Parliamentary Service (Remuneration) Amendment (Secretary, Department of Parliamentary Services) Determination 2013

Overview

The Parliamentary Service (Remuneration) Amendment (Secretary, Department of Parliamentary Services) Determination 2013, made by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, was enacted to amend the remuneration for the Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services. This amendment was introduced to address the need for periodic updates to the remuneration package for the Secretary, in line with advice from the Remuneration Tribunal regarding general remuneration adjustments. The determination ensures that the remuneration is reviewed and adjusted accordingly, maintaining fairness and consistency in alignment with broader public sector remuneration practices. This determination was made under the authority of subsection 63(1) of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999, reflecting a policy objective to uphold appropriate compensation standards for key administrative roles within the parliamentary service.

Scope and Application

The Parliamentary Service (Remuneration) Amendment (Secretary, Department of Parliamentary Services) Determination 2013 applies to the Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services, a key executive position within the Australian Parliamentary framework. This legislation modifies the remuneration and conditions of appointment for the Secretary, as outlined in the Parliamentary Service Determination Number 1 of 2012. Specifically, it sets the total annual remuneration for the Secretary at $409,600, with the expectation that this figure will be adjusted periodically based on advice from the Remuneration Tribunal regarding general remuneration adjustments. This amendment is effective from 1 July 2013, impacting the financial arrangements for the Secretary and potentially influencing broader salary structures within the Parliamentary Service. The legislation is confined to the federal level, administered by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, thereby ensuring uniformity and consistency in remuneration practices across the Australian Parliamentary system.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this Determination are sections 1 and 2. Section 1 specifies the commencement date of the Determination, which is 1 July 2013 (section 1). Section 2 amends the previous Parliamentary Service Determination Number 1 of 2012 by altering the remuneration clause for the Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services (section 2). Specifically, the Secretary is now eligible for total remuneration of $409,600 per annum, subject to periodic adjustments based on advice from the Remuneration Tribunal (section 2.1). The Determination imposes specific obligations and requirements on the parties involved. It mandates that the Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services will receive an annual remuneration package of $409,600, as stipulated in section 2.1. Additionally, this remuneration is subject to periodic adjustments as advised by the Remuneration Tribunal, ensuring that the remuneration reflects general adjustments in remuneration levels. This amendment ensures that the remuneration conditions are kept up to date in line with broader economic and legislative changes. There are no explicit offences, penalties, or consequences for breach detailed within this Determination. However, it is implied that adherence to the remuneration adjustments and the terms set forth is mandatory. Non-compliance with the stipulated remuneration or the periodic adjustments could potentially lead to legal or administrative consequences, though the specific nature of such consequences is not detailed in the text. The Determination relies on the overarching framework of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 and related legal instruments to enforce compliance and address any breaches.