Commonwealth Public Service Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Sixteenth Amendment) 1919 was enacted to address the need for adjustments in the scale of travelling allowances for Commonwealth public servants. This legislative instrument was created under the authority of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1918 and came into effect on 1 August 1919. The regulations were made by the Governor-General in Council, with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The primary objective of this amendment was to revise the daily and weekly travelling allowances for public servants based on their salary brackets, ensuring that the allowances were fair and reflective of the updated economic conditions at the time. This legislative instrument demonstrates the Commonwealth's intent to maintain an efficient and equitable public service system.

Scope and Application

The Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Sixteenth Amendment, 1919) pertain to the administration and modification of allowances for travel within the Commonwealth Public Service. These regulations apply to all public service employees who are subject to the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1918. They establish specific rates of daily and weekly travel allowances based on the employee's salary, and adjustments to these rates are intended to reflect changes in economic conditions or cost of living. The geographic reach of these regulations is national, affecting all public servants across the Commonwealth of Australia. The regulations do not specify any exclusions or exemptions but rather provide a structured framework for calculating travel allowances. Furthermore, while the primary text of these regulations sets forth the allowances, the scope and specific application may be extended or refined through subordinate instruments or additional legislative amendments.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these Regulations (C1919L00215) pertain to the amendment of the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations, specifically concerning the scale of travelling allowances for public servants. Section 149 has been altered to adjust the daily and weekly allowances based on salary brackets. For instance, a public servant with a salary over £600 now receives a daily allowance of £17, six shillings, and one penny, while those earning £300 and under receive £10, eight shillings, and sixpence. Similarly, weekly allowances have been modified, with those earning over £500 receiving £21, two shillings, and sixpence per week, and those earning between £310 and £500 receiving £2, two shillings, and nothing. The Regulations impose specific obligations on public servants and the entities managing public service allowances. Public servants must adhere to the new scales of travelling allowances as set out in the Regulations. Employers within the public service are required to ensure that these allowances are correctly calculated and disbursed in accordance with the updated scales. The Regulations also mandate that any changes to the allowances be documented and implemented by the specified commencement date, 1st August 1919. Breach of these Regulations could result in civil or administrative consequences for non-compliance. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the Regulations themselves, breaches of public service regulations generally could lead to disciplinary action against public servants, or administrative penalties for public service entities failing to comply with the stipulated allowances. These actions are designed to ensure adherence to the legislative requirements and the proper administration of public service finances.