Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1908 No. 78, issued under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902, address the need to revise the remuneration details for certain positions within the federal public service. Enacted by the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, these regulations aim to refine the salary structures, specifically for the role of Groom-in-Charge within the Postmaster-General's Department. This legislative instrument aims to establish a more structured approach to salary increments and clarify the pay scale for this position, ensuring consistency and fairness in remuneration. The policy objective behind these amendments is to provide clear guidelines for the determination of salaries, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the public service.

Scope and Application

This statutory rule, made under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902, outlines amendments to the salary regulations for specific positions within the Commonwealth public service. The regulation specifically modifies the remuneration details for the Office of Groom-in-Charge within the Postmaster-General's Department. The amendments include the removal of previously established pay scales and additions for this office and the introduction of new salary brackets that range from a minimum yearly rate of £120 to a maximum of £138. These new rates are subject to adjustments based on the work performed and will be set by the Commissioner at intervals of not less than one year. This regulation applies to individuals employed in the specified office within the Commonwealth public service and is intended to ensure fair and consistent remuneration practices across the relevant departments. The geographic scope of the regulation is national, applying to all offices of the Commonwealth public service throughout Australia. There are no exclusions or exemptions specified within the text of this statutory rule, and it is complemented by subordinate instruments that may further detail the application and enforcement of these salary provisions.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this Statutory Rule pertain to the amendment of Regulation 104 under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902, specifically concerning the salary and pay scale for the Office of Groom-in-Charge within the Postmaster-General's Department (sections 1(a) and 1(b)). The regulation removes the previous pay scale details for the Groom-in-Charge and introduces a new set of minimum and maximum yearly rates of pay, along with intervals at which additions to pay may occur. Under the new regulation, the Groom-in-Charge's minimum yearly rate of pay is set at £120, with a maximum yearly rate of £138, and additions to pay are scheduled to occur every year (sections 1(a) and 1(b)). The obligations imposed by this Act require the Postmaster-General's Department to adhere to the new pay scale and intervals for the Groom-in-Charge as outlined in the amended Regulation 104. The Commissioner is mandated to fix salaries between the minimum and maximum rates shown, based on the work performed by the Groom-in-Charge (section 1(a)). Additionally, the regulation explicitly states that no additions to pay are provided for in these cases (section 1(a)). In terms of penalties and consequences for breach, the Statutory Rule does not explicitly outline specific offences or penalties for non-compliance with the amended pay scale and intervals. However, given the legislative context, any failure to adhere to the provisions set out in the Regulation 104 could potentially result in administrative or disciplinary action under the broader framework of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902. This might include remedial measures or further legislative action to ensure compliance with the stipulated pay rates and intervals for the Groom-in-Charge within the Postmaster-General's Department.