Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1926, No. 87, represents an amendment to the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1924. Enacted by the Board of Commissioners and approved by the Governor-General, these regulations address a specific gap in the public service employment criteria by introducing age restrictions for certain positions, specifically excluding returned soldiers from these restrictions. The policy objective behind this amendment is to ensure that appointments and promotions to certain positions within the public service adhere to age limits, thereby maintaining a structured and age-appropriate workforce. This legislative instrument was created to formalise and implement these changes in a manner consistent with the overarching framework of the Commonwealth Public Service Act. The amendment, which came into operation immediately, introduces a new regulation 112d, stipulating that individuals cannot be appointed or promoted to certain roles unless they fall within the age range of twenty-one to thirty-five years. This regulation underscores the intention to balance the need for experienced public servants with the importance of integrating younger, potentially more adaptable employees into the workforce. The regulatory changes were approved in Executive Council and published by the Government Printer for the State of Victoria, ensuring that the updated public service regulations are officially documented and accessible.

Scope and Application

The 1926 amendment to the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1924 applies specifically to the eligibility criteria for appointment or promotion to certain positions within the public service, notably Locker, Grade 1, Locker, Grade 2, and Excise Locker in the Department of Trade and Customs. This amendment excludes returned soldiers from the age restriction, allowing them to be appointed or promoted regardless of their age, which must otherwise fall between twenty-one and thirty-five years. This legislative instrument governs the Commonwealth jurisdiction, impacting federal public service roles. The amendment extends its application to anyone seeking or holding a position within the specified roles, ensuring that age criteria are uniformly enforced unless exempted for returned soldiers. The amendment is effective immediately upon approval by the Governor-General, as evidenced by its inclusion in Statutory Rules 1926, No. 87.

Key Provisions

The main operative section of the Regulations under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1924 (Twenty-Eighth Amendment, 1926) is regulation 112d (1). This regulation specifies that no person, except a returned soldier, can be appointed or promoted to certain positions unless they meet the age criteria. Specifically, an individual cannot be appointed or promoted to a Locker, Grade 1, Locker, Grade 2, or Excise Locker, Department of Trade and Customs, unless they are already classified as a Locker. The age restriction applies such that appointments or promotions are not possible before the age of twenty-one or after the age of thirty-five. These Regulations impose specific obligations on the Commonwealth Public Service Board and prospective employees. The Board is required to ensure that all appointments or promotions comply with the age restrictions specified in regulation 112d. Prospective employees must meet the age criteria before being considered for these positions. The Board must also ensure that returned soldiers are exempt from these age restrictions, allowing them to be appointed or promoted regardless of age. The legislation does not explicitly state any offences, penalties, or consequences for breach of the regulations. However, it is implied that non-compliance with these provisions could lead to invalid appointments or promotions. While the document does not outline specific penalties, any breach of these regulations might result in administrative actions to correct the appointments or promotions, ensuring they comply with the age criteria stipulated in regulation 112d.