Public Service (Salaries) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1972 No. 178, under the Public Service Act 1922-1972, was enacted to amend the Public Service (Salaries) Regulations to include salary rates for Apprentices’ Practical Instructors. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need to establish specific salary scales for these roles within the public service, ensuring fair compensation and recognition of their duties and responsibilities. The regulation was made by the Public Service Board, acting on the authority conferred by the Public Service Act, and was approved by the Governor-General in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The policy objective behind this regulation was to align the remuneration of public service employees, specifically those in apprenticeship instruction roles, with the established standards and requirements of their positions.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1972 No. 178, under the Public Service Act 1922-1972, amends the Public Service (Salaries) Regulations by inserting a new group of salary rates for Apprentices’ Practical Instructors. This regulation applies specifically to employees within the Commonwealth public service who hold positions as Apprentices’ Practical Instructors. The scope of this regulation is limited to the financial remuneration of these instructors, who are part of the public sector workforce. Geographically, this regulation operates within the Commonwealth of Australia, affecting public servants employed in federal government departments and agencies. The regulation does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions, but it is inherently subject to the broader provisions and interpretations of the Public Service Act 1922-1972. The Public Service Board has the authority to further extend or restrict the application of this regulation through subordinate instruments, ensuring that it aligns with the evolving needs of the public service sector.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this regulation involve the amendment of the Public Service (Salaries) Regulations, specifically by adding a new Group 8a to the Third Schedule (section 2). This new group introduces salary ranges for Apprentices’ Practical Instructors, categorising them into four grades: Grade 1, with a salary range of $5,684 to $5,844; Grade 2, with a salary range of $6,644 to $6,804; Grade 3, with a fixed salary of $7,204; and Grade 4, with a fixed salary of $7,604. These provisions establish the remuneration levels for individuals in these roles within the public service. The regulation imposes obligations on the Public Service Board to ensure that the salaries of Apprentices’ Practical Instructors are set in accordance with the newly established rates. This includes updating relevant payroll systems and ensuring that all relevant documentation reflects these changes. Additionally, it requires that any public service departments employing such instructors adhere to these salary scales when determining compensation. Failure to comply with the stipulated salary rates can result in legal consequences for both the Public Service Board and the employing departments. Specifically, any entity found to be in breach of these provisions may face civil penalties under the Public Service Act 1922-1972. The exact nature and extent of these penalties are not explicitly stated in the regulation itself but could include fines or other financial penalties as determined by the relevant authorities. Furthermore, ongoing non-compliance could lead to further legal action, potentially resulting in more severe consequences for the parties involved.