Air Vice-Marshal (Rt.) the Honourable Michael M. Helsham AO, RFD, DFC, QC. has been appointed to the office of the Grievance Mediator for the Senior Executive Service. He commenced his appointment on 9 January 1990.

The role and functions of the Grievance Mediator are explained in Section 5 of the Senior Executive Service manual issued to all Chief Executives and Senior Executives. This information was also issued as Premiers Memorandum No. 89-62.

The office of the Grievance Mediator is located on Level 6, State Office Block, Macquarie St. Sydney 2000. Matters in respect of which mediation is sought may be forwarded in confidence to that address. Telephone inquiries may be made to the Executive Officer, Grievance Mediation on 228 5952 and will be treated in the utmost confidence. The Executive Officer is located in the SES Unit, Office of Public Management.

The Grievance Mediator has indicated that all requests for mediation must be in writing, stating the nature of the problem or matter in respect of which mediation is sought, and a telephone contact number. A copy of this request should be given to the Chief Executive Officer concerned.

It is expected that the Chief Executive Officer will forward a report on the matter of the grievance to the office of the Grievance Mediator as soon as convenient. It is emphasised that speedy mediation is highly desirable.

All requests for mediation and any reports and other documents furnished with reports will be treated in strict confidence in accordance with the principles stated in the SES manual.

A copy of previously issued information on the Grievance Mediation process is attached. It is important that all Chief Executive Officers ensure that the appointment of the Grievance Mediator and the process available for mediation is brought to the attention of all persons to whom it may apply. It is within the spirit of the mechanisms involved that persons who believe that they should have been appointed to the Senior Executive Service be entitled to take advantage of the mediation process.

Yours sincerely

Premier