Commonwealth Public Service Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Thirteenth Amendment, 1919) was enacted to address gaps and provide clarity within the administrative structure of the Commonwealth Public Service, as outlined in the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1918. This legislative instrument was made by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and came into operation on 1 January 1919. The primary aim of these regulations is to streamline and refine the existing public service structure by amending specific salary and grade increments for office cleaners within the public service. The regulations seek to ensure that the public service remains efficient and well-organised, thereby supporting the overall policy objective of delivering effective and responsive public services to the Australian community.

Scope and Application

The Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Thirteenth Amendment, 1919) applies to the Commonwealth Public Service, specifically affecting the salaries and grading of certain positions within the public service. The amendment pertains to the roles of Office Cleaners, altering their salary increments and conditions of service. This regulation amends the Public Service Regulations under the authority of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1918, and it comes into effect from 1 January 1919. The amendment specifies changes to the remuneration and progression criteria for Office Cleaners (Senior) and Office Cleaners (in charge) by adjusting their salary scales and the conditions for advancement. Notably, the regulation eliminates the former salary increments and introduces new criteria for annual increments and progression to the next grade based on service duration. The regulation does not specify exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the scope of the affected roles, and its application is limited to the Commonwealth public service.

Key Provisions

The Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Thirteenth Amendment, 1919) primarily amend the existing salary and progression details for Office Cleaners within the Commonwealth Public Service (sections 1 and 2). The amendments involve changes to Table B, which lists the various offices, grades, salaries, and annual increments for public servants. Specifically, the regulation removes the previous entries for Office Cleaner (Senior) and Office Cleaner (in charge) and replaces them with updated information. Under the new provisions, the Office Cleaner (Senior) will now earn a salary range from a minimum of £150 to a maximum of £168, with the possibility to advance to the next grade after one year of service. Additionally, the Office Cleaner (in charge) will earn a salary ranging from £174 minimum to £186 maximum. The Act imposes certain obligations on the public service administration to ensure compliance with these amendments. The changes necessitate that the Public Service Commission updates its records and communication to reflect the new salary scales and progression criteria for Office Cleaners. This includes informing current employees of their revised conditions and ensuring that future appointments or promotions are aligned with the updated regulations. Furthermore, departments and agencies must ensure that payroll and human resources systems are adjusted to accurately process the new salary increments and grade transitions for affected staff. Failure to comply with the provisions of this regulation may lead to various consequences, although specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences are not detailed in the provided text. Generally, breaches of public service regulations can result in disciplinary actions, including warnings, fines, or even termination of employment for public servants. Additionally, agencies or departments found to be in non-compliance may face scrutiny or audits to rectify the issues, potentially leading to further administrative or financial penalties. The exact consequences would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any subsequent investigation and findings by the relevant authorities.