The Public Sector Management Amendment Act comes into effect on 17 July, 1998. It has four separate measures:

• Ministerial staff and other political office holders will become a new class of Public Service employee known as "special temporary employees."
• A mechanism is provided for the appointment of certain long-term departmental temporary employees to permanent public service positions.
• The power of the Public Employment Office (PEO) is extended to determine conditions and benefits of employment for public servants (including remuneration packaging, redundancy and severance payments).
• Department Heads become responsible for the equitable management of their staff.

The provision for the appointment of certain long-term departmental temporary employees replaces section 10a of the Public Sector Management (General) Regulation 1966, which lapsed on 10 July, 1998.

Further details of the changes and a copy of the Bill are attached. Separate circulars will address in greater detail the change in employment conditions for Ministerial staff and other political office holders, and the accountability measures required of Department Heads in equitably managing their staff.

Inquiries on Ministerial staff employment should be directed to Kevin Hogan on 02-9228 4738 and inquiries on equitable management of staff should be directed to Carol Davies on 02-9248 3510. All other inquiries should be directed to either your client contact officer in Employee Relations, Public Sector Management Office (02-9228 3572), or to Robert Horrocks on 02-9228 4943.

C. Gellatly
Director-General