Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1969 No. 139 under the Public Service Act 1922-1968 were enacted to amend the Public Service Regulations concerning salaries payable to officers within the Public Service. The Public Service Board, exercising its authority under the Act, made these regulations, subject to the approval of the Governor-General. The objective of these regulations is to adjust the salary rates for certain officers, including those in the Third Division, and to establish new allowances for teachers associated with aboriginal children and those in charge of one-teacher schools. The regulations were approved by the Governor-General on 27 December 1969, following the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and were notified in the Commonwealth Gazette on the same date. These amendments aim to ensure that the salary structure remains equitable and reflective of the roles and responsibilities within the Public Service.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1969 No. 139, made under the Public Service Act 1922-1968, pertains to the amendment of the Public Service Regulations, particularly concerning salaries payable to officers of the Third Division. The regulations apply to officers within the Commonwealth public service, specifically those in the Third Division, including Teacher-in-training officers. These amendments affect the rates of annual salary and allowances based on gender and age for Teacher-in-training officers, as well as adjustments to the salary scales for various grades of teachers. The regulations also introduce specific allowances for teachers associated with aboriginal children and those in charge of one-teacher schools. Geographically, these regulations apply across the Commonwealth of Australia, as they are federal regulations. There are no explicit exclusions mentioned within these regulations, but they operate within the framework set by the overarching Public Service Act and other related laws. The Public Service Board, with the approval of the Governor-General, has the authority to make these amendments, extending their application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Statutory Rules 1969 No. 134, under the Public Service Act 1922-1968, introduces several amendments to the Public Service Regulations, primarily concerning the salaries of officers in the Third Division, specifically those who are Teacher-in-training (Regulation 105(6c)). These amendments establish new age-specific salary rates for both male and female Teacher-in-training officers (Regulation 105(6c)(a), (b)) and adjust the salary tables accordingly (Fourth Schedule, Group 85). Furthermore, the Regulations modify the allowances for teachers associated with certain teaching duties, including an allowance for teachers of Aboriginal children and those in charge of one-teacher schools (Fifth Schedule, Items 2a(1) and 2a(2)). The amendments impose clear obligations on the Public Service Board and the relevant officers. For instance, the Board must ensure the updated salary rates and allowances are correctly applied and documented (Regulation 105(6c)). Teacher-in-training officers must adhere to the new salary structures based on their age and gender, as specified in the updated regulations (Regulation 105(6c)(a), (b)). Additionally, teachers who meet the criteria for specific allowances, such as those teaching Aboriginal children or managing one-teacher schools, must ensure they are correctly claiming these additional payments (Fifth Schedule, Items 2a(1), 2a(2)). Failure to comply with the provisions set out in these Regulations may lead to various consequences. While the Regulations themselves do not explicitly detail penalties for non-compliance, breaches of public service regulations generally may result in disciplinary action, financial penalties, or other administrative consequences as prescribed by the Public Service Act 1922-1968. These potential consequences underscore the importance of adhering to the stipulated salary and allowance structures.