Premier & Cabinet

Type:
Department of Premier and Cabinet Circular
Identifier:
C1999-23
Status:
Archived

C1999-23 Suspension of Advertising and Filling of Vacancies

Detailed Outline

You would be aware that on 20 April 1999 the Premier announced a suspension of advertising and filling vacancies throughout all Budget Dependent General Government Sector Agencies.

Memorandum 99-10 outlined the conditions that are to apply with effect from that date and stated that applications for exemptions that fell outside the stated terms of the memorandum would be considered on a case by case basis.

During this time I encourage agencies to redeploy existing staff to fill vacant positions. Should your organisation identify positions that maybe filled through redeployment you should contact the Workforce Management Centre (refer to point 9).

Additional information on general exemptions and arrangements is provided below.

1. Trainees and Apprentices

Recruitment of trainees and apprentices to public sector agencies are exempt. In terms of this exemption, trainees and apprentices are defined as those people undertaking structured training who are registered with the Department of Education and Training (DET) under the NSW Industrial and Commercial Training Act 1989.

It is expected that agencies will continue to provide training and employment opportunities for both trainees and apprentices and maintain the key role this Government has of maximising opportunities for all people across the community, particularly for youth.

Agencies should proceed with initiatives under the 2000 by 2000 Strategy and may choose to take up any of the employment options set out in Premier's Memorandum 99-4.

Apprenticeship initiatives, particularly those in line with Construct New South Wales, should be maintained to enhance the industry's long term viability.

Contact: Sue Barr 9228 5744

2. Chief and Senior Executive Service

Re-appointment and contract renewal processes should proceed as usual in accordance with Circular 98/18. This exemption does not apply to the filling of vacant Chief or Senior Executive positions.

Contact: Nicholle Nobel 9228 5491, Tricia Dewar 9228 5725 or Trevor Lee 9228 5649

Enquiries in respect of the following matters may be directed to a Client Services Officer of the Public Sector Management Office (PSMO) on
9228 3572.

3. Transfers

Transfers within or between agencies at existing remuneration levels (under section 50 of the Public Sector Management Act 1988) may continue to be made, on the basis that the filling of any subsequent vacancies will be subject to Premier's Memorandum 99-10.

4. Section 33 PSM Act - Temporary Appointments

Temporary appointments at the employees existing remuneration levels may be made on the basis that the filling of any subsequent vacancies will be subject to Premier's Memorandum 99-10. The terms of Premier's Memorandum 99-10 applies to temporary appointments to higher salary levels.

Existing temporary appointments, or arrangements referred to as secondments, of employees from one agency to another may continue, subject to the approval of the relevant Department Heads.

5. Section 38 PSM Act - Temporary Employment

The suspension of advertising and filling of vacancies applies also to the engagement of temporary staff through employment agencies. No new temporary employment arrangements under section 38 of the Public Sector Management Act 1988 should be made.

Extensions of existing temporary employment arrangements (i.e. further appointments up to 4 months) may be made where it is necessary for the work of the position to be maintained. Department Heads should give careful consideration in each case.

6. Long Term Temporary Employees

The permanent appointment of long-term temporary employees in terms of section 38A of the Public Sector Management Act 1988 will continue to be processed in the usual way.

7. Externally Funded Positions

Positions that are externally funded eg by Commonwealth or industry grants, are exempt from the terms of Premier's Memorandum 99-10.

8. Allowances

Higher Duties Allowances or payment of other allowances are not affected by the Premier's memorandum.

Public Employment Office will continue to consider payments by way of allowance arising from job evaluation, as outlined in circulars 97-35 and 98-50.

9. Redeployment

Agencies are encouraged to redeploy existing displaced staff from their own or other agencies to fill vacant positions in terms of the Managing Displaced Employees Policy. Redeployment, on a permanent basis to ongoing positions would be the priority. In some circumstances, short term or trial placements may be appropriate.

Agencies should cooperate fully with the Workforce Management Centre (WMC) in the redeployment of displaced employees. Chief Executives are requested to personally review selection recommendations in situations where the WMC supports the appointment of a displaced employee to a vacancy, but this is not accepted by the agency's selection committee.

Contact: Workforce Management Centre 9228 3740

10. Requests for Exemption

Agencies are required to seek approval of the Director-General, Premier's Department before any offer of appointment is made to essential positions previously advertised (refer Memo 99/10 paragraph (3). No new recruitment action should proceed unless approval is given by the Director-General, Premier's Department. Requests would be expected to demonstrate that the position in question is essential.

C. Gellatly
Director-General

Linked to Memorandum 99-10, Superseded by M2007-10

Overview

Compliance

Not Mandatory

AR Details

Date Issued
Jun 13, 2014
Review Date
Jun 13, 2024
Replaces
Replaced By

Contacts

Contact
Contact us
Phone
02 9228 5555
Publishing Entity
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Issuing Entity
Department of Premier and Cabinet