special allowances at the discretion of the Permanent Head or Chief Officer. This legislative update aims to address the evolving needs of public service travel policies, ensuring that officers are adequately compensated for their travel-related expenses.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1916, No. 32, made under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1915, outlines specific amendments to the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations. This regulation pertains to officers within the Commonwealth Public Service and specifies the travel fare allowances based on the officer’s rank and salary. The regulation applies to officers of the Fifth Class in the Clerical Division, Class F in the Professional Division, and those in the General Division with a maximum annual salary of £216. It sets out the conditions under which second-class fares are permissible, while first-class fares are to be allowed in all other cases. Special provisions are made for officers travelling by steamer along the Queensland or Western Australian coasts, as well as for those travelling by railway in tropical climates for journeys exceeding twelve hours or in the company of their family. Additionally, the regulation grants the Permanent Head or Chief Officer the discretion to allow first-class fares in exceptional circumstances. The regulation operates within the national jurisdiction of Australia and supersedes previous provisional regulations.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislative instrument (Statutory Rules 1916, No. 32) amend the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations by replacing Regulation 158 with new provisions (Regulation 158). Specifically, this regulation concerns the allowances for travel fares for officers within the Commonwealth Public Service. Under the new Regulation 158, officers of the Fifth Class in the Clerical Division, Class F in the Professional Division, and those in the General Division with a maximum salary of £216 per annum are eligible for second-class travel fares (Regulation 158(1)). All other officers are entitled to first-class fares. However, exceptions are provided for officers travelling by steamer along the Queensland or Western Australian coasts, who may be granted saloon fares, and officers travelling by railway in tropical climates on journeys exceeding twelve hours or any duration when accompanied by their wife and family, who may be allowed first-class fares (Regulation 158(2)). Additionally, in special cases, the Permanent Head or Chief Officer may grant first-class fares to any officer (Regulation 158(3)). This Act imposes specific obligations and requirements on officers within the Commonwealth Public Service concerning travel fare allowances. It mandates that officers of the Fifth Class in the Clerical Division, Class F in the Professional Division, and General Division officers with a maximum salary of £216 per annum are to be granted second-class travel fares. Conversely, all other officers are entitled to first-class fares, with exceptions for certain travel conditions as outlined in the regulation. Furthermore, the regulation grants the Permanent Head or Chief Officer discretionary authority to approve first-class fares in special circumstances, ensuring flexibility in managing travel allowances according to the needs of the service. The regulation does not explicitly state any offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches of its provisions. However, non-compliance with the specified fare allowances could potentially lead to administrative actions, as the regulation is issued under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1915. Any misuse or improper allocation of travel fares might be subject to review and corrective measures by the relevant authorities within the public service framework. The absence of detailed penalties in the regulation itself implies that broader public service regulations and administrative policies would govern the consequences of non-compliance.