Commonwealth Public Service Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1917 No. 160, which are Regulations under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1916, were enacted to amend the existing Public Service Regulations. These Regulations, coming into operation on 1st July 1916, were made by the Governor-General in Council under the authority granted by the Commonwealth Public Service Act. This legislative instrument aims to update the salary structure and grade classifications for certain positions within the public service, specifically for caretakers, as outlined in Table B of Regulation 104. By amending these regulations, the Government sought to address issues related to salary increments and grade levels to ensure fair compensation and efficient service management. The policy objective, as inferred from the amendments, is to provide a more structured and equitable remuneration system for public service employees, reflecting their roles and responsibilities within the government framework.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1916, as amended by Statutory Rule 1917 No. 160, apply to the employees within the Commonwealth public service, including caretakers within the specified grades and salary brackets. The amendments concern the alterations to the salary and increments for caretakers in Table B of Regulation 104, impacting their remuneration and conditions of employment. The jurisdiction of these Regulations extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, governing public service employees within the federal framework. There are no specific exclusions or exemptions mentioned in the text; however, the application of these amendments is limited to the specified changes in Table B. The Regulations themselves extend the application by detailing specific alterations to the salary and increments, thereby modifying the terms of employment for caretakers in the public service.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Statutory Rules 1917 No. 160 involve the amendment of the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1916. Specifically, Regulation 104 in Table B is altered by removing the existing salary increments for the Caretaker positions, and replacing them with new salary increments and grades. (Sections 1 and 2). The amendment specifies new salary ranges and increments for Caretaker positions, with Grade III now ranging from £132 to £162 per annum, Grade IV ranging from £168 to £192 per annum, and introduces a new Grade V with a maximum salary of £198 per annum, and Grade VI with a maximum salary of £210 per annum. (Section 2). The obligations and requirements imposed by these regulations pertain to the Public Service, specifically those employed as Caretakers. The regulations require adherence to the new salary structures and grade classifications as outlined in the amended Table B of Regulation 104. This ensures that all Caretakers are compensated according to the newly specified increments and salary bands, which must be reflected in their employment contracts and payroll records. The changes necessitate that employers update their records and payroll systems to reflect these new rates, ensuring compliance with the updated regulations. (Section 2). The Statutory Rules do not explicitly state any offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance with these regulations. However, under the broader framework of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1916, failure to adhere to the mandated salary structures and employment conditions could potentially lead to disciplinary actions or legal consequences. Such actions might include fines, penalties, or other remedies as prescribed under the Act. While specific penalties are not detailed in these regulations, adherence to public service regulations is crucial to avoid potential legal ramifications and to maintain the integrity and fairness of public sector employment practices. (Section 3).