Commonwealth Public Service Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1917, No. 20, are regulations made under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1916, aimed at amending the Public Service Regulations. These regulations, enacted by the Governor-General with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, came into effect on the 1st of July, 1916. The objective of these regulations is to revise the salary scales for specific roles within the public service, including French Polishers, Saddlers, and Harnessmakers, as well as Sailmakers, by adjusting their minimum and maximum salaries and annual increments. This adjustment reflects a policy objective to ensure fair remuneration and to align salaries with the evolving economic conditions of the time.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902–1916, enacted by the Governor-General with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, establish specific salary adjustments for various public service roles. These amendments apply to individuals within the Commonwealth public service, specifically affecting the positions of French Polisher, Saddler and Harnessmaker, and Sailmaker, adjusting their salary scales and increments. These changes are effective from July 1, 1916, and reflect updated remuneration for these roles, with higher salaries and annual increments for positions such as French Polisher (in charge), Saddler (in charge), and Sailmaker (in charge). The amendments are detailed in the Public Service Regulations, which are part of the overarching legislative framework governing public service employment and conditions within the Commonwealth. These regulations are applicable nationally across the Commonwealth of Australia, governing the salaries of public servants in specified roles. The changes made by these regulations are precise, targeting specific job titles and their respective grades to reflect the updated remuneration. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text, and the application is direct and straightforward without the need for further extension or restriction through subordinate instruments. This legislative instrument provides clarity on the salary structure for these positions, ensuring consistency and fairness in public service compensation.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these Regulations under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902–1916 involve the amendment of the Public Service Regulations, specifically Table C of Regulation 104 (1). These amendments pertain to salary adjustments for certain positions within the public service, namely French Polishers, Saddlers and Harnessmakers, and Sailmakers. The Regulations delete the existing salary rates and insert new ones, reflecting an increase in the minimum and maximum salaries for these positions (1). The changes involve raising the salary for a French Polisher from £156 to £162 and for a French Polisher in charge from £168 to £174. Similarly, the salary for a Saddler and Harnessmaker is increased from £156 to £162, and for a Saddler in charge from £168 to £180. For Sailmakers, the salary increase is from £156 to £162, and for a Sailmaker in charge from £168 to £180. These Regulations impose specific obligations and requirements on the parties involved, particularly those within the Commonwealth Public Service. The amendments necessitate that the new salary rates be implemented for the specified positions, reflecting the adjustments detailed in the Regulations. Public service departments and entities must ensure that these salary changes are accurately reflected in the payroll systems and that affected employees receive the appropriate remuneration as per the updated rates. Additionally, these amendments require compliance with the broader administrative framework governing public service salaries and conditions of employment. The Regulations themselves do not explicitly outline offences, penalties, or specific civil or criminal consequences for breach. However, non-compliance with public service salary regulations could potentially lead to broader administrative penalties under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902–1916 or other relevant legislation. Such penalties might include disciplinary action against public servants or administrative officers who fail to implement the mandated salary changes correctly. Given that the primary focus of these Regulations is on financial adjustments, the primary enforcement mechanisms would likely involve internal audits and reviews to ensure adherence to the stipulated salary rates.