Overview

The Parliamentary Service (Remuneration) Amendment (Secretary, Department of Parliamentary Services) Determination 2023, made under section 63 of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999, was enacted to address the need for revised remuneration conditions for the Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services. This amendment, issued by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, reflects the advice of the Remuneration Tribunal and seeks to ensure that the remuneration of the Secretary remains commensurate with the responsibilities and demands of the role. The primary objective of this amendment is to align the Secretary’s remuneration with the current market standards and to provide appropriate compensation for the duties undertaken in this significant position within the Parliamentary Service. The determination sets out a new base salary and total remuneration for the Secretary, effective from 1 July 2023.

Scope and Application

This determination, made under the authority of section 63 of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999, applies specifically to the Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services. It amends the remuneration and other conditions of appointment for this particular position. The scope of the legislation is confined to the federal level, as it pertains to the Commonwealth's parliamentary system and the remuneration of a key officer within that system. The changes set out in the Determination commence on 1 July 2023 and are effective in the context of the Australian federal jurisdiction. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the scope of this particular amendment; it is a direct modification to the remuneration clause for the Secretary, Department of Parliamentary Services. Any further extensions or restrictions to this amendment would be detailed in subordinate instruments, although no such instruments are mentioned in the provided text.

Key Provisions

This Determination amends the remuneration and conditions for the Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services. Specifically, Clause 2.1 of the Determination, which repeals the previous clause, establishes the Secretary’s base salary at $331,670 and total remuneration at $473,780 (Section 2.1). This change updates the financial compensation for the Secretary, reflecting adjustments made to align with the Remuneration Tribunal's advice. The parties governed by this Act, particularly the Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services, must adhere to the new remuneration and conditions outlined in this Determination. The Secretary is now entitled to a base salary of $331,670 and a total remuneration package of $473,780. These provisions ensure that the Secretary’s compensation is up to date and reflective of the roles and responsibilities associated with the position. Failure to comply with the remuneration provisions set forth in this Determination may result in legal consequences. Although the Act does not explicitly detail offences or penalties for breach, any non-compliance could potentially lead to civil or administrative actions. The consequences could include enforcement actions by relevant authorities or disputes being brought before the courts, which could result in penalties or corrective measures being imposed. It is important for the Secretary, the Department of Parliamentary Services, and other relevant parties to ensure full compliance with the updated remuneration conditions to avoid any legal repercussions. The updated remuneration is a statutory requirement, and adherence to it is crucial for maintaining the integrity and functionality of the parliamentary service framework.