Home page
> Archive > The demographic and classification profile of the APS: Trends and prospects
> Employment policy and advice
‹ Previous page
Last updated: 4 September 1996
Delegations: Remaking of Public Service Commissioner Delegations
Please note: This document is for reference purposes only and is no longer considered by the APS Commission to be current. It may contain good practice advice and/or advice on the transitional arrangements between the 1922 and 1999 Public Service Acts.
Commonwealth of Australia
Public Service Act 1922
DELEGATION
I, PETER ROGER SHERGOLD, Public Service Commissioner:
- acting under paragraph 18 (5) (d) of the Public Service Act 1922, revoke, in respect of my powers and functions specified in the Schedules to this instrument, all delegations to any person holding or occupying the office of a Secretary; and
- acting under subsection 18 (1) of that Act, delegate my powers and functions under:
- a provision of that Act specified in an item in Schedule 1; or
- a provision of another Act specified in an item in Schedule 2;
to the persons holding or performing the duties of the office specified in the item, subject to: - in respect of Schedules 1 and 2-the conditions specified in the item; and
- in respect of Schedule 1-guidelines and other directions issued by the Public Service Board or by me in respect of those powers and functions.
Schedule 1
| Item No. | Provision | Conditions | Office |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | subsection 7(3) | Secretary | |
| 102 | subsection 29D(3) | Secretary | |
| 103 | section 34 | Secretary | |
| 104 | subsection 42(1) | Only: (a) for appointments at classification levels other than Senior Executive Service classifications; and (b) if the appointee has received a severance benefit in respect of the termination of his or her employment with the Commonwealth (including, as a member of the Australian Defence Force or by a Commonwealth authority)-the termination did not occur within the 12 months preceding the day the instrument of appointment is signed. |
Secretary |
| 105 | subsection 42 (2) | Secretary | |
| 106 | section 42A | Secretary | |
| 107 | section 43 | Secretary | |
| 108 | subsection 47(2) | Only for appointments at classification levels other than Senior Executive Service classifications | Secretary |
| 109 | subsection 47(3) | Only for appointments at classification levels other than Senior Executive Service classifications | Secretary |
| 110 | subsection 47(9) | Secretary | |
| 111 | subsection 47(12) | Only for appointments at classification levels other than Senior Executive Service classifications | Secretary |
| 112 | subsection 47A(3) | Secretary | |
| 113 | subsection 47B (1) | Only for appointments at classification levels other than Senior Executive
Service classifications and only: (a) if the former officer: (i) is receiving an invalidity pension under the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme; and (ii) has been found by the Commissioner for Superannuation to be fit to return to work; (b) if investigation by or on behalf of the Secretary indicates that the resignation of the former officer should not have been accepted; or (c) if the appointee has received a severance benefit in respect of his or her employment with the Commonwealth (including, as a member of the Australian Defence Force or by a Commonwealth authority) - the termination did not occur within the 12 months preceding the day the instrument of appointment is signed. |
Secretary |
| 114 | subsection 47C(1) | Only for appointments at classification levels other than Senior Executive Service classifications | Secretary |
| 115 | subsection 49(1B)(a),(b) and (ba) | If transfer is from one Department to another - may be exercised by the Secretary
to the Department gaining the SES officer (not by the Secretary to the Department losing the
SES officer) and only if the transfer is agreed to by: (a) the Secretary to the Department losing the SES officer; and (b) the Secretary to the Department gaining the SES officer; and (c) the SES officer |
Secretary |
| 116 | paragraph 49A(1)(b) | To be exercised by the Secretary to the Department gaining the SES officer
(not by the Secretary to the Department losing the SES officer) and only if the direction
is agreed to by: (a) the Secretary to the Department losing the SES officer; and (b) the Secretary to the Department gaining the SES officer; and (c) the SES officer |
Secretary |
| 117 | subsection 63C(11) | Secretary | |
| 118 | subsection 63C(12) | Secretary | |
| 119 | subsection 63F(11) | Secretary | |
| 120 | subsection 63F(12) | Secretary | |
| 121 | subsection 63G(9) | Secretary | |
| 122 | paragraph 63R(1)(c) | Secretary | |
| 123 | subsection 66A(5) | Secretary | |
| 124 | subsection 81B (5) | Only in relation to terms and conditions of staff in the Secretary's Department | Secretary |
| 125 | subsection 82AD(7) | Only for employment at classification levels other than Senior Executive Service classifications | Secretary |
| 126 | subsection 82B(1) | Only for employment at classification levels other than Senior Executive Service classifications | Secretary |
| 127 | paragraph 87B(6)(f) | Secretary | |
| 128 | subsection 87D(3) | Secretary | |
| 129 | subsection 87D(4) | Secretary | |
| 130 | subsection 87E(4) | Secretary | |
| 131 | subsection 87E(7) | Secretary | |
| 132 | subsection 87E(8) | Secretary | |
| 133 | subsection 87G(2) | Secretary | |
| 134 | subsection 87M(2) | Secretary | |
| 135 | subsection 87M(4) | Secretary | |
| 136 | subsection 87P(4) | Secretary | |
| 137 | subsection 87ZE(2) | Secretary | |
| 138 | subsection 91A(1) | Secretary | |
| 201 | subsection 8A(1) | Secretary of the Department of Industrial Relations ("DIR Secretary") | |
| 202 | subsection 8A (3) | DIR Secretary | |
| 203 | subsection 22C(5) | DIR Secretary | |
| 204 | subsection 22C(7) | DIR Secretary | |
| 205 | subsection 22C(9)+(10) | DIR Secretary | |
| 206 | paragraph 28(1)(b) | DIR Secretary | |
| 207 | subsection 29A(2) | DIR Secretary | |
| 208 | subsection 29A(4) | DIR Secretary | |
| 209 | section 70 | DIR Secretary | |
| 210 | subsection 81B(5) | DIR Secretary | |
| 211 | subsection 82D(1) | DIR Secretary | |
| 212 | subsection 82D(10A) | DIR Secretary | |
| 213 | subsection 82D(12) | DIR Secretary | |
| 214 | subsection 87E(2) | DIR Secretary | |
| 215 | subsection 87S(2) | DIR Secretary | |
| 216 | subsection 87J(8) | DIR Secretary | |
| 217 | subsection 87J(9) | DIR Secretary | |
| 218 | section 87ZG | DIR Secretary | |
| 219 | subsection 90(3) | DIR Secretary | |
| 301 | subsection 50B(4) | Merit Protection Commissioner | |
| 401 | subsection 47C(1A) | Only in relation to ATSIC staff | Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission ("CEO ATSIC") |
| 402 | subsection 82B(1A) | Only in relation to ATSIC staff | CEO ATSIC |
| 501 | subsection 47C (1A) | Only in relation to TSRA staff | General Manger, Torres Strait Regional Authority ("GM TSRA") |
| 502 | subsection 82B(1A) | Only in relation to TSRA staff | GM TSRA |
| 601 | subsection 81B (1),(2)+(3) | Only in relation to transfers of ADF personnel to civilian non SES position necessitated by structural change within the Defence portfolio | Secretary of the Department of Defence |
Schedule 2
| Item No. | Provision | Power or Function | Office | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 701 | subsection 4(10) | Long Service Leave (Commonwealth Employees)Act 1976 | to fix minimum retiring age of less than 60 years for the purposes of the Act | Secretary |
| 702 | subsection 23(1) | Merit Protection (Australian Government Employees)Act 1984 | to nominate a person to be a member of a Redeployment and Retirement Appeal Committee (other than in relation to an SES officer) | Secretary |
| 703 | subsection 28(1) | to nominate a person to be a member of a Reappointment Review Committee (other than for cases where reappointment is being sought with the SES) | Secretary | |
| 704 | section 33 | to nominate a person to be a member of a Reintegration Assessment Committee (other than for cases where reintegration is being sought with the SES) | Secretary | |
| 705 | subsection 8(1) | Maternity Leave (Commonwealth Employees)Act 1973 | declaration that absent employee's office is vacant | Secretary |
This instrument commences on 1 September 1996
Dated 27 August 1996
Public Service Commissioner
Public Service Commissioner Delegations Chart
| 7(3) | Determine that a provision of Act applies to relocation of performance of duties in relation to an excess officer | (Now effectively subject to provisions of General Employment Conditions Award
cl. 11) Delegated to Secretaries |
DIR: Guide to APS Terms and Conditions of Employment; Part 2 Section 3: Relocation Conditions |
| 8A(1) | Recommend that Governor-General declare that particular provisions of Act or Regulations should not apply to specified staff | Function previously exercised by DIR Delegated to DIR |
|
| 8A(3) | Determine terms and conditions of employment of exempt officers and employees | Function previously exercised by DIR Delegated to DIR |
|
| 15 | Furnish annual report of PSMPC to Prime Minister | Not delegated | |
| 18(1),(5) | Delegation of all powers and functions, other than power of delegation - powers to revoke and give directions to delegates - delegation may be absolute or conditional - Commissioner may still exercise delegated power |
Not delegable | |
| 19(1) | (a) Enter Department, (b) summon person to give evidence, (c) take evidence on oath, and (d) require the production of documents |
Not delegated | |
| 21(1) | Cause to be kept records of officers | Records now maintained by Finance in accordance with this provision Not delegated |
|
| 22A(1)&(5) | Require Secretary to provide report on personnel management in the Department and furnish annual report to Prime Minister on operation of this section | Not delegable | |
| 22B(6) | Require Secretary to provide report in relation to department's EEO program | Not delegable | However, new EEO guidelines being developed by the PSMPC will focus on EEO principles, with agencies having greater responsibility for establishing and maintaining EEO programs |
| 22B(8) | Recommend to Secretary action to improve program | Not delegable | |
| 22B(10) | Issue guidelines on EEO programs | Not delegable | |
| 22B(11) | Furnish report to Prime Minister on operation of this section | Not delegable | |
| 22C(5),(7), (9)&(10) |
Require Secretary to provide report in relation to department's ID plan, recommend improvements to plan, issue guidelines on ID plans and furnish report to Prime Minister on operation of this section | Function previously exercised by DIR Delegated to DIR |
|
| 26(4) | Approve delegation of power or function by a Secretary to a person who is not an officer or employee or not appointed to an office under a law of the Commonwealth | Not delegable | |
| 28(1)(b) | Declare a classification to be an approved classification | Function previously exercised by DIR Delegated to DIR |
|
| 28(1A) | Declare classifications to be SES classifications | Not delegated | |
| 29A(2) | Direct a Secretary to reclassify an office or offices | DIR has need to exercise power in some circumstances Delegated to DIR |
|
| 29A(4) | Direct that normal sub-s. (3) provision for an office to become vacant on reclassification should not apply in particular circumstances | Function currently exercised by DIR. Department would consult PSMPC to ensure
no breach of merit principle Delegated to DIR |
|
| 29B(4) | Notify procedures to be followed in relation to part-time employment | Comparable to issue of guidelines by PSMPC. Not delegated |
|
| 29D(3) | Declare hours of attendance applicable to an unattached officer in certain circumstances | Delegated to Secretaries | |
| 33A(1) | Notify various matters applicable to appointment, transfer and promotion | Not delegated | PSMPC: "Less Process Better Results - Minimum Performance Standard for Recruiting Staff" (forthcoming by October 1996) |
| 33A(1A) | Determine salary advancement and salary barrier conditions | Not delegable outside PSMPC (but may also be an outcome of agency bargaining, not involving a PSMPC determination) | |
| 33AA(3) | Direct that an SES vacancy is to be filled by reappointment of a person in accordance with s. 47C (unsuccessful election candidate) | Not delegable | |
| 33AA(3A) | Direct further advertising of vacant SES office where nominee did not commence duty | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 33B | Arrange for the taking of certain tests and examinations | DEETYA now administers tests and examinations under such arrangements Not delegated |
|
| 33C(2) | Discretion to direct that unattached officer is not to be included in department in which the person last held an office | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 34 | To be satisfied that an applicant is a fit and proper person to be an officer of the Service | Not previously delegated but Secretaries had delegated appointment powers under
s.42 and "fit and proper person" decisions are made in agencies Delegated to Secretaries |
Streamlining Guidelines:1. Recruitment, Appointment, Probation paras 20-23 The above will probably be replaced by: PSMPC: "Less Process Better Results - Minimum Performance Standard for Recruiting Staff" (forthcoming by October 1996) |
| 36(3) | Report to Prime Minister in relation to filling of vacancy in office of Secretary of PM & C | Not delegated | |
| 37(12) | Report to Prime Minister in relation to filling of vacancy in office of Secretary PM & C on a fixed-term basis | Not delegated | |
| 38(3) | Determine superannuation or similar benefits for fixed-term Secretary appointees, as required | Not delegated | |
| 42(1) | Appoint a person to an office in the Service or as an unattached officer | Delegated to Secretaries (other than SES or where severance benefit received in previous 12 months) | |
| 42(2) | Determine classification for person appointed as unattached officer | Delegated to Secretaries | PMM Vol 7, Recruitment Appointment and Employment manual para 111 |
| 42A | Appoint continuing employees as permanent officers in accordance with such procedure as Commissioner thinks fit | Delegated to Secretaries As the exercise of this delegation may impinge on application of merit principle, agencies may wish to keep record of usage |
There will be a need to distinguish between the appointment of industrial staff employed under 82AC and former short term temporaries under 82AD who have gained continuing employee status. s.42A is only used in exceptional circumstances because of its potential to compromise the merit principle |
| 43 | Appoint a person to Service in specified special circumstances | Progressive relaxation of appointment conditions has largely removed need for
this provision Delegated to Secretaries |
As the exercise of this delegation may impinge on application of the merit
principle, agencies may wish to keep records of usage Note: Parliamentary tabling requirements PSMPC: "Less Process Better Results - Minimum Performance Standard for Recruiting Staff" (forthcoming by October 1996) |
| 44(1) | Determine that appointment of an SES officer may be on a fixed-term basis | Not delegated | |
| 44(2) | Determine compensation payable to fixed-term SES officer where duration of appointment is fore-shortened | Not delegated | |
| 44(3) | Terminate fixed-term SES appointment | Not delegated | |
| 45(3) | Determine superannuation or similar benefits for fixed-term SES appointees, as required | Not delegated | |
| 47(2) | Appoint a person to Service without probation in specified circumstances | Delegated to Secretaries (other than for SES) | Probation - Principles, Guidelines and Good Practice (1995): Part One: 14: appointment without probation |
| 47(3) | Confirm a probationary appointment within 6 months of the appointment | Delegated to Secretaries (other than for SES) | Probation - Principles, Guidelines and Good Practice (1995): Part One: 4. length of the probationary period |
| 47(6A) | Confirm or terminate an appointment after notice from Secretaries under para 47(6)(c) | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 47(9) | Approve medical examination for purposes of establishing health and physical fitness of a probationary appointee | Delegated to Secretaries | Streamlining Guidelines 1. Recruitment, Appointment, Probation paras 26-34 The above will probably be replaced by: PSMPC: "Less Process Better Results - Minimum Performance Standard for Recruiting Staff" (forthcoming by October 1996) Note: advice may need to be sought in specific cases from the Australian Government Health Service |
| 47(12) | Determine that officer whose appointment has been terminated is eligible for further appointment to the Service within 12 months of termination | Delegated to Secretaries (other than for SES) | |
| 47A(3) | Be satisfied as to certain specified matters when considering appointment of a returned soldier with physical defects due to war service. | Limited current relevance Delegated to Secretaries |
Note: advice may need to be sought in specific cases from the Australian Government Health Service |
| 47B(1) | Reappoint to the Service a person who has ceased to be an officer | Delegated to Secretaries (other than for SES or for non-SES where severance benefit received in previous 12 months) | As this may impinge on application of the merit principle, agencies may wish
to keep records of usage Circular 1990/21 covers certain limited scenarios (reappointment after invalidity retirement, resignation) |
| 47C(1) | Reappoint an unsuccessful election candidate | Delegated to Secretaries (other than for SES) | Circular delegating power issued Feb 1990/04 |
| 47C(1A) | Reappoint to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) or to the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) an officer of ATSIC or TSRA who was an unsuccessful candidate at a Regional Council election | Delegated to ATSIC Chief Executive Officer and to TSRA General Manager in relation to own staff | Same principles as 47C(1) apply-no additional guidelines envisaged. |
| 47D | Arrange for transfer of an APS officer to an office in a Territorial Service | May not be delegable in present form of s. 47D and may involve machinery of
government issues Not delegated |
|
| 49(1B)(a)(b) &(ba) |
Effect transfer of SES and SES (Specialist) officers in specified circumstances | Delegated to 'gaining' Secretary (other than Specialist to non-Specialist as per para (1B)(c) and subject to agreement of Secretaries and the officer concerned if inter-agency) | PSC circular 1992/4 paras 9 to 13; PSC circular 1993/8 |
| 49(5) | Effect simultaneous transfers of officers between 2 or more SES offices | Shared power as between Commissioner and Secretaries Not delegable |
|
| 49A(1)(b) | Direct SES officer to perform duties in another Department | Delegated to 'gaining' Secretary (subject to agreement of affected Secretaries and officer concerned) | |
| 49B(1) | Promote an officer to a vacant SES office | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 50 (4) | Give notice to Secretary that an office is not to be filled without Commissioner's approval | Not delegable | |
| 50(5B) | Approve use of this sub-section to permit re-notification within 21 days of an inaccurate Gazette notification of a promotion | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 50B(4) | Extend period within which a promotion appeal may be lodged | Delegated to Merit Protection Commissioner | MPRA view is that power is rarely used but, if exercised, its application should be limited, in principle, to situations likely to affect lodging of appeals in emergency situations (fires, floods etc). It should not otherwise be seen as an option for possibly extending the appeal period for a particular individual in other "special" circumstances, variously judged to be appropriate by individual agencies |
| 50DB(2) | Specify in notice under para 33A(1)(e) the circumstances in which a management-initiated Joint Selection Committee may be used | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 50G(1) | Cancel a promotion or transfer before it takes effect | Shared power between Commissioner and Secretaries Not delegable outside PSMPC |
PSMPC: "Less Process Better Results - Minimum Performance Standard for Recruiting Staff" (forthcoming by October 1996) |
| 50J(1) | Approve an inter-departmental transfer, where Secretary of losing Department does not agree, after consideration of views of affected Departments and the officer concerned | Not delegable | PSMPC: "Less Process Better Results - Minimum Performance Standard for Recruiting Staff" (forthcoming by October 1996) |
| 51(1) and (3) | Effect inter-departmental transfers (temporary or permanent) "in the interests of....the Service" | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 52(1) | Permit an officer to decline an intra-departmental transfer in circumstances where Secretary was the approving authority | Not delegable outside PSMPC | PSMPC: "Less Process Better Results - Minimum Performance Standard for Recruiting Staff" (forthcoming by October 1996) |
| 53A(1) | Determine that a specified office is a "training office" and the entitlement of an officer to occupy a "relevant higher office" on completion of a required course of training to the Commissioner's satisfaction | Probably not delegable outside PSMPC in present form, although the individual
advancement cases are authorised departmentally Not delegated |
PSC: "Entry and Career Path Requirements" (1994) |
| 57(3) | Extend the 7-day period within which a Secretary may make a submission to the Commissioner in relation to a disciplinary charge | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 57(7) | Recommend to the Governor-General certain types of action in relation to the misconduct of a Secretary | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 57(8) | Furnish certain material to the Governor-General in relation to disciplinary charge | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 57(9) | Inform Secretary of recommendation to Governor-General and provide opportunity for Secretary to submit material to the Governor-General | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 58(1)(b),(2) &(3) |
Recommend certain action to Governor-General in relation to a Secretary convicted of a criminal offence, submit related material and provide opportunity for Secretary to furnish statement/make a submission | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 59(3) | Direct payment of salary during suspension in certain circumstances to suspended Secretary | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 60(8) | Determine whether whole or part of suspension period is to be a "period of service" for particular purposes, where suspended Secretary dies or retires | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 63C(11) | Determine whether whole or part of suspension period is to be a "period of service" for particular purposes where suspended officer (other than a Secretary) dies or retires | Delegated to Secretaries | Infrequently used power Discipline Handbook (PMM Vol 3) para 8.52 |
| 63C(12) | Authorise payment to an officer (or to the estate of a deceased officer) of an amount equal to the amount which would otherwise have been paid in the event of the retirement or death of a suspended officer | Delegated to Secretaries | Discipline Handbook (PMM Vol 3) para 8.53 |
| 63F(2),(3),(4) &(5) |
Refer to relevant Secretary application for transfer, promotion or re-appointment where conviction nullified of a previously-transferred or dismissed officer | Not delegable | |
| 63F(9), (10) | Appoint, re-appoint, transfer or promote an applicant on the recommendation of a Secretary or Disciplinary Appeal Committee under provisions of this section | Not delegable to Secretaries However, it is noted that Commissioner powers cannot be exercised other than in co-operation with agencies in any event |
|
| 63F(11) | Determine whether any part of the period between dismissal and re-appointment is to be a "period of service" for any purpose | Directly linked to action under (9) and (10) above Delegated to Secretaries |
Discipline Handbook para 11.17 |
| 63F(12) | Determine an appropriate office in certain circumstances, for officer reinstated under this section | Directly linked to action under (9) and (10) above Delegated to Secretaries |
Discipline Handbook para 11.15, 11.16 |
| 63G(6) | Discretion to take appropriate action for reinstatement or transfer of an officer on the recommendation of a Disciplinary Appeal Committee | Recommendation is furnished to Commissioner under para 63G(5)(c) Not delegable |
|
| 63G(9) | Determine whether any part of the period between dismissal and re-appointment is to count as service for any purpose | Directly linked to action under (6) above Delegated to Secretaries |
Discipline Handbook para 11.29, 11.31 |
| 63M | Select from a class of persons prescribed under regulation 164 (namely, Secretaries or SES officers) a person to inquire into and, if appropriate, direct dismissal of an unattached officer convicted of, or having been found to have committed, a criminal offence | Probably not delegable outside PSMPC in present form, but assumed to be an
isolated occurrence Not delegated |
|
| 63R(1)(c) | Determine whether a period of imprisonment or custody shall be regarded as service for any purpose | Delegated to Secretaries | Discipline Handbook para 5.23, 5.24 |
| 63R(2) | Determine whether an officer who is imprisoned or in custody awaiting trial for an offence shall receive the whole or part of his salary for the whole or part of the period concerned | Shared power between Commissioner and Secretaries Not delegable |
|
| 66A(5) | Revoke a "forfeiture of office" notice issued by a Secretary | Delegated to Secretaries | Discipline Handbook para 12.20 |
| 66B(6) | Direct as to which Secretary is the "relevant Secretary" for purposes of re-appointing an officer to the APS where the officer's previous Department has ceased to exist | Not delegable | |
| 70 | Approve grant of sick leave by a Secretary, or an extension of that leave in certain circumstances | Section has been repealed (but repeal not yet proclaimed). Delegated to DIR |
|
| 76C(2) | Determine that a Secretary shall retire from the APS at a specified age or after a specified period beyond the normal maximum retiring age | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 76D(1) | Inquire into and report to the Governor-General in relation to the inefficiency or incapacity of a Secretary | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 76E(3) | Report to Prime Minister in relation to any proposed termination of appointment of the occupant of the office of Secretary, PM & C | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 76F(1),(1A) &(2) |
Take certain specified action in relation to the redeployment of an unattached Secretary, including transfer to an SES office and reduction in classification | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 76FA(1) | Offer a specified benefit to an unattached Secretary who agrees to retire from the APS | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 76J(2)&(3) | Determine that an SES officer shall retire from the APS at a specified age or after a specified period beyond the normal retiring age | Not delegated | |
| 76L(1),(3) &(3B) |
Give notice to an SES officer of reduction in classification or retirement from the APS, or of an intention to consider such action | Not delegated | |
| 76L(6)(b),(11) &(12) |
Determine that a notified promotion shall not take effect while the determination is in force, cancel such a promotion or, in the event of revocation of the determination, determine when salary is to be payable in the promotion position | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 76N(1) | Retire an SES officer on grounds of physical or mental incapacity, with officer's consent | Not delegated | |
| 76P(1) | Declare that SES officer should become unattached on basis of medical advice that officer should be retired on grounds of physical or mental incapacity | Not delegated | |
| 76R(1) | Notify SES officer of availability of a special benefit if officer retires from APS within a specified period | Not delegated | |
| 76W(2)&(3) | Take specified action, where considered appropriate, to transfer or reduce in classification a non-SES officer, in respect of whom a Secretary has proposed reduction in classification or retirement | Not delegable outside PSMPC | |
| 76X(1)&(2) | Notify in Gazette administrative instructions in relation to exercise by Secretaries of non-SES redeployment and retirement powers and give directions in relation to the exercise of such powers | Not delegable outside PSMPC. | |
| 81B(1) | Appoint to, or direct employment in, the APS of persons associated with a function which the Prime Minister has certified should be performed by persons employed under the Act | Legislative provisions in s.81B are complicated and agencies have little opportunity
to develop expertise. Appointments of SES staff may be involved Delegated to DoD in relation to certain ADF transfers |
|
| 81B(2) and (3) | Declare that specified persons associated with the performance of a Commonwealth function, which the Prime Minister has certified should be performed by persons employed under the Act, are appointed to, or employed in, the APS | As above for s.81B(1) Delegated to DoD in relation to certain ADF transfers |
|
| 81B(3A) | Re integrate into the APS persons to whom either Division 2 of Part IV of the PSA, or the Officers' Rights Declaration Act, applies, where the Prime Minister has certified that it is in the interests of the Commonwealth for this to occur | As above for s.81B(1) Not delegated |
|
| 81B(5) | Determine that special terms and conditions may apply to a person entering or re-entering the APS under provisions of this section | Determination can be made by Commissioner or DIR (or both) according to functional
responsibility for subject matter DIR has favoured delegation to Secretaries in relation to "terms and conditions" matters on grounds that issues now resolved at agency level in a devolved environment with access to AIRC, if need arises No change (in relation to Commissioner's functional responsibilities) Delegated generally to DIR; and "terms and conditions" matters to Secretaries |
DIR will be developing guidelines |
| 81C(1) | Declare that specified officers are in the employment of a Commonwealth authority, where Prime Minister has certified that the function performed by those persons is to be performed by the relevant authority | Transfer arrangements may be complicated and agencies have little opportunity
to develop expertise Not delegated |
|
| 82AB(1) | Declare a class of employees to be continuing employees | Not delegated | |
| 82AD(4) | Approve periods of more than 3 months, but less than 12 months, as approved periods of short-term employment | Not delegated | |
| 82AD(7) | Extend a period of short-term employment which has expired or terminate the employment from a specified date | Delegated to Secretaries (other than for SES classifications) | |
| 82AD(10) | Notify in the Gazette specified matters in relation to selection of persons for short-term employment | Not delegable | |
| 82AE(1) | Approve the engagement by Secretaries of fixed-term employees | Not delegable | Alternative administrative processes now in place: PSMPC circular 1996/15 |
| 82B(1) | Re employment of a temporary employee who was an unsuccessful candidate at an election | Delegated to Secretaries (other than for SES classifications) | |
| 82B(1A) | Re employment of a temporary employee of ATSIC or TSRA who was unsuccessful candidate at Regional Council election | Delegated to ATSIC Chief Executive Officer and TSRA General Manager in relation to own staff | |
| 82BA(2) | Direct re-location of a temporary employee as a consequence of changed administrative arrangements | Probably not delegable | |
| 82D(1) | Determine terms and conditions of employment | Delegated to DIR (Non SES R&R benefits are now subject to provisions of 1995/96 Enterprise Agreement) |
|
| 82D(10A) &(12) |
Number determinations in a particular manner, if considered fit, and notify the making of determinations in the Gazette | Delegated to DIR | |
| Part IV (general) |
Part IV matters: The current Mobility Handbook is being revised. Subject to unforeseen delays, it is hoped that this will be available by the end of October 1996. Pending its availability, specific queries can be raised with Colleen Oliver phone (02) 6272 3919 |
||
| 87B(2),(3) &(4) |
To be satisfied as to certain specified matters before regulations are made for PSA Part IV purposes under sub-s. 87(4), and to make regulations repealing the former regulations | Probably not delegable and regulation-making power is now exercised by Governor-General
on Commissioner/Minister recommendation Not delegated |
|
| 87B(6)(f) | Certification as to presumed death of an officer for purposes of payment in lieu of recreation leave | Delegated to Secretaries | Will be covered in revised mobility guidelines |
| 87D(3) &(4) |
Fix a period in excess of 3 years (and fix an additional period if considered appropriate) in relation to the time of cessation of leave without pay for an officer employed by a public authority | Delegated to Secretaries | |
| 87E(2) | Determine manner in which periods of recreation and sick leave (if any) are to be credited to certain officers covered by Division 2 of Part IV of PSA | Power is exercised by DIR and is covered by a standing determination Delegated to DIR |
|
| 87E(4) | Determine recreation leave credit that accrues on 1 January to an officer to whom Division 2 of Part IV applies | Delegated to Secretaries | Revised mobility guidelines will alert agencies to the fact that Secretaries
now have this power See comment on s.87B(4) |
| 87E(7) | Direct presumption of an officer's death for purpose of payment in lieu of accrued recreation leave, where Division 2 of Part IV applied to the officer | Delegated to Secretaries | See comment on s. 87E(4) |
| 87E(8) | Determine recreation leave credit which accrues to an officer covered by Division 2 of Part IV after resumption of duty in the APS | Delegated to Secretaries | See comment on s. 87E(4) |
| 87G(2) | Extend 30-day period after which an office becomes vacant and the Division 2 Part IV officer, previously promoted to that office, becomes an unattached officer | Delegated to Secretaries | See comment on s. 87E(4) |
| 87J(3)&(4) | To be satisfied for purposes of a notification to the Prime Minister that specified officers or persons are performing duties connected with the performance of a particular function | Transfer arrangements may be complicated and agencies have little opportunity to develop expertiseNot delegated | |
| 87J(8) | To be satisfied as to various matters in relation to terms and conditions of employment prior to the Prime Minister making a declaration under this section | Power is exercised both by PSMPC and DIR Delegated to DIR |
Revised mobility guidelines will alert agencies to need to liaise with DIR |
| 87J(9) | With approval of Prime Minister, revoke a declaration under this section under certain specified circumstances | Power may be exercised both by PSMPC and DIR Confirm in new delegation to DIR |
See comment on s. 87J(8) |
| 87M(2) | Determine that the deemed re-appointment of an officer, to whom Division 3 of Part IV applies and who has been promoted to an office in the APS, shall be with probation | Delegated to Secretaries | Revised mobility guidelines will alert agencies to fact that Secretaries now have delegation |
| 87M(4) | Determine a period greater than 30 days within which a person may accept or decline transfer or promotion in accordance with this section | Delegated to Secretaries | See comment on s. 87M(2) |
| 87N(5)(b) | Allow a period longer than 30 days after the occurrence of a specified event during which an officer may apply for re-appointment to the APS | Not delegated Alternative administrative processes under consideration |
|
| 87N(13) | Furnish to applicant a copy of a determination of a Re-appointment Review Committee (RRC) advising that applicant is not eligible for re-appointment under this section | Not delegable (by reason of sub-s. 87N(12)) Alternative administrative processes under consideration |
|
| 87P(4) | Allow a period of longer than 30 days within which a person may apply for reinstatement as a person to whom Division 3 of Part IV applies | Delegated to Secretaries | See comment on s. 87M(2) |
| 87Q(1) | Furnish the applicant a copy of an RRC determination establishing he or she is eligible for re-appointment under s. 87N together with a notice informing the applicant of the terms of such a re-appointment | Not delegable (by reason of sub-s. 87N(12)) Alternative administrative processes under consideration |
|
| 87Q(4) | Allow a period of longer than 21 days within which a person shall take certain specified action in relation to a s.87N re-appointment | Not delegable (given that issue of related notice under sub-s. 87Q(1)
is handled by PSMPC) Alternative administrative processes under consideration |
|
| 87R(1) | Re-appoint a Division 3 Part IV person to the APS if satisfied that there are special circumstances | Power exercised only in exceptional circumstances for non-SES. Retained for
SES consistent with overall PSMPC responsibilities in this area Not delegated |
|
| 87R(2)(b),(c) &(d) |
Determine that re-appointment is to be without probation and at such classification and salary as considered appropriate | Relates to s.87R(1) Not delegated |
|
| 87S(2) | Determine manner in which recreation and sick leave is to be credited on re-appointment in accordance with ss87M, 87Q and 87R | Power is exercised by DIR and is covered by a standing determination Delegated to DIR |
|
| 87TA | Apply the provisions of the repealed Officers' Rights Declaration Act 1928 or the former s.6 of the Trade Commissioners Act 1933, to certain persons in specified circumstances | Presumed to arise only infrequently. Potential difficulties in cases where
officer's previous agency may have ceased to exist Not delegated |
|
| 87V(4) | Extend beyond 3 years the period during which provisions of ORD Act continue to apply to officers | Potential difficulties in authorising extension in cases where officer's previous
agency may have ceased to exist Not delegated |
|
| 87Y(5) | Give notice to appropriate persons and authorities of cessation of leave without pay for persons engaged in prescribed employment (with Australia Post or the former Telecom) | Effectively a transitional provision at time of enactment and not considered
to have any current relevance Not delegated |
|
| 87Z(5) | Give notice to appropriate persons and authorities of cessation of leave without pay for persons employed in Northern Territory Public Service | Effectively a transitional provision at time of enactment and not considered
to have any current relevance Not delegated |
|
| 87ZA(2) | Determine that former officers who resigned to join certain commissions (Australia Post or Telecom) should be appointed to the APS on probation | Effectively a transitional provision at time of enactment and not considered
to have any current relevance Not delegated |
|
| 87ZA(7) | Give notice to appropriate persons and authorities of cessation of APS employment of person who continues in employment of a commission (Australia Post or Telecom) for more than 3 years | Effectively a transitional provision at time of enactment and not considered
to have any current relevance Not delegated |
|
| 87ZC(1) | Make certain declarations concerning status of certain persons engaged in eligible Commonwealth employment. | Effectively a transitional provision at time of enactment and not considered
to have any current relevance Not delegated |
|
| 87ZC(3) | Give notice to appropriate Secretary or authority of cessation of APS employment of certain persons engaged in eligible Commonwealth employment under Part IV | Not delegable | |
| 87ZE(2) | Declare in particular circumstances that two periods of public authority employment are not to be deemed to be continuous where officer performed an intervening period of duty (of not more than 3 months) in the APS. | Delegated to Secretaries | Revised mobility guidelines will alert agencies to fact that Secretaries now have this delegation |
| 87ZG | Revoke a determination made under Part IV provisions at any time | Delegated to DIR | Revised mobility guidelines will alert agencies to need to liaise with DIR |
| 90(3) | Authorise payments to officers and employees other than for salary, allowances or expenses | Comparable to "act of grace" payments and have been closely controlled by central
agencies to this point Not delegated at this stage |
|
| 91A(1) | Direct that this section applies to an officer receiving remuneration or allowance additional to salary (so that such remuneration or allowance is seemed to be received on behalf of the Commonwealth and is to be paid to the Commonwealth) | Delegated to Secretaries | Reg 38 applies. No specific guidelines but see Guidelines on Official Conduct, particularly chapter 15, for indication of general principles |
Attachment
Delegation of Public Service Commissioner Powers under Acts other than Public Service Act
| Long Service Leave (Commonwealth Employees) Act 1976 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sub-s.4(10) | To fix minimum retiring age of less than 60 years for the purposes of this Act | Delegated to Secretaries |
| Maternity Leave (Commonwealth Employees) Act 1973 | ||
| Sub-s.8(1) | Declare that an office is vacant where officer absent from duty in relation
to childbirth (NB: existing delegation) |
Delegated to Secretaries |
| Merit Protection (Australian Government Employees) Act 1984 | ||
| Sub-s.23(1) | Nominate a person to be a member of a Redeployment and Retirement Appeal Committee (other than in relation to an SES officer) | Delegated to Secretaries |
| Sub-s.28(1) | Nominate a person to be a member of a Reappointment Review Committee (other than in relation to cases where reappointment is sought at the SES level) | Delegated to Secretaries |
| Para 33(b) | Nominate a person to be a member of a Reintegration Assessment Committee (other than in relation to cases where reintegration is sought at the SES level) | Delegated to Secretaries |


