Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1971 No. 19, made under the Public Service Act 1922-1968, introduces a regulation amending the Public Service Regulations concerning the allowance for officers and employees using their bicycles for official purposes. Enacted by the Public Service Board and approved by the Governor-General, this legislative instrument addresses the need to provide a clear and formalised allowance structure for those employees who use their bicycles in the course of their duties. The policy objective behind this regulation is to ensure that public servants are adequately compensated for the use of their personal bicycles in official capacities, thereby encouraging environmentally friendly commuting options while maintaining fair remuneration practices within the public sector. The regulation specifies that where an officer or employee uses their bicycle for official purposes, they are to be paid an allowance of $0.50 for each day of use, or $2.00 if the bicycle is used on four or more working days in a week, provided the Chief Officer has granted approval. This amendment replaces the previous regulation to provide a more straightforward and consistent allowance structure, ensuring that employees are compensated fairly for utilising their bicycles for work-related travel.

Scope and Application

This statutory rule, published under the authority of the Public Service Act 1922-1968, amends the Public Service Regulations by repealing Regulation 92 and inserting a new regulation regarding a bicycle allowance for officers or employees who use their bicycles for official purposes with the approval of the Chief Officer. Specifically, the new regulation provides that an officer or employee is entitled to be paid an allowance of $0.50 for each day they use their bicycle for official purposes, or $2.00 if they use their bicycle for four or more working days in a week. The regulation applies to all officers or employees who use their bicycles for official purposes within the Commonwealth of Australia and is subject to the approval of the Governor-General. The regulation does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, and its application is not extended or restricted through subordinate instruments. The regulation is effective from the date of its publication in the Commonwealth Gazette. The regulation is part of a series of amendments to the Public Service Regulations, which have been made over time to keep the regulations up to date and relevant to the changing needs of the public service. The regulation is one of several amendments made to the Public Service Regulations in 1971, reflecting the ongoing evolution of the public service and the need to adapt regulations to reflect changes in technology, work practices, and other factors. The regulation is binding on all officers and employees who use their bicycles for official purposes within the Commonwealth of Australia, and failure to comply with the regulation may result in disciplinary action or other consequences.

Key Provisions

The key operative section of this legislation is Regulation 92, which replaces the previous regulation and sets out the allowance that an officer or employee is entitled to if they use their bicycle for official purposes. According to section 92, if an officer or employee uses their bicycle for official purposes with the approval of the Chief Officer, they are entitled to an allowance of $0.50 for each day they use their bicycle or $2.00 if they use it on four or more working days in a week. This regulation imposes certain obligations and requirements on both officers, employees, and the Chief Officer. Officers or employees must seek and obtain approval from the Chief Officer before using their bicycle for official purposes. Once approval is granted, they must keep accurate records of the days they use their bicycle for official purposes to ensure they receive the correct allowance. The Chief Officer, on the other hand, is responsible for approving or denying requests from officers or employees to use their bicycles for official purposes. There are no specific offences, penalties, or civil or criminal consequences outlined in this regulation for breach. However, failure to comply with the requirements and obligations set out in the regulation may result in the officer or employee not receiving the allowance they are entitled to. It is important to note that this regulation is a legislative instrument and is subject to the approval of the Governor-General, which was granted in this case. Overall, this regulation provides a clear and straightforward allowance for officers and employees who use their bicycles for official purposes, subject to approval from the Chief Officer.