Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Public Service Board, acting under the authority conferred by the Public Service Act 1922-1958, made these regulations subject to the approval of the Governor-General. These regulations were approved by the Governor-General on 11 September 1958. The purpose of these regulations is to amend the Public Service Regulations and address specific issues such as travelling allowances, allowances for officers performing relieving duties or working within defined districts, and allowances to veterinary officers and meat inspectors. These amendments were enacted to ensure that officers do not lose their salary while acting in certain capacities and to update the rates of travelling allowances and other specified allowances.

Scope and Application

These Regulations, made under the Public Service Act 1922-1958, apply to the Commonwealth public service, encompassing officers employed by the government. The amendments pertain to various allowances such as travelling allowances, allowances for officers performing relieving duties, and allowances for veterinary officers and meat inspectors. The amendments adjust the rates of these allowances to reflect changes in salary scales and other relevant factors. These Regulations have a national reach, applying to all Commonwealth public servants regardless of their location within Australia. The Regulations do not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, suggesting that the amended allowances apply broadly to the specified categories of officers. Subordinate instruments may further define or extend the application of these allowances as necessary.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of these Regulations under the Public Service Act 1922-1958 modify existing regulations concerning various allowances for public service officers. Specifically, section 2 alters the salary retention for officers serving on the Joint Council or a Classification Committee, ensuring they do not lose their salary during their service (Regulation 72p). Section 3 revises the rates of travelling allowances for officers based on their salary and location, whether in capital cities or elsewhere (Regulation 75a). Section 4 specifies the travelling allowance for officers involved in specific duties, such as members of an Appeal Board, a Board of Inquiry, a Classification Committee, or the Joint Council (Regulation 75a). Section 5 updates the allowances for officers performing relieving duties or working within defined districts, depending on the length of their continuous residence at a temporary station (Regulation 76). Section 6 and 7 amend the allowances for Veterinary Officers and Meat Inspectors, changing the eligibility criteria and the allowance rates (Regulation 79b). These Regulations impose specific obligations on public service officers and the Public Service Board. Officers serving on the Joint Council or a Classification Committee must adhere to the updated salary retention rules, ensuring they continue to receive their salary during their service. Officers travelling for duty must comply with the revised travelling allowance rates, which vary based on their salary, location, and specific duties. Officers performing relieving duties or working within defined districts must follow the new allowances based on the duration of their continuous residence at a temporary station. Veterinary Officers and Meat Inspectors must meet the new eligibility criteria and receive the appropriate allowances as specified in the Regulations. Breaches of these Regulations may lead to various consequences, although the specific penalties are not detailed in the text provided. Generally, non-compliance with public service regulations can result in disciplinary actions, financial penalties, or other administrative consequences as prescribed by the Public Service Act 1922-1958 or other relevant legislation. The maximum penalties, if applicable, would be determined by the specific nature of the breach and the provisions of the governing Acts and Regulations.