Commonwealth Public Service Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Sixteenth Amendment 1918) were enacted to update the existing Commonwealth Public Service Regulations, which were governed by the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1917. The legislation was introduced to address the evolving needs of the public service by adding new departments and corresponding positions within the public service structure. This amendment specifically aimed to formalise the roles of the Secretary to the Home and Territories Department and the Secretary to the Department of Works and Railways, as well as to officially recognise these departments within the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations. The enacting body was the Governor-General in Council, following the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The policy objective was to ensure that the public service could effectively manage and coordinate the responsibilities of these newly established departments.

Scope and Application

The Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Sixteenth Amendment 1918) amends the existing Commonwealth Public Service Regulations to include the Secretary to the Home and Territories Department and the Secretary to the Department of Works and Railways in the scope of the Act. This amendment extends the regulatory oversight and administrative duties to these additional positions within the Commonwealth public service. The regulation also incorporates the Home and Territories Department and the Department of Works and Railways into the list of departments governed by the regulations, ensuring that these entities are subject to the same administrative and operational standards as other Commonwealth departments. These amendments are intended to provide a more comprehensive governance framework for these departments, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Commonwealth public service. The changes are applicable across the Commonwealth, reflecting the federal nature of the Australian government. These regulations do not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, and it is assumed that the broader provisions of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1917 apply unless otherwise noted. The amendments made through this statutory instrument aim to extend the application of the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations to ensure uniform governance and administrative practices across all relevant Commonwealth departments and positions.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of this legislative instrument (C1918L00312) involve amendments to the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations. Specifically, Regulation 47a is modified to include the Secretary to the Home and Territories Department and the Secretary to the Department of Works and Railways (Reg. 47a). Furthermore, Regulation 48(2) is amended to add the Home and Territories Department and the Department of Works and Railways (Reg. 48(2)). These changes are intended to integrate these new departments into the existing framework of the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations. These amendments impose specific obligations on the newly included departments. By virtue of being added to Regulation 47a, the Secretaries of the Home and Territories Department and the Department of Works and Railways are now subject to the same regulations that govern other departments under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1917. This includes compliance with administrative and procedural requirements stipulated in the regulations. Similarly, the inclusion of these departments in Regulation 48(2) ensures that they are subject to the same financial controls and reporting obligations as other Commonwealth departments. The legislation does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches. However, as these departments are now subject to the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations, any failure to comply with these regulations could result in administrative penalties, disciplinary actions, or other consequences as prescribed by the relevant sections of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1917 or other applicable legislation. The severity of penalties may vary depending on the nature and extent of the breach but could include fines, suspension, or other administrative measures. The exact penalties would be determined in accordance with the broader legal framework governing the Commonwealth Public Service.