Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1910, No. 124, represents a regulation made under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902. This legislative instrument was enacted to revise the criteria and requirements for examinations for certain public service positions, specifically targeting roles such as telegraph messengers and telephonists. The regulation aims to ensure that individuals appointed to these positions possess the necessary skills, particularly in spelling, handwriting, and arithmetic, which are crucial for their respective duties. By establishing a clear benchmark for qualification and subsequent eligibility for transfer or promotion, the regulation seeks to maintain high standards of competency within the public service. The regulation was introduced by the Governor-General in Council, following the advice of the relevant Minister, to address the need for a standardised examination process for public service appointments. The policy objective is to streamline the selection process for certain positions, ensuring that candidates are adequately assessed and qualified for their roles, which in turn supports the efficient functioning of public service operations. This legislative measure underscores the commitment to maintaining a skilled and competent public service workforce.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1910 No. 124, made under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902, pertain specifically to the subjects of examination for candidates applying for certain positions within the public service, such as telegraph messengers, telephonists, or other roles deemed not to require a special examination by the Commissioner. This regulation applies to all candidates who meet the criteria of these positions and mandates that the examination subjects are those specified in Regulation No. 198. Applicants who achieve half of the maximum number of marks in each specified subject are to be declared qualified for appointment. However, for telegraph messengers, the requirement is more stringent, as they must secure half of the maximum marks in both spelling and handwriting, with their order of merit determined by their marks in these subjects and arithmetic. Furthermore, telegraph messengers who do not achieve the required marks in arithmetic at their entrance examination are ineligible for transfer or promotion in the General Division until they achieve the necessary marks in a subsequent examination. This regulation extends across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Commissioner under the authority granted by the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902.

Key Provisions

The principal operative sections of this regulation under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902, as outlined in Regulation 202, establish the subjects and criteria for examination for candidates seeking positions such as telegraph messenger, telephonist, or any other office where a special examination is deemed unnecessary by the Commissioner. Specifically, Regulation 202 (1) states that the subjects for examination are those specified in Regulation No. 198. Candidates must attain at least half of the maximum marks in each subject to be declared qualified for appointment. For telegraph messengers, additional criteria include obtaining half the maximum marks in spelling and handwriting, with their merit ranking determined by their scores in these subjects and arithmetic. Regulation 202 (2) further mandates that if a telegraph messenger does not secure half the maximum marks in arithmetic during their entrance examination, they will be ineligible for transfer or promotion in the General Division until they achieve the required marks in a subsequent examination. To address this, annual examinations in arithmetic will be held to enable eligible transfers or promotions. The obligations imposed by this regulation on the parties or entities it governs are primarily centred around the examination process and the qualifications required for appointment. Candidates must prepare for and successfully complete the specified examinations, achieving the minimum required marks in each subject. For telegraph messengers, this means ensuring they obtain at least half the maximum marks in spelling, handwriting, and arithmetic. Additionally, the regulation imposes an obligation on the Commissioner to conduct examinations and assess candidates based on their performance in the specified subjects. The regulation also places a responsibility on the relevant authorities to ensure that annual examinations in arithmetic are held to allow eligible candidates to meet the required criteria for transfer or promotion. The regulation stipulates consequences for non-compliance with its provisions. While the regulation does not explicitly list specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breach, it is implied that failure to meet the examination criteria or obtain the required marks could result in disqualification from appointment or promotion. For telegraph messengers, failing to achieve the necessary marks in arithmetic could lead to ineligibility for transfer or promotion until the required marks are obtained in a subsequent examination. The regulation does not specify maximum penalties, but the consequences of non-compliance are significant, impacting the candidate's career progression within the public service.