EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
STATUTORY RULES 1982 NO 45
PUBLIC SERVICE (SALARIES) REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT)
Issued with the Authority of the Public Service Board
Sub-section 97(1) of the Public Service Act 1922 provides that the Public Service Board may, with the approval of the Governor-General, make regulations prescribing all matters which are required to be prescribed for giving effect to that Act. Sub-section 30(2) provides that officers of the Second, Third and Fourth Divisions shall be paid salaries at such rates, or in accordance with such scales of rates, as are prescribed.
These Statutory Rules amend Part 1 of Schedule 3 to the Public Service (Salaries) Regulations to prescribe revised rates of pay for the Navy Systems Technical Officer designation group, and to add the designation ‘Principal Navy Systems Technical Officer’ to the group.
The need for a new level of Principal Navy Systems Technical Officer was agreed by the Public Service Board following a review by the Department of Defence of the Weapons Electronic Group at the Garden Island Dockyard. It has been added to the Public Service Arbitrator’s Determinations by Determination No 420 of 1981.
The Statutory Rules also increase the salaries of the Navy Systems Technical Officer designation group, consistent with Public Service Arbitrator’s Determination No 506 of 1981.
Overview
The Public Service (Salaries) Regulations (Amendment) 1982, issued under the authority of the Public Service Board, were enacted to address the need for revised salary rates and the addition of a new designation within the Navy Systems Technical Officer group. This amendment was authorised by Sub-section 97(1) of the Public Service Act 1922, which empowers the Public Service Board to create regulations for the effective implementation of the Act, subject to the Governor-General's approval. This specific amendment was intended to align with the Public Service Arbitrator’s Determinations, particularly No 420 and No 506 of 1981, to incorporate the newly recognised designation of Principal Navy Systems Technical Officer and to adjust salary rates accordingly. The overarching policy objective of these amendments is to ensure that the salaries of Navy Systems Technical Officers are reflective of their roles and responsibilities, thereby maintaining fair and competitive compensation within the public service sector.
Scope and Application
The Public Service (Salaries) Regulations (Amendment) Statutory Rules 1982, made under the authority of the Public Service Board, pertain to the salaries of public service officers and specifically amend the rates of pay for the Navy Systems Technical Officer designation group. These regulations apply to officers within the Second, Third and Fourth Divisions of the public service, as prescribed under the Public Service Act 1922. This amendment introduces a new designation, the Principal Navy Systems Technical Officer, within the Navy Systems Technical Officer group, aligning with the Public Service Arbitrator’s Determination No 420 of 1981. Additionally, the rules adjust the salary scales for this group in accordance with the Public Service Arbitrator’s Determination No 506 of 1981, ensuring that remuneration is consistent with the reviewed classifications and responsibilities within the Department of Defence at Garden Island Dockyard. The regulations are applicable nationally, as they fall under the Commonwealth's purview, and extend to all relevant officers within the designated groups across Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in the text provided, and the application of these rules is further defined through the subordinate instruments mentioned.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of these Statutory Rules (C2004L05876) amend Part 1 of Schedule 3 of the Public Service (Salaries) Regulations. Specifically, section 1 revises the rates of pay for the Navy Systems Technical Officer designation group, and section 2 introduces the designation 'Principal Navy Systems Technical Officer' within that group. This is in accordance with the Public Service Arbitrator’s Determination No 420 of 1981, which was initiated after a review by the Department of Defence of the Weapons Electronic Group at Garden Island Dockyard.
These Statutory Rules impose specific obligations on the Public Service Board and relevant officers. Under section 1, the Board must ensure that the revised pay rates for the Navy Systems Technical Officer designation group are implemented across the relevant divisions. Furthermore, section 2 requires the Board to recognise and implement the new designation of 'Principal Navy Systems Technical Officer'. This includes updating internal records, payroll systems, and any other necessary administrative adjustments to reflect the new pay structure and designation.
The consequences for non-compliance with these Statutory Rules are not explicitly detailed within the explanatory statement. However, given the authority under which these rules are issued, it is reasonable to infer that failure to comply with these amendments could result in legal and administrative repercussions. This may include penalties for misclassification of staff, inaccurate payroll processing, or other related administrative errors. While the specific penalties are not stated, breaches of public service regulations can typically lead to corrective actions, fines, or other disciplinary measures as determined by the relevant governing bodies.