The Public Sector Management Amendment Bill 1998 was recently passed by Parliament and will shortly be proclaimed.

A significant part of the Bill was the inclusion of specific provisions in relation to the employment arrangements of staff working within Ministers' Offices who are currently employed by Premier's Department under section 38 of the Public Sector Management Act, 1988.

In brief, the provision creates a special class of temporary employees for staff carrying out work for a Minister, Parliamentary Secretary and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly.

In anticipation of the Bill becoming law, Premier's Department is presently drafting new contracts of employment to be issued to staff affected and will be seeking recommendations from Ministers and Chiefs of Staff on future employment arrangements of these staff.

Attached for your information is a copy of the Bill. Premier's Department is available to brief Offices and Agencies individually on the new provisions. Should your require a briefing please contact Kevin Hogan on (02) 9228 4738.

C. Gellatly
Director General