Remuneration Tribunal Determination 2015/23 - Members of Parliament - Entitlements

Overview

The Determination 2015/23, made under the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973, was enacted to address the remuneration and significantly related matters for members of parliament. This Determination, issued by the Remuneration Tribunal, was established to ensure that the remuneration of members of parliament is reviewed and adjusted appropriately, reflecting changes in economic and social conditions. The Tribunal conducted its inquiry and made this Determination after thorough consultation, adhering to established practices. The primary objective of this legislation is to ensure that the entitlements of members of parliament, including their remuneration, are determined fairly and transparently, thereby maintaining public trust in the legislative process. Clause 1.2 of the Determination specifically amends the existing family reunion car transport provisions to provide additional flexibility for dependent children and designated persons of members of parliament. This change allows the use of regulated ridesharing services when travelling in Australia for family reunion purposes, thereby enhancing the practicality and efficiency of these entitlements. The policy objective here is to improve the accessibility and practicality of entitlements for family members of members of parliament, ensuring that these provisions meet the evolving needs of the community they serve.

Scope and Application

The Determination 2015/23 under the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973 pertains to the entitlements of members of parliament in Australia. This Determination applies to all members of the Commonwealth Parliament, encompassing their remuneration and significantly related matters, as determined by the Remuneration Tribunal. The Tribunal has the authority to make such determinations under Sub-sections 7(1), 7(2), and 7(4) of the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973. The application of this Determination is national in scope, affecting all members of parliament across the Commonwealth. The Determination also extends to the dependent children and designated persons of these members, particularly in relation to family reunion car transport provisions. Notably, Clause 1.2 of this Determination introduces an amendment to allow the use of regulated ridesharing services as an additional transport option for family reunion travel within Australia, thereby expanding the existing provisions. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within this Determination, and it operates as a binding directive for all members of parliament in accordance with the outlined provisions.

Key Provisions

The primary sections of this legislation (Clauses 1.1 and 1.2) lay out the specific entitlements for members of parliament as determined by the Remuneration Tribunal. Clause 1.1 references the Principal Determination (Number 4 of 2012 as amended) which sets the foundational framework for the remuneration of MPs, including salaries and allowances. Clause 1.2 introduces an amendment to the existing provisions concerning family reunion car transport, allowing for the use of regulated ridesharing services in addition to the previously permitted transport options. This amendment is intended to provide greater flexibility for MPs and their families. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties it governs. Firstly, the Remuneration Tribunal is mandated to review and determine the remuneration and related entitlements of members of parliament. This involves conducting thorough consultations and adhering to established practices. Additionally, the Act requires that any changes or amendments to the entitlements must be made in accordance with the powers conferred by the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973. For instance, the amendment regarding family reunion car transport must be implemented as per the specified clauses and authorities cited. In terms of legal consequences, any breach of the provisions set out in this legislation could lead to various offences and penalties. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973 likely outlines the applicable sanctions for non-compliance. Generally, violations of such statutory determinations can result in civil or criminal penalties, depending on the severity and nature of the breach. The authorities under sub-sections 7(1), 7(2), and 7(4) of the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973 empower the Tribunal to enforce compliance and take appropriate action against any parties found to be in breach of the established entitlements.