As a result of the Premier's decision to restructure the Premier's Department to absorb divisions formerly constituting the Public Employment Office (PEO), the Governor-in Council has approved the making of an Order to abolish the PEO as a department of the Public Service and transfer its employees to the Premier's Department.

As a result, Schedule 1 to the Public Sector Management Act 1988 was amended by omitting reference to both the PEO and the Commissioner for Public Employment. Accordingly, the Order also deems a reference to the Commissioner for Public Employment made in any Act, Statutory Instrument, other Instrument, or contract or agreement to be a reference to the Director-General of the Premier's Department.

The Order does not affect the provisions of the Public Sector Management Act which constitute the PEO as a body corporate with defined functions and powers under that legislation. However, by virtue of the Order, the functions of the PEO, and those exercised by the Commissioner for Public Employment, are now discharged by the Director-General of the Premier's Department.

A copy of the Order, as published in the Government Gazette on 4 October 1996 and effective from that date, is attached for information.

C Gellatly
Director-General