Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1907, No. 69, introduced under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902, outlines amendments to the Public Service Regulations aimed at enhancing the quality and efficiency of public service roles, specifically those of Telephone Attendants. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, this regulation responds to the identified need for stringent qualifications for telephone attendants to ensure they possess the necessary skills for effective communication and operational duties. By mandating tests for clearness of speech and acuteness of hearing, as well as practical efficiency in switchboard operation, the regulation seeks to maintain high standards within the public service, ensuring that appointees are both competent and reliable in their roles. This legislative instrument underscores the commitment to professional integrity and operational efficacy within the public sector.

Scope and Application

The amendment to Regulation 231 under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902 pertains to the appointment, testing, and suitability criteria for individuals holding or aspiring to hold the position of Telephone Attendant within the Commonwealth Public Service. This regulation applies to all persons appointed to the role of Telephone Attendant, requiring them to undergo a specific competency test three months post-appointment. The test assesses their clearness of speech and acuteness of hearing, as well as their practical efficiency in operating a telephone switchboard. Failure to pass this test results in the annulment of their appointment. Furthermore, the amendment stipulates that no officer shall be transferred or promoted to the office of Telephone Attendant unless they have successfully passed a similar competency test in clearness of speech and acuteness of hearing and are deemed suitable for the duties associated with the position. This regulation is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring a uniform standard for telephone attendants within the public service. The amendment does not specify any exclusions or exemptions and extends the existing requirements for the role through the subordinate instrument of the Public Service Regulations.

Key Provisions

The legislative instrument (C1907L00069) introduces amendments to the Public Service Regulation 231 under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902. Specifically, it adds new requirements for individuals appointed as Telephone Attendants within the public service. Section 1 of the regulation states that every person appointed to the position of Telephone Attendant must undergo a test within three months of their appointment. This test is to evaluate their clearness of speech and acuteness of hearing over a telephone line, as well as their practical efficiency in operating a telephone switchboard (Reg 231(a) and (b)). Failure to pass this test results in the annulment of their appointment. Additionally, section 2 of the regulation stipulates that any officer who is to be transferred or promoted to the position of Telephone Attendant must pass a similar test in clearness of speech and acuteness of hearing and must be deemed suitable for the duties of the position (Reg 231(c)). Under this regulation, the primary obligations imposed on the parties involved are stringent testing requirements for Telephone Attendants. The Chief Officer or a designated nominee is responsible for conducting these tests. The regulation mandates that all new appointees to the role of Telephone Attendant must pass a comprehensive test within three months of their appointment. This test includes assessing their speech clarity, hearing acuity over a telephone line, and practical proficiency in operating a telephone switchboard. Furthermore, any officer aspiring to be transferred or promoted to the role of Telephone Attendant must also successfully complete a similar test and meet the suitability criteria for the role. The legislative instrument outlines clear consequences for non-compliance with the testing requirements. Section 3 of the regulation specifies that if a person fails to pass the required test within the stipulated timeframe, their appointment as a Telephone Attendant will be annulled (Reg 231(d)). This means that the individual will lose their position if they do not meet the specified standards. Additionally, an officer who fails to pass the requisite test or is not deemed suitable for the role will not be eligible for transfer or promotion to the position of Telephone Attendant. While the regulation does not explicitly state maximum penalties for breaches, the consequence of losing one's appointment is severe and serves as a significant deterrent.