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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1995 Week 11 Hansard (12 December) . . Page.. 2845 ..

MS FOLLETT (continuing):

I believe that it served the Canberra community well prior to self-government and has done so since. The procedures involved in the selection of SES officers have meant that the ACT service has had high-quality officers, with applicants from within the ACT Government Service, from the Australian Public Service and from outside the public service also. There has never been any question of political influence in the selection of a person for any public service position, and the community has had confidence that successful applicants were regarded as the best available people.

Last week, in the debate on the PAC report on this Bill, I pointed out that the current provisions allow for contract or fixed-term appointments to the SES. Chief executives are at liberty to use this mechanism in any case where it is considered appropriate. The Chief Minister continues to complain about the ALP's views on this matter when she talks about a service culture and performance contracts. This often seems to imply that current SES officers are not committed to serving the Canberra community or to performing to the standard expected of officers at their level. I reject any such suggestion about current ACT public servants. The public service in the ACT has served the Canberra community for many years. They did so before Mrs Carnell came to office, and they will continue to do so long after she has gone. The implication that current employees are not serving the public or performing to acceptable standards is one that I find reprehensible, especially since those about whom the comments are made are not in a position to publicly defend themselves.

The proposals contained in the Government's Bill are also contrary to social justice principles. The existing Public Sector Management Act allows for part-time employment at both the chief executive level and the SES level. The Government's Bill removes this provision and acts against access and equity principles. Women, and indeed men, with carer responsibilities will be precluded from executive positions under the Government's proposals, as the Government has stated that all executive positions will, in the future, be full time.

This Government came to office with a declared policy of consultation. Many segments of the Canberra community now understand that the Liberals' idea of consultation is to tell them what the Government is going to do or, in some cases, what the Government has already done. On that point, I would like to quote from a letter that I received from a concerned constituent. The person said about this Government proposal:

However, the current approach of edict of take it or leave or downgrade hardly seems to reflect the stated value of and consultation with all involved.

I would like to quote again from that letter because it articulates the matter which this Assembly must decide. It also demonstrates the consequences of the course of action proposed by the Government. That letter ended:

In conclusion I would ask that you seriously consider these aspects before you decide the approach you will take in the Assembly. I have to apologise that I do not feel confident in identifying myself for fear of discrimination in relation to my own career prospects.

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