As you are aware, the Public Sector Management (General) Regulation 1996 was amended, as advised in Circular No. 97-2 (dated 21 January 1997), to enable Department Heads to recommend the appointment of existing long-term temporary employees as public service officers. A long-term temporary employee is an employee who, as at 10 January 1997, is employed as a temporary employee in the Public Service, and whose employment as a temporary employee falls within a continuous employment period of at least two years.

This provision was due to expire 10 July 1997, but has been extended for a further 6 months (to 9 January 1998). Any recommendation for such an appointment must be made by that date.

The appointment of a long-term temporary employee is still subject to the following criteria:

• the employee was initially employed for a specified purpose or for a limited period only;
• on-going work is available in respect of the employee in the Department;
• 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.

The appointment of a long-term temporary employee as an officer requires the approval of the Director-General, Premier's Department (exercising the authority of the Public Employment Office).

Any enquiries may be directed to your client contact officer of the Premier's Department, Public Sector Management Office, on telephone number
(02) 9228 5013.

C. Gellatly
Director-General