I refer to the Crown Employees (Public Sector - Salaries June, 1997) Award and the application of increases in salaries for staff in Ministers' Offices.

As in the past, the Director-General, Premier's Department (exercising power as the Public Employment Office) continues to advise staff of Ministers' Private Offices on rates of pay and allowances. The Ministerial and Parliamentary Services Division (MaPS) has prepared schedules which identify staff that are affected by the award movements and their new rates of pay and allowances. This schedule is attached in respect of your Ministerial Office. Also attached is the new rates of pay schedule for all classifications within Ministerial Offices.

This Circular authorises Host Agencies to pay the increases in salaries, wages and allowances of:

• 1% with effect from the first pay period to commence on or after 1 January 1997; and
• a further 3% with effect from the first pay period to commence on or after 1 July 1997 and is subject to further conditions specified in Public Sector Management Office, Premier's Department Circular No. 97-30.

The salary increases specified by the new award give recognition to staff performance and productivity issues. Future applications for salary increases above those specified by the new award should be restricted to exceptional circumstances and salary restraint is strongly encouraged.

Any enquiries, on these arrangements should be directed to your Client Contact Officer in MaPS

C. Gellatly
Director-General