Public Service (Parliamentary Officers) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1973 No. 224, made under the Public Service Act 1922-1973, was enacted to address the need for a standardised salary structure for certain officers within the fourth division of the public service, specifically for parliamentary officers. This regulation was introduced by the Governor-General of Australia, acting on the advice of the Executive Council and the recommendation of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The objective of this regulation was to ensure consistency in remuneration across various roles, providing clarity and fairness in the payment of officers within the specified division. The regulation includes a detailed schedule of annual salaries for each designated office, reflecting the various grades and responsibilities within the parliamentary service.

Scope and Application

This legislative instrument pertains to the regulation of salaries for certain officers within the Fourth Division of the Public Service, specifically those employed in parliamentary roles. The regulation operates under the authority of the Public Service Act 1922-1973 and applies to individuals holding specified positions within the parliamentary service. These roles span a range of functions including culinary, maintenance, clerical, technical, and support staff. The regulation specifies detailed annual salary scales for each designated office, reflecting the hierarchical structure and responsibilities associated with each position. Geographically, the regulation applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, aligning with the national scope of the Public Service Act. The regulation does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the prescribed salary scales. The application of this regulation is further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as may be necessary to address changes in public service roles or remuneration structures.

Key Provisions

The Regulation under the Public Service Act 1922-1973, specifically amending the Public Service (Parliamentary Officers) Regulations, sets forth the annual salaries for various positions within the Fourth Division, as detailed in the Second Schedule (Regulation 72(1)). This schedule lists positions from Chef to Cafeteria Attendant, each with a corresponding annual salary or a range of salaries depending on the grade or specific duties of the position. For instance, the Chef's annual salary is set at $7,432, while the Mechanical Maintenance Officer's salary range is between $6,634 and $6,796. These figures are indicative of the remuneration structure for these roles, ensuring consistency and transparency in pay across various grades and responsibilities. The Act imposes clear obligations on the parties it governs, primarily the government entities employing these officers, to adhere to the stipulated salary scales. Employers are required to ensure that the remuneration provided to employees aligns with the specified rates in the Second Schedule. This adherence is crucial for maintaining fairness and equity in the workplace, reflecting the legislative intent to provide a structured and predictable salary framework for parliamentary officers. Moreover, these provisions ensure that all employees are compensated in accordance with their role, experience, and the specific demands of their position. Breach of the stipulated salary provisions could lead to various consequences, including financial penalties or corrective action against the offending party. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the excerpted text, under general legislative principles, non-compliance with salary regulations could result in civil or administrative penalties. These could include fines or other sanctions imposed by relevant authorities to enforce adherence to the legislative mandates. Additionally, failure to comply with these salary provisions might lead to legal challenges from affected employees, seeking redress for underpayment or other discrepancies in remuneration.