Public Service (Secretary of the Department of the Treasury) – Reappointment 2024

Overview

The Public Service (Secretary of the Department of the Treasury) – Reappointment 2024 instrument, enacted in 2024, serves to reappoint Dr Steven Kennedy PSM as the Secretary of the Department of the Treasury for a term of five years. This notifiable instrument was issued by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council under subsection 58(1) of the Public Service Act 1999. The primary objective of this reappointment is to ensure continuity and stability within the Department of the Treasury, a critical body in managing Australia's economic and fiscal policies. The reappointment aims to maintain experienced leadership in a position that significantly influences national economic strategy and public policy.

Scope and Application

The legislation F2024N00495 pertains to the reappointment of Dr Steven Kennedy PSM as the Secretary of the Department of the Treasury for a period of five years, beginning on 2 September 2024. This reappointment is made by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), in accordance with the Public Service Act 1999 and with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The scope of this act is limited to the reappointment of Dr Steven Kennedy, with the specified duration and commencement date being integral to its provisions. The act applies specifically to Dr Kennedy and the role of Secretary within the Department of the Treasury, and it does not extend to other individuals or roles within the public service. The jurisdictional reach of this legislation is within the Commonwealth of Australia, governing the reappointment of a federal public service position. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in this particular notifiable instrument. However, the broader application and interpretation of the Public Service Act 1999 may include various conditions, limitations, and subordinate instruments that could further define or restrict the scope of such appointments.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this notifiable instrument (F2024N00495) concern the reappointment of Dr Steven Kennedy PSM as the Secretary of the Department of the Treasury for a period of five years, effective from 2 September 2024. This decision (section 1) is made by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council and under the authority granted by subsection 58(1) of the Public Service Act 1999. The instrument also includes the formal signatures of both the Governor-General and the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, attesting to the validity and authorisation of this reappointment (section 2). This Act imposes specific obligations on the Secretary of the Department of the Treasury, Dr Steven Kennedy PSM, who is now reappointed to his role. As Secretary, Dr Kennedy will be responsible for leading the Department in its various functions, including the formulation and implementation of economic, fiscal, and financial policies. His role will involve advising the government on these matters, overseeing the Department’s administrative functions, and ensuring the efficient and effective management of the public service within the Department. These duties are outlined and expected under the Public Service Act 1999, which governs the conduct and responsibilities of public service officers. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in this notifiable instrument or the Public Service Act 1999 can result in serious consequences. While the specific penalties for breaches are not detailed in this instrument, general breaches of the Public Service Act 1999 can lead to both criminal and civil penalties. Criminal penalties may include fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity and nature of the offence. Civil penalties could involve compensation for damages caused by the breach. The exact penalties would be determined by the relevant courts based on the specific circumstances and the provisions of the Act.