Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1925 No. 162 is an amendment to the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations, introduced under the authority of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1924. Enacted by the Board of Commissioners and approved by the Governor-General, this legislative instrument aims to address the need for updated salary structures and classifications within the Commonwealth Public Service. The objective is to align remuneration with the roles and responsibilities of various positions, ensuring fair and consistent pay across different departments, particularly within the Department of Works and Railways. By introducing Table L, the amendment provides a new set of salary scales and increments for specific positions, reflecting changes to accommodate age and experience. The amendment was approved in the Executive Council and signed by the Governor-General and the Prime Minister, signifying the legislative process and adherence to the established framework for public service administration. The changes are set to take effect from 1 July 1924, demonstrating a timely response to the evolving needs of public service roles and the importance of maintaining equitable compensation practices.

Scope and Application

This statutory rule amends the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1924, specifically altering Regulation 106 to include an additional salary table for certain positions within the Department of Works and Railways. The amendment applies to employees in specified roles such as Assistant (Correspondence), Foreman Labourer, Machinist and Plan Recorder (Female), Ministerial Messenger, and Overseer (Cleaners, etc.), with defined salary scales and annual increments. The amendment, approved by the Governor-General and the Executive Council, came into operation from 1 July 1924. The regulation delineates minimum and maximum salaries for each role, as well as the structure of annual increments, reflecting the Board of Commissioners' authority to adjust remuneration for public service positions. This amendment does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, but its applicability is confined to the public service sector, particularly within the Department of Works and Railways. The regulation’s geographic reach is national, encompassing all Commonwealth public service roles across Australia.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation involve amendments to the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1924. Specifically, the Board of Commissioners, acting under the authority conferred by the Act, has introduced an amendment to the Regulations (Regulation 106) effective from 1st July 1924. This amendment introduces a new Table L, which specifies salary details for various positions within the Department of Works and Railways (section (4)(k)). The amendment requires the Department of Works and Railways to adhere to the newly introduced salary structures as outlined in Table L. For example, an Assistant (Correspondence) would receive a minimum salary of £240 and a maximum of £276, with annual increments of £6. Similarly, a Foreman Labourer would be paid a minimum of £266 and a maximum of £282, with annual increments of £8. The salaries for positions such as Machinist and Plan Recorder (Female), Ministerial Messenger, and Overseer (Cleaners, etc.) are also clearly delineated, taking into account age and experience levels. The legislation imposes specific obligations on the Department of Works and Railways to implement these salary structures and ensure compliance with the newly outlined pay scales. Failure to adhere to these regulations could result in legal repercussions, though the document does not explicitly detail the consequences of non-compliance. While the statutory rules themselves do not explicitly mention specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breaches, the authority of the Board of Commissioners and the requirement for approval by the Governor-General suggest a formal and legally binding nature to these amendments. Breaches of such regulations might typically result in disciplinary action, administrative penalties, or legal proceedings depending on the nature and severity of the violation. Given the historical context, the penalties could range from fines to more severe administrative measures, although exact penalties are not specified within the document.