Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1925 No. 131, titled "Regulations Under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1924 (Thirty-Third Amendment, 1925)," was introduced to amend the existing Commonwealth Public Service Regulations. Enacted by the Board of Commissioners under the authority of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1924, these regulations were approved by the Governor-General and came into effect on 1 July 1924. The amendments, aimed at addressing specific gaps in the existing salary structure for public servants, involved changes to the age-related salary increments as outlined in Regulation 105. This legislative instrument was designed to ensure that the remuneration of public servants was adjusted to reflect changes in the economic environment and to maintain fair compensation standards within the public sector.

Scope and Application

The 1925 Statutory Rules, specifically No. 131, represents an amendment to the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1924. This legislative instrument pertains to the Board of Commissioners, which is responsible for executing the authority granted by the Act and making regulatory adjustments. The changes outlined in these regulations are effective from 1st July 1924, following the approval of the Governor-General. Regulation 105 has been specifically amended to alter the salary scales for Commonwealth public servants based on their age, impacting the remuneration structure for employees aged 18 to 21 years. This adjustment reflects the broader intent of the Commonwealth Public Service Act to maintain and improve the conditions of service within the public sector.

Key Provisions

The primary provision of this Statutory Rule, specifically the thirty-third amendment, pertains to the amendment of Regulation 105 of the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations. This regulation outlines the salary scales for public servants based on age. The amendment modifies the salary figures for individuals at various ages, specifically from 18 to 21 years (Regulation 105(5)(d)). Previously, the salary increments were set at £90 for those under 18 years, £102 at 18 years, £120 at 19 years, £144 at 20 years, and £162 at 21 years. These figures have been altered to £90 for those under 18 years, £114 at 18 years, £132 at 19 years, £156 at 20 years, and £162 at 21 years. Under this legislation, the obligations imposed on the relevant parties primarily revolve around the adherence to the new salary scales as outlined in the amended Regulation 105. Public servants who fall within the age brackets specified must be compensated according to the newly set rates, effective from 1 July 1924. The Board of Commissioners, as the governing body responsible for making these amendments, ensures that these changes are implemented correctly and fairly across the public service. Failure to comply with the amended Regulation 105 may result in various legal consequences. While the specific civil or criminal penalties are not detailed within the text of the Statutory Rule, non-compliance could potentially lead to legal disputes or administrative penalties under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922-1924. The Board of Commissioners, in its capacity, would likely address any breaches through internal administrative processes, ensuring that public servants receive the correct remuneration as stipulated by the law.