Commonwealth Public Service Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Tenth Amendment) 1919, issued under the authority of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902–1918, was enacted to address the specific needs of public service officers who had served in the military during the First World War. The regulation was made by the Governor-General in Council, providing a mechanism for recognising the qualifications and experience of returned servicemen within the public service framework. The policy objective, as evidenced in the regulation, was to facilitate the integration of ex-servicemen into the public service by granting them credit for their military service and examinations they had passed, thereby easing their transition back into civilian roles. This legislative instrument aimed to support the reintegration of veterans into the workforce and acknowledge their contributions to the nation.

Scope and Application

The Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Tenth Amendment, 1919) applies to officers within the General Division of the Commonwealth Public Service who have a satisfactory service record in any Expeditionary Force established under the Defence Act 1903–1918, and who have passed an examination specified under regulation 204. This regulation provides these officers with a deemed qualification for the examination outlined in regulation 196, thereby facilitating their transition or progression within the public service. The amendment is made under the authority of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902–1918 and is intended to recognise and accommodate the service and skills acquired by officers who have served in the Expeditionary Forces. The regulation comes into operation immediately upon its publication and applies nationally, affecting the career opportunities and progression criteria for eligible officers across various public service departments and agencies. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds specified within this regulation, which focuses solely on the recognition of service-related qualifications. The scope of this amendment is confined to the specific criteria outlined, and no further application or interpretation is extended through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these regulations concern the amendment of Commonwealth Public Service Regulations, specifically the addition to regulation 196 (1). This amendment provides that an officer of the General Division who has served with a satisfactory record in any Expeditionary Force raised under the Defence Act 1903–1918, and who has passed an examination prescribed under regulation 204, shall be deemed to have passed the examination prescribed by regulation 196. This essentially grants a special exemption from the usual examination requirements for certain officers who have demonstrated their qualifications through military service. Under these regulations, the obligations and requirements imposed on the parties or entities governed by the Act are quite specific. Officers of the General Division who meet the criteria outlined must ensure they have passed the relevant examination under regulation 204, which will then allow them to be deemed to have passed the examination under regulation 196. The requirement for a satisfactory service record in an Expeditionary Force adds an additional layer of validation that must be met. This ensures that only those who have demonstrated both their professional competence and their dedication through military service are granted the exemption. In terms of offences, penalties, or consequences for breach, the regulations do not explicitly state any penalties for failing to meet the requirements. However, non-compliance with the regulations could potentially lead to administrative consequences, such as being deemed ineligible for certain promotions or appointments within the Public Service. Given that these regulations are part of a legislative instrument, any breach could also lead to further scrutiny or review by the relevant authorities, which might result in additional administrative or disciplinary actions. The specific consequences would depend on the broader context of the Public Service Act and the discretion of the relevant authorities.