Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1971 No. 1439, enacted under the Public Service Act 1922-1968, was introduced to amend the existing Public Service Regulations, specifically addressing allowances for teachers associated with aboriginal children and those in charge of one-teacher schools. The regulation was issued by the Public Service Board, exercising authority conferred by the Public Service Act, and subsequently approved by the Governor-General in accordance with the Federal Executive Council’s advice. The objective of these amendments was to provide financial recognition for the additional responsibilities and unique challenges faced by teachers in these specific roles, aiming to improve the conditions and support for educators working in these areas.

Scope and Application

The regulation issued under the Public Service Act 1922-1968 applies to teachers employed within the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically those associated with teaching Aboriginal children and those in charge of one-teacher schools. These teachers are subject to the financial allowances outlined in the regulation, which aims to address their unique circumstances and roles within the public service. The regulation applies across the Commonwealth, ensuring consistency in the allowances provided to teachers in different states and territories. The regulation does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, implying that all teachers meeting the criteria are entitled to the allowances. Furthermore, the regulation may be subject to amendments through subordinate instruments, ensuring that it remains relevant and effective in addressing the needs of teachers within the public service sector.

Key Provisions

The regulation amends the Public Service Regulations to adjust allowances for certain teachers working with Aboriginal children and in one-teacher schools. Specifically, under the amended regulation, a teacher of Grade 1 who is associated with the teaching of Aboriginal children shall receive an allowance of $135.00 per annum (Regulation 2a(1)). Additionally, a teacher of Grade 1 who is in charge of a one-teacher school shall receive an additional allowance of $350.00 per annum on top of the allowance specified for teaching Aboriginal children (Regulation 2a(2)). These allowances are intended to recognise the specific duties and challenges faced by teachers in these roles. The obligations imposed by this regulation are primarily administrative. Educational institutions and relevant authorities must ensure that the appropriate allowances are calculated and disbursed to eligible teachers. This involves accurate record-keeping and verification of the teachers' roles and responsibilities to ensure compliance with the regulation. Institutions must also keep abreast of any further amendments or updates to the regulation to maintain compliance. Breach of these regulations could lead to non-compliance issues, but the regulation itself does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for non-compliance. However, given the regulatory nature of the Public Service Act 1922-1968, failure to adhere to the stipulated allowances might result in administrative sanctions, such as fines or other corrective measures, depending on the specific provisions of the Act. The exact penalties would be determined based on the broader framework provided by the Public Service Act and any applicable administrative guidelines or decisions.