Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1981 No. 791, made under the Public Service Act 1922, represents an amendment to the Public Service Regulations 1935. These amendments were introduced to refine and streamline the allowances and payments for public service officers. The Public Service Board, empowered by the Public Service Act, enacted these regulations to address inconsistencies and redundancies in the existing allowance structures, ensuring that the public service remains efficient and that officers receive appropriate compensation for their duties. The regulations were approved by the Governor-General, Zelman Cowen, and came into effect on 1 May 1981, marking an update to the operational framework of the public service regulations. The objective of these amendments was to enhance clarity and effectiveness in the administration of allowances and payments, thereby supporting the broader policy goals of the public service.

Scope and Application

The Public Service Regulations 1981 (Amendment) pertain to the adjustments and amendments to the existing Public Service Regulations 1935, applying to all officers within the Commonwealth public service. These Regulations modify various allowances and entitlements, including those related to travel, meal, lodging, and other allowances, in an effort to streamline and update the current system of allowances for public service officers. The changes are made under the authority of the Public Service Act 1922, and the Regulations come into operation on 1 May 1981. The amendments do not explicitly state any exclusions or thresholds, but the changes are specific to the allowances and entitlements outlined in the Regulations themselves. The scope of the Regulations is national, as they apply to the Commonwealth public service, and they may be further refined or extended through subordinate instruments or determinations made under section 82d of the Public Service Act.

Key Provisions

The Public Service Regulations (Amendment) (SR 1981 No. 791) are designed to revise certain allowances and entitlements for public service employees in Australia. Effective from 1 May 1981, these amendments focus on several key areas. For instance, Regulation 68, which previously governed meal allowances, has been repealed (section 2). Similarly, Regulation 75a, which dealt with rates of travelling allowance, has also been repealed (section 4). Additionally, the amendments include changes to the basis of calculation of allowances, specifically by amending sub-regulation (2) of Regulation 75 (section 3). These changes aim to streamline the administrative process and potentially enhance clarity in the application of allowances. The amended regulations impose specific obligations on public service employees and the Public Service Board. For example, the amendments to Regulation 79a (section 6) require that allowances in the event of illness away from headquarters are now calculated differently. Similarly, Regulation 80 (section 7) has been modified to ensure that excess fares allowance while temporarily performing duty away from headquarters is accurately calculated and paid. These changes necessitate that both employees and the Board adhere to the new criteria and procedures outlined in the amended regulations. Failure to comply with the provisions of these regulations may result in legal consequences. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed within the text, breaches of public service regulations generally may attract administrative sanctions, including disciplinary action against the employees involved. Additionally, the Public Service Act 1922, under which these regulations operate, may provide for further penalties for non-compliance, although these are not explicitly stated in the provided text. The overarching aim is to ensure adherence to the updated allowances and entitlements, thereby maintaining the integrity and efficiency of public service operations.