Page 1113 - Week 06 - Thursday, 27 July 1989
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The scope it provides for combining the talents of career officials with the specialised skills of other competent individuals will strengthen the policy development capacity of members. It will benefit this and subsequent ACT governments; it will benefit the operation of the Assembly and the effectiveness of its members; and it will benefit the people of the ACT by enhancing the capacity of elected officials to respond to public demands.
In present this Bill, we are building upon the experience of other Australian and overseas parliaments that have attempted to balance the democratic ideal of a responsive and impartial public service with the needs of the executive and legislative branches of government.
In style and substance, the Bill follows closely the example set by the Commonwealth Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984. But it would be inappropriate to use that Act without due recognition of the particular circumstances of the ACT and the changes in the legislative environment since 1984.
In that regard, there are a number of important differences between the Commonwealth Act and the current Bill. For example, the present Bill cannot include the protections afforded to the rights of Australian public servants who become employed under the Commonwealth Act - that is, "reintegration" to the public service. This is so because ACT public servants are still employed under the Commonwealth's Public Service Act 1922 and a Commonwealth Act cannot be modified with an ACT Act. Rather, ACT staff will be accorded these same protections through the Commonwealth inserting a new part to the Public Service Act 1922.
The superannuation provisions have been changed because the ACT has been declared an "approved authority" for the purposes of the Superannuation Act. Prima facie ineligible staff are covered if they request the Commissioner for Superannuation to direct that they are eligible employees.
In line with my commitment to openness and in consultation, these provisions and all other aspects of the legislation will be discussed with the appropriate unions and staff prior to the Bill proceeding. Staff can be assured that they will be fully involved in the implementation of the legislation.
As part of these consultations, I am also writing to you, Mr Speaker, outlining the consultation process that will commence shortly and inviting the involvement of members as well as their staff. I now present the explanatory memorandum for the Bill.
Debate (on motion by Mr Collaery) adjourned.
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