The purpose of the Circular is to ensure that full consideration is given by NSW public service Departments to the appointment of long term temporary employees and that other public sector organisations consider similar arrangements.

As you are aware, Circular No. 97-2 dated 21 January 1997 provided details of a new clause in the Public Sector Management (General) Regulation 1996 which enables Department Heads to recommend the appointment of existing long-term temporary employees as public service officers. The new clause allows the appointment of current long-term temporary employees who have had, or will have, at least 2 years' continuous service by 10 July 1997. The clause has a life of 6 months commencing 10 January 1997.

The appointment of current long-term temporary employees in the NSW public service is subject to the following criteria:

(a) the employee was initially employed for a specific purpose or for a limited period only;

(b) ongoing work is available in respect of the employee in the Department; and

(c) the appropriate Department Head is satisfied that the employee has the relevant skills, qualifications, experience, work performance standards and personal qualities to enable the employee to perform the duties of the position concerned.

In order to achieve a consistent and equitable approach to this initiative, Departments should identify all temporary employees with at least 18 months continuous service as at 10 January 1997 and facilitate their appointment to positions, as appropriate.

Internal arrangements should also be established to ensure that current long-term temporary employees are not overlooked in thisprocess. Such arrangements may well include an advice to your employees inviting them to raise their circumstances with a designated officer in the Department.

Any enquiries may be directed to Denis Smith of the Premier's Department on telephone number (02) 9228 3573.

C. Gellatly
Director-General

Date: 17 March 1997