Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1960, No. 93, which includes Regulations under the Public Service Act 1922-1960, was enacted to provide for the administrative and operational standards within the Australian Public Service, addressing issues such as allowances and other administrative practices. The Public Service Board, acting under the authority conferred by the Public Service Act, made these regulations subject to the approval of the Governor-General. Once approved by the Governor-General and with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, these regulations were notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on 10th November 1960. The primary objective of these regulations is to ensure that the allowances for public servants are updated to reflect current economic conditions, thereby maintaining the integrity and efficiency of public service operations.

Scope and Application

The Regulations under the Public Service Act 1922-1960 apply to officers and employees of the Commonwealth public service, impacting their entitlements to allowances and other benefits. These regulations establish the parameters for meal allowances, travelling allowances, and allowances for officers performing relieving duties or working within defined districts, as well as allowances for Veterinary Officers and Meat Inspectors. The regulations have a national reach, applying across the Commonwealth of Australia, and are subject to amendment through subordinate instruments. Notably, the regulations do not explicitly state exclusions, but allowances are contingent on the officer's status and the reasonableness of the expenses incurred. The amendments outlined in the statutory rules modify existing allowances, primarily increasing the rates to reflect changes in economic conditions and the cost of living.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of these Regulations under the Public Service Act 1922-1960 are focused on amending existing regulations pertaining to meal allowances, travelling allowances, and allowances for officers performing relieving duties or working within defined districts (Regulations 1, 2, 3 and 4). Regulation 1 amends the meal allowance by increasing it from Eight shillings to Nine shillings. Regulation 2 modifies the rates of travelling allowances, establishing new daily allowances based on salary levels and location. Regulation 3 adjusts the allowances for officers performing relieving duties or working within defined districts, removing a previous reference to regulation 75A and introducing a new table for daily and weekly allowances. Regulation 4 revises the allowances for Veterinary Officers and Meat Inspectors, updating the daily and weekly rates for both unmarried and married officers. The Regulations impose several obligations and requirements on officers and employees of the public service. For example, officers must now be paid meal allowances of Nine shillings, as opposed to the previous Eight shillings (Regulation 1). Travelling allowances are adjusted based on the officer's salary and location, with specific rates set out in Regulation 2. Officers performing relieving duties or working within defined districts must be paid allowances according to the new table provided in Regulation 3. Veterinary Officers and Meat Inspectors must be paid allowances according to the updated rates in Regulation 4. There are no explicit provisions in these Regulations detailing offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach. However, non-compliance with the Public Service Act 1922-1960 or its regulations may result in disciplinary action, as outlined in the Act itself or in other relevant legislation. The Public Service Act may include provisions for penalties and consequences for non-compliance, such as fines, dismissal from service, or other appropriate disciplinary measures. It is essential for officers and employees to adhere to these Regulations to avoid any potential repercussions under the Public Service Act or other relevant legislation.