As its name implies, the model contract is made available to agencies to be adopted for use in the employment of SES officers. The model contract represents the standard documentation that Ministers are required to use in the employment of Chief Executive Officers and that agencies are required to use in the employment of SES officers.

The accompanying model contract of employment SES.CES Information Paper provides a comprehensive guide to the use of the model contract and refers SES officers and administrators to the relevant sections of the Public Sector Management Act 1988, and Circulars and Memoranda governing executive employment.

The major changes to note include:

• reference to Protected Disclosures;
• responsibility to behave ethically and to maintain high ethical standards;
• responsibility of Department Heads for the equitable management of staff;
• revised information concerning appointment and re-appointment;
• clarification of executive officers' right of return;
• a new clause prohibiting outside employment without consent;
  a revised Schedule A "Duties and Responsibilities";
• a revised Schedule B "Performance Agreements and Criteria" referring to criteria relating to issues such as development and implementation of a Y2K strategy, improving OHS management, equitable management of staff and whole of government perspective; and
• a revised Schedule C - "Remuneration Package, Monetary Remuneration and Employment Benefits" are now included in one schedule.

Enquiries regarding the Model Contract and Information Paper may be directed to Stephen Auburn, Senior Policy Officer, Strategic Policy and Reform on (02) 9228-5627. Electronic copies of these documents may be requested by contacting him by email ([email protected]).

Bob Carr
Premier