Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1937 No. 25, enacted under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1936, addresses the administrative regulation of allowances for Postmen-in-charge at certain postal depots. This legislative instrument was introduced to amend the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations, specifically targeting Regulation 97c concerning allowances. The Public Service Board, pursuant to its authority under the Act, has made these regulations subject to the approval of the Governor-General. The policy objective of these amendments is to provide financial allowances to Postmen-in-charge in specific circumstances, such as when operating at a Postman’s depot not located at an official Post Office with fewer than five rounds, ensuring that they receive an allowance not exceeding £12 per annum, subject to Board approval.

Scope and Application

The Commonwealth Public Service Regulations, under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1936, apply to the members of the public service employed by the Commonwealth, including postmen and other relevant personnel. The regulations specifically address allowances to be paid to Postmen-in-charge in certain circumstances, such as when they are stationed at a depot that is not located at an official Post Office and has fewer than five rounds. The amendment made by this statutory instrument allows the Public Service Board to approve an allowance not exceeding £12 per annum for such Postmen-in-charge, subject to the conditions specified. This regulation has a national reach as it applies across all jurisdictions within Australia, governed by the Commonwealth. The regulation does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, but it is subject to the broader provisions of the Commonwealth Public Service Act and any subordinate legislation that may extend or restrict its application.

Key Provisions

The principal operative sections of this Statutory Instrument, specifically Regulation 97c of the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations, amend the existing allowances for Postman-in-charge by introducing a new proviso (section 97c). This amendment allows for an allowance, not exceeding £12 per annum, to be paid to the Postman-in-charge at a Postman's depot not located at an official Post Office, provided there are fewer than five rounds. This allowance must be approved by the Public Service Board. In terms of obligations and requirements, the amendment imposes a procedural necessity on the Public Service Board to approve any allowance granted to a Postman-in-charge under the new proviso. This means that any application for such an allowance must be formally submitted to the Board, which then has the authority to determine the appropriateness and amount of the allowance. Furthermore, this regulation applies only to Postman's depots that are not situated at an official Post Office and where the number of rounds is fewer than five, thereby delineating specific conditions under which the allowance is applicable. The Statutory Instrument does not explicitly detail offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breaches of the regulation. However, given the context and the nature of statutory regulations, any failure to comply with the stipulations of the Board's approval process could potentially lead to administrative penalties. While specific penalties are not outlined in this particular Statutory Instrument, non-compliance with Public Service regulations generally could result in disciplinary action against the individuals involved, including but not limited to reprimands, fines, or other administrative sanctions as deemed appropriate by the Board.