Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1946 No. 22, titled Regulations under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1945, was enacted to amend the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations. This legislative instrument was introduced to address specific issues within the public service, such as allowances for officers on sick leave and salary adjustments for Third Division officers. The Public Service Board, acting under the authority conferred by the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1945, made these regulations with the approval of the Governor-General. The overarching policy objective of these amendments is to ensure the smooth and fair operation of the public service by updating and clarifying certain aspects of the regulations.

Scope and Application

This legislative instrument, Statutory Rules 1946 No. 22, made under the authority of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1945, amends the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations. The regulations apply to officers and employees of the Commonwealth public service, including those on duty away from headquarters, and address matters such as allowances on sick leave and salaries of officers within the Third Division. These amendments extend to the entire Commonwealth, impacting all public service officers and employees regardless of their location within Australia. The regulations do not explicitly state any exclusions or thresholds, suggesting that the amendments apply broadly across the public service. However, the scope and application may be further defined or restricted through subordinate instruments or additional regulations issued under the authority of the Public Service Act.

Key Provisions

The Statutory Rules 1946, No. 22, under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1945, modify certain regulations regarding allowances and salaries within the public service. Regulation 79a is amended to remove the six-day limit on allowances for officers and employees on sick leave (Reg. 79a(2)). Furthermore, Regulation 105 is amended to adjust the salary figures for officers of the Third Division, inserting new figures into Table A (Reg. 105(1)). Regulation 105c is also amended by removing the allowance to increase salary to £366 per annum at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales (Reg. 105c(1)). These regulations impose specific requirements on public service officers and employees. Firstly, officers and employees on sick leave are now eligible for allowances without the previous six-day limit, meaning they can receive support for a longer period when unwell. Secondly, the salary adjustments outlined in Regulation 105 mean that officers of the Third Division will see changes to their remuneration based on the new figures inserted into Table A. Lastly, the removal of the allowance at Wagga Wagga means that officers in that location will no longer receive the additional salary boost to £366 per annum. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in various consequences. While the legislation does not explicitly outline penalties for non-compliance, breaches of public service regulations generally may lead to disciplinary actions, including fines or other administrative sanctions. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as the specific rules governing public service conduct at the time. It is important for officers and employees to adhere to these regulations to avoid any potential repercussions.