Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1913, No. 151, made under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1911, address the need to formalise and update the salary structure and classification system within the Professional Division of the public service. Enacted by the Governor-General in accordance with the Federal Executive Council, these regulations aim to replace the Provisional Regulations (Statutory Rules, 1913, No. 34) to provide a more comprehensive framework for classifying officers and determining their remuneration. The overarching policy objective is to ensure that salaries are appropriately aligned with roles and responsibilities within the public service, while also providing clear pathways for progression and recognising officer performance. The new regulations introduce a structured salary scale and a classification system that considers both experience and performance, thereby aiming to maintain efficiency and fairness in public service remuneration.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1913 No. 151, made under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1911, provide detailed regulations concerning the salaries and classifications of officers within the Professional Division of the Commonwealth Public Service. These regulations apply to officers within the Commonwealth Public Service who are employed under the Act and specifically address the salary structure, classification, and progression of officers within the Professional Division. The regulations detail a six-class structure, with specific salary ranges for each class and subdivision, and outline the conditions under which officers may receive salary increases based on their performance and service duration. The scope of these regulations is limited to the officers of the Professional Division and supersedes the earlier Provisional Regulations (Statutory Rules, 1913, No. 34). These regulations have a national reach as they are enacted under Commonwealth authority, applying uniformly across the Commonwealth of Australia. Notably, the regulations also include provisions that exempt certain appointments made under Section 31 of the Act from the general rules governing new appointments and salary progression. The application of these regulations is further extended through subordinate instruments, which may provide additional details or modifications to the salary classifications and conditions of service for officers within the Commonwealth Public Service.

Key Provisions

The Regulations under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1911, specifically in Statutory Rules 1913, No. 151, detail the structure and remuneration of the Professional Division within the Commonwealth Public Service. Regulation 113 divides the Professional Division into six classes, with Class A having a recommended minimum salary of £648 and a maximum of £1,250 per annum. Each of the remaining classes (B, C, D, E, F) is further subdivided, with each subdivision having a specific annual salary, as detailed in Regulation 114. Regulation 115 stipulates that new appointments to the Professional Division, except for those appointed under Section 31 of the Act, must initially be made to the First Subdivision of Class F, with an initial salary of £72 per annum. Officers in Class F who are twenty-one years or older may receive an initial salary of £126 per annum, though this does not affect their seniority or future advancement. Regulation 116 provides that officers in Class F who have served for twelve months are eligible for an annual salary increase, subject to approval by the Commissioner based on the officer's conduct, diligence, and efficiency, as reported by the Chief Officer. Regulation 116a clarifies that prior classifications do not entitle officers to different salaries unless approved by the Commissioner. The obligations under these Regulations require officers to meet certain conditions to be eligible for salary increases and to be aware of their classification and the corresponding salary rates. Officers must serve for at least twelve months and demonstrate satisfactory conduct, diligence, and efficiency to be eligible for an annual salary increase. Additionally, new appointments must be made to the First Subdivision of Class F unless otherwise specified, and officers in Class F who are twenty-one years or older may receive a higher initial salary. Furthermore, officers must ensure their classification is approved by the Commissioner before being entitled to any salary changes. Violations of these Regulations may lead to various consequences. Although specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the Regulations, breaches of the Public Service Act or failure to comply with the stipulated conditions could result in disciplinary actions, such as demotion or termination of employment. Additionally, incorrect classification or unauthorised salary payments could lead to financial penalties or corrective actions to rectify any overpayments. It is essential for officers to adhere to these Regulations to maintain their employment status and ensure fair remuneration based on their service and performance.