Premier's Memorandum 1996-11 Dealing with Employee Work-Related Concerns and Grievances, and Harassment Free Workplace requires all government sector agencies to develop and implement policies to ensure that work-related concerns and grievances are managed promptly, impartially and justly. Adherence by agencies to appropriate procedures is essential when dealing with complaints.

SES officers have the same remedies as other government sector staff when it comes to resolving grievances, ie they must seek resolution of their grievance though their agency's internal grievance and dispute resolution procedures in accordance with Premier's Memorandum 1996-11. However, where there is a grievance against a CEO, for transparency purposes it is advisable that the grievance be dealt with independently. In such cases it is preferable that the Premier's Department deal with the grievance.

The Director-General, Premier's Department does not have any administrative or legislative power to direct a CEO in the administration of their agency, to veto or overturn the decision of a CEO. However, the Premier's Department may refer the matter directly to another appropriate authority if such action is warranted. The Department may also seek to achieve resolution by mediating between the parties and attempting to reach compromise solutions. Such measures acknowledge that despite limitations of intervention, the Department will respond to matters of concern.

Any grievance referred to Premier's Department must clearly identify each issue and action taken by the CEO that is the subject of the grievance, together with an explanation as to why the complainant considers the matter remains outstanding. The Premier's Department will consider each request on a case-by-case basis before deciding whether the Department may legitimately intervene.

Grievances against the Director-General, Premier's Department made by Premier's Department SES officers will be assessed by an independent mediator in accordance with the principles outlined in this Circular.

SES Guidelines have been amended to give affect to the provisions outlined in this Circular.

C Gellatly
Director-General

Issued : Workforce Capability (Public Employment Office)
Contact: Simon Waterhouse, Senior Project Officer
EMail: [email protected]
Telephone no: 9228 3147 Facsimile: 9228 3577
File no: PSM/05605
Date: 25 July 2006
This memorandum updates Memorandum No. 1996-11