Transmittal letter

The Honourable John Howard MP
Prime Minister
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600

Dear Prime Minister

I am pleased to present the Merit Protection Commissioner’s report for the period 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003 as part of the Public Service Commissioner’s Annual Report as required by section 51 of the Public Service Act 1999.

This report is prepared in accordance with guidelines approved on behalf of the Parliament by the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit as required by subsection 51(2) of the Public Service Act 1999. However, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Act 1999 detailing the administrative arrangements to support the performance of my functions, some of the required information is published within the Public Service Commissioner’s Annual Report.

The Merit Protection Commissioner also has continuing functions under the repealed Merit Protection (Australian Government Employees) Act 1984 and the Public Service Act 1922 arising from regulations made under the Public Employment (Consequential and Transitional) Amendment Act 1999.

In presenting you with the report on the activities of the Merit Protection Commissioner I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to the staff of the Australian Public Service Commission for their assistance.

Yours sincerely

Jeff Lamond

October 2003