Commonwealth Public Service Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1914 No. 136, made under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1913, was enacted to address issues surrounding the management and reporting of overtime worked by officers in the public service. This legislative instrument was introduced to streamline the administrative process of tracking overtime, ensuring that detailed records are maintained and submitted on a regular basis. The enactment body for this regulation was the Governor-General in Council, with the aim of enhancing oversight and accountability within the public sector by mandating a quarterly return of overtime details. This regulation was designed to ensure transparency and efficiency in the public service by requiring comprehensive reporting of overtime worked, the payment made, and the reasons for such overtime.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1914 No. 136, made under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1913, applies to all officers within the Commonwealth public service. This legislative instrument mandates that unless otherwise directed by the Commissioner, a quarterly return must be submitted by the Permanent Head, detailing the overtime worked by each officer across various branches, sub-branches, or sub-offices during the preceding quarter. The return must include specifics such as the amount paid for the overtime and the reasons for the overtime requirement. The regulation is applicable across the Commonwealth and sets out clear directives for record-keeping and reporting of overtime within the public service. The regulation aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of overtime by public servants, thereby maintaining an effective administrative framework. No exclusions or exemptions are explicitly mentioned in the text, and the regulation applies uniformly across the Commonwealth.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this statutory regulation (Regulation 61(6)) require public service officers to submit a quarterly return detailing the overtime worked by each officer within their branch, sub-branch, or sub-office. This return must include the amount paid for the overtime and briefly state the reasons for the overtime requirement (Regulation 61(6)). This ensures transparency and accountability in the use of overtime within the public service. The obligations imposed by this Act on the relevant parties include the submission of accurate and detailed returns as per Regulation 61(6). The officers must ensure that the information provided is precise and complete, including the number of hours worked overtime, the payment details, and the justification for the overtime. This obligation is essential for maintaining records and for the Commissioner to review and approve the overtime as necessary. There are no specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences outlined in the regulation for failing to comply with the requirements of Regulation 61(6). However, non-compliance could lead to administrative actions, such as an investigation or inquiry, to ensure adherence to the regulation. The consequences of non-compliance could include disciplinary actions against the officers involved or the branch heads responsible for oversight. While the regulation does not explicitly state maximum penalties, the potential for such actions underscores the importance of compliance.