Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1942 No. 167, titled "Regulations under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1941," was enacted to provide amendments to the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations, particularly focusing on the roles and advancement conditions for Radio Inspectors and Assistants within the public service. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for updated qualifications and advancement criteria for Radio Inspectors in the Commonwealth Public Service, reflecting changes in the wireless telegraphy field. The Public Service Board, exercising its authority under the Commonwealth Public Service Act, made these regulations subject to the approval of the Governor-General, who subsequently approved them on April 7, 1942. The primary policy objective behind these amendments is to ensure that personnel in critical technical roles are adequately qualified and that their career advancement is based on relevant skills and certifications, thereby maintaining high standards of efficiency and expertise within the public service.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1941 pertain to the Commonwealth public service, specifically targeting the position of Radio Inspector, Assistant. These Regulations amend the Second and Fourth Schedules to establish new conditions for advancement within this role. The amendments specify that an assistant shall not be advanced beyond £378 per annum unless they obtain a first-class commercial operator’s certificate of proficiency or pass an examination related to radio telegraphy as determined by the Board. Further advancement to £414 per annum is contingent upon passing an examination set by the Board to qualify for transfer or promotion to a Radio Inspector position. These Regulations apply to officers within the Commonwealth public service, specifically those in the Radio Inspector, Assistant role, and are subject to the approval of the Governor-General. The changes extend to the conditions of employment and career progression for these positions, with the specified financial thresholds and qualification requirements.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislative instrument are sections 1 and 2, which amend the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations. Specifically, section 1 amends the Second Schedule to remove the office of "Radio Inspector, Assistant, £342-£414" and replace it with "Radio Inspector, Assistant, £342-£450", with new conditions for advancement (section 1(1) and (2)). Section 2 then updates the Fourth Schedule to reflect this change by replacing "414" with "450" in the "Remarks" column for the office of "Radio Inspector, Assistant". These regulations impose specific conditions on the advancement of Radio Inspector Assistants within the Commonwealth Public Service. To be advanced beyond £378 per annum, the Assistant must either qualify for a first-class commercial operator's certificate of proficiency issued under the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations, or pass an examination in subjects related to radio telegraphy as required by the Public Service Board. To be advanced beyond £414 per annum, the Assistant must pass an examination determined by the Board to qualify for transfer or promotion to a Radio Inspector office. Failure to adhere to the conditions for advancement outlined in these regulations could result in a breach of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1941. While specific penalties are not outlined within this legislative instrument, breaches of the Public Service Act could result in disciplinary action, including demotion, suspension, or termination of employment. Additionally, individuals found to be in breach of the Act could face legal consequences, such as fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach.