Commonwealth Public Service Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1918, No. 15, issued under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902–1917, represent an amendment to the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations were designed to address discrepancies in remuneration within the public service, particularly concerning female officers. The policy objective of this legislative instrument was to ensure fair compensation for female officers in specific roles by establishing a minimum annual salary of £114 for those who had attained the age of 22 years and completed two years of service. This amendment reflects an effort to mitigate gender-based pay disparities within the federal public service of the time.

Scope and Application

The Commonwealth Public Service Regulations 1917, as amended by Statutory Rules 1917/244, apply to female officers employed in the public service who occupy specific roles such as Checker (Female), Female Assistant (Printing), Female Reader, or Female Sorter. These regulations specifically address the minimum salary provisions for these positions, stipulating that any female officer in these roles, who has reached the age of 22 and completed two years of service, shall receive a minimum annual salary of £114. This regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring uniform standards in the public service sector. The amendment does not introduce any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond those specified in the regulation itself. Furthermore, the application of these regulations is not extended or restricted through any subordinate instruments within the provided text.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this Statutory Rules document involve the amendment of the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations, specifically adding a new provision under regulation 104a (1) (referred to as C1918L00015). This amendment pertains to the salary of certain female officers within the Commonwealth public service. According to the new regulation, any female officer holding positions such as Checker (Female), Female Assistant (Printing), Female Reader, or Female Sorter, who has reached the age of 22 and completed two years of service, is entitled to a minimum annual salary of £114 (section 104a (1)). The obligations imposed by this Act are primarily focused on ensuring that female officers in specified roles receive fair and adequate compensation. The Act mandates that the Commonwealth government pay these officers a minimum salary of £114 per annum, provided they meet the age and service requirements (section 104a (1)). This provision aims to standardise the remuneration for these positions and ensure consistency and fairness in the payment of salaries for female officers within the public service. Any breach of the provisions outlined in this Act could lead to legal consequences. While the document does not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance, it is reasonable to infer that failure to adhere to the mandated minimum salary could result in civil or administrative penalties. The exact nature and severity of these penalties would depend on the interpretation and enforcement actions taken by relevant authorities within the Commonwealth public service framework. It is also important to consider that non-compliance might lead to legal action by the affected officers seeking redress for underpayment, which could further compound the consequences for the government.