Commonwealth Public Service Regulations (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Provisional Regulation under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902, numbered 1906. No. 80, was introduced to address the need for flexibility in the public service regulations, specifically to allow for the provision of certain allowances to officers for the use of bicycles for official purposes. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, this regulation was issued under the urgent circumstances outlined in the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902. The objective of this legislative instrument is to amend the Public Service Regulation 163a by allowing the Permanent Head to authorize payments of allowances up to £4 per annum to officers for the use of bicycles, thus enabling a more efficient and practical approach to the use of public service resources. This amendment underscores the intention to provide necessary support to officers in carrying out their duties effectively, thereby enhancing operational capabilities within the public service framework.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Regulation under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902, as outlined in Statutory Rules 1906, No. 80, pertains to the amendment of Public Service Regulation 163a. This regulation applies to officers within the Commonwealth public service, granting the Permanent Head the authority to approve payments of allowances up to £4 per annum for the use of bicycles for official purposes. The regulation serves to enhance the operational efficiency of the public service by facilitating the use of bicycles, thereby offering a modest financial incentive to officers who choose to use bicycles for their duties. The application of this regulation is confined to the Commonwealth public service, impacting personnel directly employed by the federal government. There are no explicit exclusions or thresholds stated in the regulation itself, though the scope of allowances is strictly limited to £4 per annum per officer. The regulation's immediate operation underscores its urgency and necessity in addressing operational needs within the public service.

Key Provisions

The main operative section of this Statutory Rules document, C1906L00080, is the amendment to Public Service Regulation 163a (1), which introduces a new allowance for the use of bicycles for official purposes. Under this amendment, the Permanent Head of a department is now authorised to permit payments to officers for bicycle allowances, not exceeding £4 per annum for each case (1). This means that if an officer uses a bicycle for official duties, they may be eligible for a financial allowance up to the specified limit. The obligations and requirements imposed by this regulation on the parties involved, primarily the Permanent Head and officers of the public service, are relatively straightforward. The Permanent Head must exercise their authority to authorize these allowances within the stipulated limit of £4 per annum (1). Officers, on the other hand, must ensure that they meet the criteria for receiving such allowances, typically involving the use of bicycles for official purposes. Both parties need to adhere to any additional guidelines or conditions that may be specified in the broader administrative framework of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902. As for the potential offences, penalties, or consequences for breach of these provisions, the Statutory Rules document does not explicitly outline specific penalties within the text. However, it is likely that any breaches of the regulations would be subject to the general disciplinary and administrative measures provided under the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902. This could include formal disciplinary action against officers or administrative penalties against the Permanent Head for improper authorization of allowances. The specific consequences would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as governed by the overarching legislative framework.