Page 143 - Week 01 - Thursday, 9 April 1992
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A member cannot appeal a promotion made on the recommendation of a joint selection committee. In the event that the commissioner does not accept the recommendation of the joint selection committee, he or she may choose to promote someone else instead, but this would be subject to appeal through the Merit Protection and Review Agency. All promotions are to be notified in the Gazette.
These proposed provisions are, subject to necessary modifications, similar to the equivalent provisions of the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922. They eliminate the former regulations which established seniority as a major basis of eligibility for promotion and the deciding factor where two or more candidates for a single promotion are otherwise equally qualified. Of course, there has been full and appropriate consultation between the Government and the relevant union in relation to those procedures.
The amendments relating to the Teaching Service and the Electricity and Water Authority also need to be referred to in some detail. The Teaching Service already has provisions in its enabling legislation requiring the establishment of equal employment opportunity programs, which has resulted in EEO programs already existing in components of the service. We have provided that these remain in force, and for the establishment of such programs in those components in which they do not currently exist.
Each separate component of the Teaching Service is to review the effectiveness of its program and to provide details to the Head of Administration, who can, as with the other authorities, issue guidelines. There are also the provisions, which are also contained in the other Bills, relating to the application of the merit principle in the appointment and promotion of staff.
The Electricity and Water Act likewise currently requires the development and review of EEO programs. Again the amendment Bill makes the wording of the provisions consistent with the other Bills and applies the merit principle to the appointment and promotion of staff.
There should be no direct impact on government revenue or expenditure in relation to these Bills. It is anticipated that the authorities concerned will absorb any additional expenditure involved in what I am convinced is sound and efficient management practice. In fact, in most instances equal employment opportunity programs have been shown to result in savings in the long run because the work force is more effective and efficient as it comprises the best candidates for the work involved.
Madam Speaker, these amendments will ensure that ACT statutory authorities have procedures to ensure a reasonable opportunity to apply for employment by those who are eligible, and selection based on merit. The equal employment opportunity programs will provide for the examination, identification and elimination of discriminatory employment practices. These measures will ensure that legislation for ACT statutory authorities is consistent with that of the ACT public service. I now present the explanatory memoranda for these Bills.
Debate (on motion by Mr Kaine) adjourned.
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