Commonwealth Public Service Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (First Amendment) 1918, enacted under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902–1917, was introduced to amend existing regulations pertaining to the Commonwealth Public Service. This legislative instrument was issued by the Governor-General in Council, reflecting the need for adjustments in administrative processes within the public service. The primary problem it addressed was the need for updated procedures in handling applications for permission to engage in work outside the public service. By amending and repealing specific sections of the existing regulations, the amendment aimed to streamline the application process and ensure that all such applications are appropriately reviewed and considered by relevant authorities. The policy objective behind this amendment was to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public service by refining the administrative processes associated with external work engagements.

Scope and Application

The Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (First Amendment 1918) modifies existing provisions concerning the application process for permission to engage in work outside the public service. This legislative instrument applies to individuals and entities within the Commonwealth public service who seek to undertake work outside their usual public service duties. It stipulates that applications for such permission must be submitted to the Chief Officer, who will then forward the application, along with their report, through the Permanent Head for consideration by the Commissioner. The amendment and repeal of specific regulations under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902–1917 reflect a procedural update aimed at ensuring that all applications for outside work are processed through the appropriate hierarchical channels. This regulation is applicable nationally across the Commonwealth and operates within the jurisdictional framework of federal public service governance. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds specified within the text of the amendment. The application and interpretation of these regulations may be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments, as authorised by the overarching legislation.

Key Provisions

The Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (First Amendment 1918) make several significant changes to the existing regulations, particularly in relation to applications for permission to engage in work outside the Public Service. Specifically, Regulation 73 is amended and partially repealed. Sub-clause (e) of Regulation 73(1) is altered by omitting the word “paid,” which likely affects the criteria or conditions under which such applications are considered (73(1)). Additionally, Regulation 73(2) is repealed and replaced with a new provision, stipulating that all applications for permission to engage in outside work must be submitted to the Chief Officer, who will then forward them along with their report through the Permanent Head for the Commissioner’s consideration (73(2)). These changes reflect a revised process for handling such applications, centralising the initial review through the Chief Officer and ensuring higher-level scrutiny by the Commissioner. The amended regulations impose certain obligations on the parties involved, specifically the Chief Officer and the Commissioner. The Chief Officer is required to receive and process applications for outside work, forwarding them along with their assessment to the Permanent Head. This intermediary step ensures that the applications are reviewed at multiple levels within the Public Service hierarchy. The Commissioner, in turn, is tasked with the final consideration of these applications, thereby ensuring that decisions are made with due diligence and adherence to the regulations (73(2)). These obligations ensure a structured and formal approach to managing requests for outside work, maintaining the integrity and governance of the Public Service. Failure to comply with the provisions of the amended regulations may result in various consequences. While the specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance are not detailed in the provided text, breaches of Public Service regulations can typically lead to disciplinary actions, which may include warnings, fines, or even termination of employment. The severity of the consequences would depend on the nature and extent of the breach, as well as the existing policies and procedures within the Public Service. The regulations aim to maintain the professional standards and operational efficiency of the Public Service by enforcing adherence to the prescribed application process for outside work.