Commonwealth Public Service Regulations 1913 (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1915 No. 159, under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1913, was enacted to address an urgent need for regulatory amendments in the public service. The Governor-General, acting on advice from the Federal Executive Council, issued this Provisional Regulation due to the pressing nature of the changes. This legislation aimed to swiftly address the gaps in existing regulations by amending the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations, specifically altering Regulation 163a to remove the provision allowing officers to provide themselves with sleeping requisites. The enactment underscores the importance of timely regulatory adjustments to maintain the efficiency and integrity of public service operations.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulation under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1913 applies to the members of the Commonwealth Public Service, as defined by the Act, and encompasses any rules, regulations, and provisions governing their employment and duties. The Regulation is effective across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the relevant authorities within each state and territory in accordance with the overarching framework of the Commonwealth Public Service Act. The regulation specifically amends the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations, as stated in Statutory Rules 1913, No. 341, by modifying Regulation 163a to exclude the provision of sleeping requisites. This amendment reflects the immediate operational needs and urgency as certified by the Governor-General with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The regulation operates as a Provisional Regulation, thereby setting a temporary measure until further legislative action is taken.

Key Provisions

The main operative section of this Statutory Rule (C1915L00159) is the amendment to Regulation 163a under the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Statutory Rules 1913, No. 341). The regulation amends the provision by removing the clause that allows an officer to provide himself with sleeping requisites. This means that public service officers are no longer permitted to provide themselves with sleeping equipment as part of their duties or entitlements. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Statutory Rule primarily affect public service officers. With the removal of the clause that allowed officers to provide themselves with sleeping requisites, it is now clear that such provisions are no longer part of their entitlements or duties. This amendment likely impacts how public service officers are compensated and what resources they are entitled to for their work, requiring them to seek alternative means for such necessities if needed. Under this Statutory Rule, there are no explicit offences or penalties mentioned for breach. However, by amending Regulation 163a, the rule sets a new standard for what is permissible and what is not in terms of entitlements and duties for public service officers. Non-compliance with these amended regulations could potentially lead to disciplinary actions under other provisions of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1913, which may include administrative penalties, reprimands, or further sanctions depending on the severity of the breach and the discretion of the relevant authorities. The Statutory Rule is intended to come into immediate operation as a Provisional Regulation due to the urgency of the amendment. This urgency suggests that the change was necessary to correct or update the existing regulations swiftly, ensuring that public service officers operate within the correct framework of entitlements and duties. The rule is signed by the Governor-General, R. M. Ferguson, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the amendment is published by the Government Printer for the State of Victoria, Albert J. Mullett.