Commonwealth Public Service Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1914 No. 187, enacted by the Governor-General in Council under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1913, addresses the need for specific regulations governing pay for Commonwealth public service officers working irregular hours, particularly those at radio-telegraph stations. This legislative instrument supersedes the Provisional Regulation (Statutory Rules 1914 No. 138) and introduces amendments to ensure fair compensation for officers who work on Sundays or designated days in lieu of Sundays. The regulation aims to provide equitable remuneration for officers who are released from duty for fifty-two days in the year, ensuring they receive half a day’s additional pay for each full day worked on these designated days. This amendment reflects a policy objective to uphold the welfare of public service employees by recognising the unique scheduling demands of certain roles within the Commonwealth public service.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1914 No. 187, made under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1913, outlines regulations for the public service within the Commonwealth of Australia. This legislative instrument amends the existing provisional regulation, specifically targeting officers employed at radio-telegraph stations who are released from duty for fifty-two days annually, either on Sundays or on days in lieu of Sundays. It mandates that such officers be granted half a day’s additional pay for a full day's duty worked on Sundays, with proportionate payment for less than a full day worked. This amendment applies nationally, impacting all Commonwealth public servants in radio-telegraph stations across Australia, and it supersedes the previous provisional regulation issued on the 30th of September, 1914. The regulation is effective immediately and does not specify any exclusions or exemptions within its scope.

Key Provisions

The key provision of this Regulation, found under sub-regulation (2) of Regulation 66, pertains to the additional pay for officers employed at radio-telegraph stations (sub-reg. (2)). Specifically, it provides that if an officer is released from duty for fifty-two days in the year, either on Sundays or on days in lieu of Sundays, they are entitled to receive half a day’s additional pay for each full day’s duty worked on a Sunday. Furthermore, if the officer works less than a full day on a Sunday, they are entitled to a proportionate amount of additional pay. Under this provision, the obligations imposed on the relevant parties are primarily administrative and financial. Employers, likely the Commonwealth or relevant authorities, must ensure that officers are granted the specified days off and must accurately calculate and disburse the additional pay in accordance with the stipulated conditions. Officers, on the other hand, must comply with their work schedules and be prepared to work on Sundays if required, in exchange for the additional compensation. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Regulation could result in legal repercussions. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed within the text, breaches of employment regulations typically result in civil consequences such as fines or compensation claims, and in severe cases, criminal charges. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any applicable laws or regulations outside this specific legislative instrument. Given the historical context of the document, it is also possible that breaches could have led to termination of employment or other disciplinary actions as prescribed by the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1913.