Remuneration Tribunals (Members' Fees and Allowances) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

Statutory Rules 1977 No. 79, made under the Remuneration Tribunals Act 1973, were enacted by the Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. These regulations aim to update and adjust the remuneration and allowances for members of the Remuneration Tribunal and those assisting the Academic Salaries Tribunal, aligning them with the roles and duties as defined by the relevant act. The policy objective of these amendments is to ensure fair and adequate compensation for the members and their assistants, reflecting their responsibilities and the expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. These regulations were designed to address any discrepancies in remuneration and allowances that might not have been adequately covered under the previous provisions, thereby maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the tribunals.

Scope and Application

The Remuneration Tribunals (Members’ Fees and Allowances) Regulations 1977 applies to members of the Remuneration Tribunal and persons appointed to assist the Academic Salaries Tribunal, outlining their entitlements to fees and allowances. The scope of this regulation is limited to individuals specifically involved in these tribunals, and it does not extend to any other persons, entities, industries, or conduct outside of these roles. The geographic reach of the regulation is confined to the Commonwealth of Australia, as it operates under the Remuneration Tribunals Act 1973. The amendments set out in these regulations are designed to adjust the fees and allowances payable to tribunal members and those assisting the tribunal, ensuring they are aligned with the remuneration of comparable positions within the Australian Public Service. The regulation does not provide for any exclusions or exemptions and applies uniformly to all eligible members and appointees. The regulation may also be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, such as further amendments or specific determinations by the Remuneration Tribunal.

Key Provisions

The Remuneration Tribunals (Members’ Fees and Allowances) Regulations 1977, made under the Remuneration Tribunals Act 1973, provide for the fees and allowances payable to members of the Remuneration Tribunal and those appointed to assist the Academic Salaries Tribunal. Key amendments include changes to the fees of members and the travelling allowance for members and those assisting the Academic Salaries Tribunal. Regulation 3(3) defines terms such as "member" and "the Act" for the purposes of these Regulations. Regulation 4 increases the fee of a member from $6,000 to $7,000, as per Regulation 3(3). Regulation 5(1) details the travelling allowance for members, equating it to that of a Secretary to the Department of Administrative Services, subject to certain conditions. Regulation 6 modifies the allowances payable to members in respect of service outside Australia by replacing references to the Department of the Special Minister of State with the Department of Administrative Services. Regulation 7 similarly updates references in the context of allowances payable to members for service outside Australia. Regulation 8 increases the fee of a person appointed to assist the Academic Salaries Tribunal from $60 to $70. Regulation 9(1) aligns the travelling allowance for those assisting the Academic Salaries Tribunal with that of a member, subject to specific conditions. These Regulations impose obligations on members of the Remuneration Tribunal and those appointed to assist the Academic Salaries Tribunal, primarily concerning the payment of fees and allowances. Members must adhere to the defined conditions to qualify for the specified travelling allowance, ensuring their absences are genuinely for the performance of duties. The Regulations also stipulate the updated fees for members and those appointed to assist the Tribunal, which must be paid in accordance with the new rates set out. Any breach of these Regulations may result in legal consequences. While the specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences are not detailed in the provided text, breaches of statutory provisions under the Remuneration Tribunals Act 1973 could potentially lead to enforcement actions by the relevant authorities. The maximum penalties for such breaches would be determined by the relevant legislative framework and any associated statutes or regulations.