Commonwealth Public Service Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1917 No. 244, made under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1917, was enacted by the Governor-General in Council to amend the existing public service regulations. These regulations address the need to update salary structures and progression within the public service, ensuring that salaries reflect the roles' importance and the employees' qualifications. The objective is to maintain a fair and competitive compensation system within the Commonwealth public service, which is crucial for attracting and retaining qualified personnel. The regulations were designed to provide clarity and consistency in salary increments and minimum pay standards across various positions, ensuring that employees are compensated equitably based on their roles and experience.

Scope and Application

These regulations, made under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1917, apply to officers of the Commonwealth Public Service, specifically those within the grades and positions listed in the regulations. The amendments primarily adjust salary scales for various grades and offices within the public service. The changes include modifications to the minimum and maximum salary levels for certain positions, and adjustments to the annual increments for different grades. The regulations also specify that officers over the age of twenty-one in certain positions will have a higher minimum salary, with additional conditions for those not part of a union recognised by the Commonwealth Court of Conciliation and Arbitration. These regulations extend to the Commonwealth of Australia, impacting all federal public service employees within the specified grades and positions. The amendments come into effect from the 1st August, 1917, as per the legislative instrument.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these Regulations (section 1) involve amendments to the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations, specifically concerning salary grades and minimum salaries for certain positions. Under section 1(1), the minimum salary for Grade II has been reduced from £78 to £72, while the maximum salary remains at £120. Additionally, section 1(2) revises the salary and increment details for various office positions, such as Checker (Female), Female Assistant (Printing), Female Reader, and Female Sorter, among others. Section 1(3) amends Regulation 104a(1) to set a new minimum salary for officers aged twenty-one and over in specific positions, such as Boy on Launch, Checker (female), Female Assistant (Printing), Female Reader, Female Sorter, Messenger, or Telephonist, at £110 per annum, with a higher minimum salary of £132 for other Grade I or Grade II positions. If these officers are not members of an eligible organization, their minimum salary is set at £126 per annum. These Regulations impose specific obligations on the Commonwealth Public Service, primarily relating to salary adjustments and minimum salary requirements for certain positions. The amendments set out in section 1(1) and 1(2) mandate that the Public Service adhere to the new salary grades and minimum salaries for various office positions. Furthermore, section 1(3) requires that officers aged twenty-one and over in designated positions receive a minimum salary of £110 per annum, or £132 for other Grade I or Grade II positions, with a reduced minimum salary of £126 for non-members of eligible organizations. There are no explicit offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences outlined in these Regulations for breach. However, non-compliance with these salary adjustments and requirements could potentially lead to administrative consequences, such as disciplinary actions or other measures taken by the Public Service to enforce adherence to the amended Regulations. The maximum penalties, if any, would likely be determined by internal Public Service policies and procedures, rather than explicitly stated within these Regulations.