Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Legislation au C1921L00152 Regulations Not in force Legislative Instrument

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STATUTORY RULES.

1921. No. 152.

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COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC SERVICE REGULATIONS (THIRTEENTH AMENDMENT 1921).

I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulation under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1918, to come into operation forthwith.

Dated this first day of August, 1921.

FORSTER,

Governor-General.

By His Excellency’s Command,

G. F. PEARCE,

for Acting Prime Minister.

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Amendment of Commonwealth Public Service Regulations.

The Public Service Regulations are amended by the repeal of regulation 169a and the insertion of the following:—

169a. (1) In addition to the rates of salary fixed by the Act and these Regulations or under any Award made under the Arbitration (Public Service) Act 1911, there shall be payable, as from the first day of November, 1920, allowances at the following rates:—

(a) To each male officer who is married or a widower and who is in receipt of salary at a rate not exceeding £196 per annum—such sum as represents the difference between the rate of salary received by him and £208 per annum;

(b) to each male officer not included in the class specified in the last preceding paragraph who is twenty-one years of age or over and who is in receipt of salary at a rate less than £400 per annum—the sum of £12 per annum; Provided that the sum per annum paid to any officer under this paragraph shall not exceed the amount by which the salary per annual of the officer falls short of £400;

Provided further that in the case of an unmarried adult male officer who wholly or partly supports any member or members of his family and who is in receipt of salary at a rate less than £203 per annum the allowance may be of such amount as is determined by the Commissioner but no such allowance shall be granted which would raise the total remuneration of any such officer above £208 per annum;

(c) to each officer who is married or a widower or widow, and who is the father or step-father or mother or stepmother of dependent children under the age of fourteen years and who is in receipt of salary at a rate less than £500 per annum—the sum of £13 per annum in respect of each such child so dependent. A similar allowance may, on the approval of the Commissioner, be granted to any officer in respect of orphan or adopted children under the age of fourteen years who are dependent upon and maintained by that officer: Provided that the total sum per annum paid to any officer under this paragraph shall not exceed the amount by which the salary per annum of the officer falls short of £500;

 


(d) to each officer (male or female), not included in the class specified in paragraph (a) of this sub-regulation, who is less than twenty-one years of age—an allowance at the rate of £6 per annum;

(e) to each adult female officer who is in receipt of salary at a rate less than £400 per annum—an allowance at the rate of £12 per annum.

Provided that the total amount paid (including any allowance paid under this regulation) shall not exceed £400 per annum;

Provided further that in the case of any adult female officer who wholly or partly supports any member or members of her family and who is in receipt of salary at a rate less than £174 per annum, the allowance may be of such amount as is determined by the Commissioner but no such allowance shall be granted which would raise the total remuneration of any such officer above £174 per annum;

(2) It shall be the duty of each officer who is in receipt of allowance under the provisions of paragraph (c) of sub-regulation (1) of this regulation to immediately notify the Chief Officer in the event of a child in respect of whom such allowance is payable attaining the age of fourteen years or dying or ceasing from any cause to be dependent upon or to be maintained by the officer.

(2a) The allowances specified in this regulation shall not be payable to officers designated in Table C of regulation 104 except in such cases and to such extent as the Commissioner determines.

(3) In this regulation “salary” includes—

(a) any amount granted by way of bonus or cost of living allowance under any award made under the Arbitration (Public Service) Act 1911;

(b) such allowances in the nature of salary as are determined by the Commissioner;

(c) the value, to an extent not exceeding 10 per centum of such other remuneration of the officer as is included in his salary, of free quarters granted to any officer; and

(d) the value of fuel, light and rations granted to any officer.

 

 

 

 

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Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by Albert J. Mullett, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.

Overview

The Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Thirteenth Amendment 1921) was enacted by the Governor-General in Council under the authority of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1918. This legislative instrument was introduced to address gaps in the financial support for Commonwealth public service officers, particularly in relation to the provision of allowances to supplement their salaries. The objective of the amendment is to provide additional financial assistance to officers based on their personal circumstances, such as marital status, age, and family responsibilities, while ensuring that total remuneration does not exceed certain thresholds. The amendment introduces new allowances for male and female officers, based on their salary levels, marital status, and dependents, with specific provisions for officers who support family members. These allowances are designed to improve the financial well-being of officers and their families, recognising the varied needs and responsibilities of public servants. The regulations also establish the Commissioner's role in determining the precise amounts of allowances in certain circumstances, ensuring a degree of flexibility and discretion in their application.

Scope and Application

The Commonwealth Public Service Regulations, as amended by Statutory Rules 1921 No. 152, apply to all officers within the Commonwealth public service. The amendments pertain to the payment of allowances to officers based on specific criteria such as marital status, age, family support obligations, and income thresholds. The regulations detail the rates and conditions under which these allowances are payable, with certain exclusions for officers designated in Table C of regulation 104. These allowances are designed to supplement the base salary of officers, ensuring that their remuneration aligns with their personal circumstances and responsibilities. The allowances do not exceed certain maximum total remuneration amounts, with specific provisions for unmarried officers supporting family members. The regulations also establish that the total amount paid, including any allowances, cannot exceed specific limits set by the Commissioner, reflecting a structured approach to public service remuneration.

Key Provisions

The Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Thirteenth Amendment 1921) introduce new allowances for public service officers, amending the existing regulation 169a. The amendments provide various allowances based on an officer's marital status, age, and family responsibilities, as well as their salary level (Regulation 169a(1)). For example, married or widowed male officers earning up to £196 per annum receive an allowance to make up the difference to £208 per annum, while unmarried male officers aged over 21 earning less than £400 per annum receive £12 per annum, up to a maximum of the difference to £400 (Regulation 169a(1)(a) and (b)). Officers with dependent children under 14 years of age receive £13 per annum for each child, up to the difference to £500 per annum (Regulation 169a(1)(c)). Officers under 21 years of age receive £6 per annum, and adult female officers earning less than £400 per annum receive £12 per annum, with certain conditions and limits on the total remuneration (Regulation 169a(1)(d) and (e)). These allowances are not payable to officers designated in Table C of regulation 104, except as determined by the Commissioner (Regulation 169a(2)). The Act imposes obligations on officers who receive allowances to notify the Chief Officer of any changes in their family circumstances that affect their eligibility for the allowance, such as a child attaining the age of 14 years, dying, or ceasing to be dependent on the officer (Regulation 169a(2)). This ensures that the allowances are accurately distributed based on current family needs and obligations. Additionally, the Act specifies that the term "salary" includes various forms of remuneration and allowances, clarifying the basis on which the allowances are calculated (Regulation 169a(3)). Failure to comply with the requirements of the Act, such as not notifying the Chief Officer of changes in family circumstances that affect allowance eligibility, may result in penalties or consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed in the text, breaches of public service regulations can generally lead to disciplinary action, including potential termination of employment or other administrative penalties. The maximum penalties for breaches of public service regulations may vary, but they can include fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach and the specific regulations involved. It is important for officers to adhere to the obligations set out in the Act to avoid any adverse consequences.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.