Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1976 No. 248, enacted under the Public Service Act 1922, addresses the need to update certain allowances within the Public Service Regulations. This legislative instrument was created by the Public Service Board, acting on the authority conferred by the Public Service Act, and subsequently approved by the Governor-General. The specific problem or gap this regulation aimed to address was the need to revise financial allowances related to low-level flying activities for public service personnel. The regulation was published and notified in the Australian Government Gazette on 17 November 1976, and it reflects the intent to ensure that compensation for specific duties remains fair and reflective of the actual costs incurred by public servants.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1976 No. 248, enacted under the Public Service Act 1922, amends the Public Service Regulations, specifically modifying Regulation 95b to adjust the allowance for low-level flying activities from 45 cents to 70 cents. This amendment applies to all officers within the Commonwealth Public Service who are engaged in low-level flying activities as part of their duties, ensuring that appropriate compensation is provided for such operations. The regulation is a Commonwealth instrument, thereby applying across the entire nation, but does not extend to state or territory public services. It should be noted that the regulation only modifies a specific allowance and does not address broader issues of public service remuneration or operational allowances. Subordinate instruments may further define or restrict the application of this allowance, but the primary focus remains on the adjustment of the specified figure.

Key Provisions

The operative sections of this legislation primarily involve the amendment of Regulation 95b of the Public Service Regulations. The key change here is the adjustment of an allowance for low-level flying activities, where the figure has been increased from 45 cents to 70 cents (Reg. 95b). This means that the revised regulation now provides a higher allowance for such activities within the public service framework. The Act imposes specific obligations on the public service employees and entities involved in low-level flying activities. The increased allowance of 70 cents, as set out in the amended regulation, suggests that there are financial implications that need to be considered. Public servants or entities involved in these activities must ensure that they adhere to the updated allowance requirements, which might affect budgeting and financial planning within the public service. In terms of breaches and consequences, the regulation itself does not explicitly state offences, penalties, or specific consequences for non-compliance. However, general principles under the Public Service Act 1922 would likely apply. Non-compliance with regulations could potentially lead to disciplinary actions, including warnings, fines, or other administrative measures as deemed appropriate by the Public Service Board. The exact penalties would depend on the severity and nature of the breach, as well as the specific provisions of the Public Service Act 1922.