Public Accounts Committee Regulations 1953 (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1960, No. 66, made under the Public Accounts Committee Act 1951, establish the regulations for allowances and other matters related to the Public Accounts Committee. Enacted by the Governor-General in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, these regulations address the need to update and clarify the allowances provided to the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and members of the Public Accounts Committee for travel and residence during the performance of their duties. The objective is to ensure the regulations are consistent with the legislative intent of the Public Accounts Committee Act 1951, providing a clear framework for the allowances that can be claimed by the committee members.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Public Accounts Committee Act 1951, specifically Statutory Rules 1960 No. 66, apply to the members of the Public Accounts Committee in their capacity as public servants. These regulations govern the allowances and conditions under which the Committee members are entitled to travel reimbursements. The regulations pertain to Commonwealth entities and individuals directly involved in the activities of the Public Accounts Committee, such as the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and members of the Committee. Geographically, the application of these regulations is limited to the national jurisdiction of Australia, primarily concerning travel within and to and from the national capital, Canberra. The regulations include specific exclusions such as the non-payment of allowances if the Committee member does not need to be absent overnight from their ordinary residence, or if travel occurs outside specified hours. The regulations also extend their application through subordinate instruments, which may further define the scope and conditions of allowances based on the specific duties and travel requirements of the Committee members.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these regulations, found under the Public Accounts Committee Act 1951, primarily amend the prescribed allowances for travel. Section 2(1)(a) modifies the rates of travel allowances for members of the Public Accounts Committee. Specifically, it sets the allowance at four pounds for each day or part of a day for travel to or from Canberra and four pounds four shillings for each day or part of a day for any other travel. Section 2(1)(b) further amends the regulations by changing the allowance rates to one pound per day or part of a day for travel to or from Canberra and one pound one shilling for any other travel. Additionally, sections 2(5) to 2(8) establish conditions under which these allowances are not payable, such as if a member is not required to be absent overnight or if travel begins after 8 PM or ends before 8 AM. These regulations impose specific obligations on the members of the Public Accounts Committee regarding their travel allowances. They must adhere to the new rates and conditions specified in the amended regulations, ensuring they do not claim allowances for travel that does not meet the criteria set out, such as travel that does not require an overnight absence or travel that starts after 8 PM or ends before 8 AM. These obligations are detailed in sections 2(1) to 2(8) and are crucial for maintaining transparency and fairness in the allowance claims process. There are no explicit provisions detailing offences, penalties, or civil or criminal consequences for breaching these regulations. However, the nature of the Public Accounts Committee and the oversight it exercises implies a strong expectation of compliance. Failure to adhere to the stipulated conditions for travel allowances could potentially lead to investigations and scrutiny from the Committee itself, which might result in recommendations or other forms of accountability, although these are not detailed in the text of the regulations.