Public Service (Parliamentary Officers) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1956 No. 57, Regulations under the Public Service Act 1922-1955, were enacted to amend the Public Service (Parliamentary Officers) Regulations, addressing the need for updated salary structures within the public service. These Regulations were made by the Governor-General on the advice of the Federal Executive Council and upon the recommendation of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The primary policy objective of these amendments was to adjust the salary scales for parliamentary officers, specifically targeting officers in the Second, Third, and Fourth Divisions, thereby ensuring that their remuneration reflects changes in the broader public service salary framework. The Regulations were deemed to have come into operation on 7 June 1956, marking the official implementation of these salary adjustments.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules of 1956, No. 57, under the Public Service Act 1922-1955, specifically amend the Public Service (Parliamentary Officers) Regulations. These amendments, effective from 7 June 1956, introduce changes to the salary structure for officers in the Second, Third, and Fourth Divisions. The regulations pertain to parliamentary officers, affecting their remuneration based on age and gender. The amendments extend to modifying existing sub-regulations to incorporate the increased salary rates as per the new provisions. The legislative instrument applies at the Commonwealth level, impacting federal parliamentary officers. There are no explicit exclusions mentioned in the text, but the changes are targeted towards specific classes of officers, as outlined in the regulations. Subordinate instruments may further refine the application of these salary variations, ensuring clarity and consistency in their implementation.

Key Provisions

These Regulations, which came into effect on 7 June 1956, amend the Public Service (Parliamentary Officers) Regulations by introducing a new Part V (section 2). This new part pertains to the variation of salary for officers of the Second, Third, and Fourth Divisions. Specifically, Regulation 73 sets out the annual salary increases for male and female officers based on their age categories, ranging from £12 for those under 18 years to £24 for male officers aged 21 years or over (section 4). The Regulations impose specific obligations on the parties they govern. For instance, they require the Parliamentary Head to determine conditions of advancement under section 32 of the Act to ensure that officers who meet these conditions are paid the appropriate salary rates (section 4(2)(a)). Additionally, officers under the age of 21 who occupy offices where age-specific salary rates are not prescribed will have their salaries adjusted as if they had reached the age of 21 (section 4(2)(b)). Similarly, officers under 20 years who meet certain criteria outlined in sub-regulation (8) of Regulation 71 will also see their salaries adjusted as if they had reached the age of 20 (section 4(3)). The Regulations do not explicitly detail offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach. However, any failure to adhere to the stipulated salary increases and conditions of advancement could potentially lead to disputes or legal challenges regarding the correct application of salary rates. Such breaches might be addressed under the broader framework of the Public Service Act 1922-1955 or other relevant employment legislation, although the specific penalties would depend on the context and the manner in which the breach occurred.