Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Fifth Amendment, 1921) was enacted to address the need for a specific classification of officers within the Radio-telegraph Branch of the Postmaster-General’s Department. The regulation introduces new classifications and salary structures for certain positions within this branch, including Deputy Director, Assistant Deputy Director, and Engineers, with corresponding salary brackets and annual increments. The amendment was made under the authority of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1918 and was brought into effect on 28 October 1920. The policy objective was to ensure that the Radio-telegraph Branch's officers were appropriately compensated and classified, thereby enhancing efficiency and accountability within the department.

Scope and Application

The Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Fifth Amendment, 1921) applies specifically to officers of the Radio-telegraph Branch of the Postmaster-General’s Department, classifying them into different salary classes and outlining the corresponding minimum and maximum salaries as well as the increments for each class. This legislation, which came into operation on 28th October 1920, amends the existing Public Service Regulations by inserting a new regulation to cater to the unique needs of this branch. The regulation also stipulates that increments for certain classes are subject to approval by the Commissioner, based on the conduct, diligence, and efficiency of the officers as reported by the Chief Officer. The amendment is made under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1918 and applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, as it is a regulation made by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of this legislative instrument, the Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Fifth Amendment, 1921), include the introduction of a new regulation (114a) that specifically addresses the classification and salary structure of officers within the Radio-telegraph Branch of the Postmaster-General’s Department. This regulation delineates the salary ranges and classification criteria for various positions, such as Deputy Director, Assistant Deputy Director, and Engineers, with different classes ranging from B to F. Each class has specified minimum and maximum salary levels, as well as details about the increments that officers may receive based on their performance and conduct. Under this Act, officers in the Radio-telegraph Branch are subject to specific classification criteria that determine their salary and potential for increments. The Deputy Director falls under Class B, with a salary range of £606 to £678, and may receive increments determined by the Commissioner based on a report from the Chief Officer. Assistant Deputy Directors and Engineers are classified under Classes D, E, and F, each with defined salary brackets and annual increments subject to the approval of the Commissioner upon the Chief Officer’s report. This regulation also stipulates that increments for officers in Classes D, E, and F must be annual, while increments for Class B officers may be granted at intervals of no less than twelve months. Failure to adhere to the provisions of this regulation could result in various consequences, although the document does not explicitly state penalties or sanctions for non-compliance. However, it is reasonable to infer that any breaches of the classification and increment guidelines could lead to administrative actions, potentially including the review and adjustment of salary structures or disciplinary measures against officers or department heads who fail to follow the prescribed protocols. The precise nature of any penalties would likely be governed by additional regulations or the overarching framework of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902-1918.