Public Service (Secretary of the Department of Social Services) Appointment 2024

Overview

The Public Service (Secretary of the Department of Social Services) Appointment 2024 Notice, issued under the authority of the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, appoints Mr Michael Lye as the Secretary of the Department of Social Services for a term of five years starting on 11 December 2024. Enacted in accordance with subsection 58(1) of the Public Service Act 1999, this appointment follows the advice of the Federal Executive Council and the decision of the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. This legislation was introduced to ensure a smooth and effective transition in the leadership of the Department of Social Services, addressing the need for continuity and stability in the public service's strategic direction and policy implementation. The overarching policy objective is to maintain the integrity and efficiency of government operations, particularly in areas related to social services and welfare support.

Scope and Application

The Public Service (Secretary of the Department of Social Services) Appointment 2024I, signed by the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General, on the advice of the Federal Executive Council and pursuant to subsection 58(1) of the Public Service Act 1999, appoints Mr Michael Lye as the Secretary of the Department of Social Services for a term of five years beginning on 11 December 2024. This appointment applies to Mr Michael Lye and pertains specifically to his role within the Department of Social Services, a Commonwealth entity. The appointment has a national jurisdictional reach, as it is made under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds specified within the document itself. While the Act may extend or restrict application through subordinate instruments, such details are not provided in this particular notifiable instrument.

Key Provisions

The main operative section of the Public Service (Secretary of the Department of Social Services) Appointment 2024I, is section 1, which states the appointment of Mr Michael Lye as the Secretary of the Department of Social Services. This appointment is for a fixed term of five years, beginning on 11 December 2024, as outlined in section 1(a). The appointment is made by the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, as provided in section 1(b). This appointment is made under the authority of subsection 58(1) of the Public Service Act 1999, as noted in section 1(c). The Act imposes several obligations on Mr Michael Lye as the Secretary of the Department of Social Services. Primarily, he is required to serve in this capacity for the full duration of the five-year term unless removed earlier under the provisions of the Public Service Act 1999. Additionally, he is expected to carry out the duties and responsibilities associated with his role, which typically include overseeing the department's operations, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and policies, and advising the Minister on matters related to social services. The Act also implicitly requires him to act in accordance with the Public Service Act 1999 and any other applicable laws and regulations. Breach of the duties and responsibilities outlined in the Public Service Act 1999, or any other relevant legislation, could lead to various civil and criminal consequences. Under the Public Service Act 1999, failure to perform his duties could result in disciplinary action, including potential termination of employment. If Mr Lye were to engage in misconduct or maladministration, this could lead to further consequences, including legal action. The maximum penalties for breaches of the Public Service Act 1999 can vary widely depending on the nature and severity of the breach but may include fines or imprisonment in more serious cases. Additionally, any breach of other relevant legislation could attract specific penalties as outlined in those Acts.