Treasury Regulations (Amendment) (Provisional)

Overview

The Provisional Treasury Regulation under the Audit Act 1901-1912, enacted in 1914, was introduced to address the urgent need for amendments to the Treasury Regulations governing the Audit Act. The regulation was promulgated by the Deputy of the Governor-General, A. L. Stanley, on behalf of the Commonwealth, with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. This legislative instrument sought to facilitate immediate adjustments to the financial controls and reporting mechanisms for Commonwealth projects, ensuring that employees could promptly authorise deductions from their wages for payments related to specific works. The policy objective was to streamline financial transactions and enhance accountability within the Commonwealth's operations.

Scope and Application

The Provisional Treasury Regulation under the Audit Act 1901-1912, as certified by the Deputy of the Governor-General, pertains to the immediate amendment of Treasury Regulations concerning the Audit Act. This regulation specifically adds a new form, Form No. 24u, to be used in the context of employees on Commonwealth works. It applies to employees of the Commonwealth who are engaged in works such as railways or other projects. The regulation provides a mechanism for employees to request deductions from their wages for specified sums, which are then to be paid to a designated individual. This regulation is applicable nationally as it originates from the Commonwealth of Australia and is intended to streamline the process of wage deductions for employees involved in Commonwealth projects. The regulation does not explicitly state any exclusions or thresholds but operates under the overarching framework of the Audit Act 1901-1912.

Key Provisions

The Provisional Treasury Regulation under the Audit Act 1901-1912 introduces a new form, Form No. 24u, which is to be added to the existing Treasury Regulations following Form No. 24a. This form, Clause 96, is titled "Order by Employee on Commonwealth Works." Its primary function, as outlined in the document, is to facilitate the deduction of specified sums from any wages due or coming due to an employee by the Commonwealth of Australia, in connection with specific works such as railways or other projects. The form requires the signature of the employee issuing the order, the name and signature of a witness, and the date of issuance. It also includes spaces for the employee to specify the amount to be deducted and the name of the person or firm to whom the deducted sum should be paid. Under this regulation, employees engaged in Commonwealth works have the authority to request that a portion of their wages be directly deducted and paid to another party. This involves a formal process where the employee must sign and date the form, and a witness must also sign it to attest to the employee's signature. The form must be submitted to the Paying Officer, who is then obligated to process the deduction as specified. This mechanism ensures that the funds are transferred promptly and accurately, as per the employee's instructions. The regulation imposes several obligations on the parties involved. The employee must accurately complete the form, including the correct identification of the amount to be deducted and the payee. The witness must verify the employee's signature to ensure the order is legitimate and authorised. The Paying Officer is required to follow the instructions on the form and make the necessary deductions from the employee's wages, ensuring the funds are transferred to the specified individual or entity. Failure to comply with these obligations could lead to administrative errors or financial discrepancies. For breaches of the requirements stipulated in this regulation, there are potential consequences. While the document does not explicitly state penalties or offences, non-compliance could result in financial mismanagement or unauthorised deductions, which might lead to disciplinary actions or legal repercussions. The consequences could include financial penalties, corrective actions, or even legal proceedings if the breach results in significant financial loss or administrative inefficiency. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as the applicable laws and regulations governing the Commonwealth's financial operations.