The purpose of this Circular is to advise Chief Executives of Public Service Departments of all options available when considering the implementation of job evaluation outcomes. This Circular builds upon the arrangements in Premier's Department Circular No 97-35 issued on 25 June 1997 where the work has not changed and a position has been evaluated at a higher level.

The earlier circular allowed for the payment of the existing occupant by way of allowance as he/she has already been appointed to the position, albeit at a lower level, the position has not changed substantially, and the existing occupant is satisfactorily performing the work. The allowance is deemed to be part of ordinary pay, that is, to be treated in the nature of salary and requires my approval on a case by case basis pursuant to section 63(1) of the Public Sector Management Act 1988;

This circular deals with the situation where the existing occupant would prefer to compete for the position at its new higher level. In these circumstances the position is to be filled by assessing all eligible displaced employees registered with the Workforce Management Centre already at the new higher job evaluation level for the work together with the existing occupant of the position. This competitive assessment process will enable the Department Head to appoint the officer with the greatest merit to the position.

Where there are no displaced employees registered with the Workforce Management Centre at the new higher level the position is to be advertised in the Public Service Notices/Press and filled by open competitive merit selection. The existing occupant will be given the opportunity to compete for the job and be, if successful, appointed to the position.

The decision to forego the allowance allowed for in Circular 97-35 and to conduct a competitive process rests with the existing occupant, not management.

For further information on this matter please contact Peter Donohue at the Workforce Management Centre on telephone number (02) 9266 8369.

C Gellatly
Director-General

Issued:
Contact: Peter Donohue
Telephone: (02) 9228 3269