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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 10 Hansard (18 October) . . Page.. 3160 ..
MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):
the process should be in line with the processes that are in place in the ACT Public Service.
Therefore, under the Bill the panels would include a nominee of the relevant Chief Executive, and a nominee of the Commissioner for Public Administration. In addition, Mr Speaker, following consultation with Members, their staff and the union, the Bill now incorporates an 'independent officer' of the ACT Public Service on the panel.
Mr Speaker, this approach will provide further balance on the panels and is consistent with similar arrangements proposed for the ACT Public Service. In the Government's view this approach is more appropriate than legislating for union representation, as has been suggested by one union.
The reintegration assessment panels would make recommendations to the Commissioner for Public Administration for determination of an appropriate classification and rate of salary. The independent statutory role of the Commissioner for Public Administration means that the Commissioner would be best placed to make that determination.
Mr Speaker, in summary, the main objectives of the legislation are:
� to clarify, the employment conditions of Members' staff, through default links to the Public Sector Management Act and Management Standards;
� to ensure that the amended review framework under the Public Sector Management Act can be available to staff employed under the Legislative Assembly (Members' Staff) Act when the interim arrangements expire on 31 December 2000; and
� to put in place more appropriate reintegration assessment arrangements, which do not rely on links to repealed Commonwealth legislation.
It is important to remember that existing employment conditions of Members' staff are retained under these amendments. There has been a process of consultation with Members, their staff and the union. Changes to the legislation have been made to address the main issue raised during consultation.
Mr Speaker, I commend the Bill to the Assembly.
Debate (on motion by Mr Quinlan ) adjourned.
Mr Humphries presented the bill and its explanatory memorandum.
Title read by Acting Clerk.
MR HUMPHRIES (Chief Minister) (11.26): I move:
That this bill be agreed to in principle.
I seek leave of the house to have my presentation speech incorporated in Hansard.
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