Public Service Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Public Service Regulations 1967 were enacted by the Public Service Board under the authority of the Public Service Act 1922-1967. These regulations aimed to address specific allowances for officers in remote or challenging work environments, such as Broken Hill, by providing supplementary financial support. The regulations were approved by the Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and subsequently endorsed by the Governor-General. One of the key policy objectives of these amendments was to ensure that officers undertaking arduous duties, such as those requiring extended periods of camping out away from their base, received appropriate financial compensation to reflect the conditions of their service. The regulations introduced new allowances for officers stationed in Broken Hill and modified existing provisions to include additional payments for officers who camped out for extended periods on duty.

Scope and Application

The Public Service Regulations 1967, made under the Public Service Act 1922-1967, apply to officers, which include employees, of the Commonwealth public service. The regulations cover allowances for officers stationed in specific locations, such as Broken Hill, and for those required to camp out during tours of duty. These allowances are in addition to any other payments or allowances provided under the regulations. The amendments and insertions to the regulations introduce a new division concerning the Broken Hill Allowance and modify existing provisions to include a camping and lodging allowance for officers who camp out for at least thirty days while on duty. The regulations are applicable on a national level within Australia, as they pertain to the Commonwealth public service. The regulations do not explicitly state exclusions or thresholds, but they do specify the conditions under which the allowances are applicable. The application and interpretation of these regulations may be further refined through subordinate instruments, which can provide additional detail or clarification on the allowances and their application.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these Regulations under the Public Service Act 1922-1967 introduce new allowances for officers stationed in remote areas, specifically Broken Hill, and amend existing provisions for officers required to camp out during tours of duty. Regulation 2 establishes a new Division VI—Broken Hill Allowance (Regulation 103b), which provides an annual allowance for officers stationed at Broken Hill, varying by age and marital status. Regulation 89 is amended to include a new sub-regulation (5a), which provides an additional allowance for officers who camp out for at least thirty days while on tour of duty, at a rate of $1.50 per day. These Regulations impose specific obligations on officers who are required to camp out for extended periods during their tours of duty or who are stationed in remote areas such as Broken Hill. For officers who camp out for not less than thirty days while on tour, they are entitled to an additional allowance of $1.50 per day in addition to any other payments under the preceding provisions. Officers stationed at Broken Hill are entitled to an annual allowance as specified in the new Division VI, which varies based on their age and marital status. Breach of these Regulations could lead to civil or criminal consequences, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. For instance, if an officer who is entitled to the camping and lodging allowance or the Broken Hill allowance fails to comply with the requirements, they may be subject to disciplinary action under the Public Service Act, including potential termination of employment. The maximum penalties for breaches of the Public Service Act can include fines and imprisonment, depending on the specific breach and the jurisdiction in which it occurs.