Overview

The Parliamentary Service (Remuneration) Amendment (Secretary, Department of Parliamentary Services) Determination 2018, made under section 63 of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999, was introduced to amend the remuneration conditions for the Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services. The determination was enacted to address the need for updated salary figures based on advice from the Remuneration Tribunal. The determination, which came into effect on 1 July 2018, was made by the Hon Tony Smith MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Senator the Hon Scott Ryan, President of the Senate. The primary policy objective of this determination is to ensure that the remuneration of the Secretary aligns with current market standards, thereby attracting and retaining qualified individuals for this critical role within the parliamentary services.

Scope and Application

This determination, made under section 63 of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999, amends the remuneration and other conditions of appointment for the Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services. The amendment applies specifically to the Secretary, an individual who holds a key administrative position within the Australian parliamentary services, thereby impacting the remuneration structure for this particular role. The amendment does not extend to any other parliamentary officials or employees, focusing solely on the remuneration of the Secretary. The geographic reach of this legislation is limited to the Commonwealth level, as it pertains to the federal parliamentary system in Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text, and it is clear that the amendment is designed to set the remuneration for the specified role as of 1 July 2018. The determination further details that the base salary for the Secretary is set at $304,280 per annum, with total remuneration amounting to $434,680 per annum, reflecting an updated remuneration package.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Determination (C2018G00655) are sections 1 and 2, with subsections detailing the commencement date and the amendment to the remuneration of the Secretary, Department of Parliamentary Services (subsection 2.1). The commencement date for this Determination is 1 July 2018, as specified in section 1. Section 2 then details the amendment to the remuneration of the Secretary, replacing the previous clause with a new base salary and total remuneration amount. The new base salary is set at $304,280 per annum and the total remuneration at $434,680 per annum, as outlined in subsection 2.1(a) and (b). This Act imposes specific obligations on the Secretary, Department of Parliamentary Services, primarily concerning the remuneration and other conditions of appointment as set out in the Determination. The Secretary must adhere to the newly established remuneration rates, which include a base salary of $304,280 per annum and total remuneration of $434,680 per annum. These figures encompass all aspects of the Secretary’s compensation package and must be reflected accurately in all official records and pay documentation. There are no explicit provisions detailing offences, penalties, or consequences for breach within the text of this Determination. However, non-compliance with remuneration standards set out by the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 and this Determination could lead to legal repercussions under broader employment and public service legislation. Typically, such breaches could result in disciplinary action, financial penalties, or other civil and criminal consequences as prescribed by relevant laws. The maximum penalties would depend on the specific legislation applicable to the breach, such as the Public Service Act 1999 or other relevant statutory provisions.