PSA is pursuing in a variety of ways an issue relating to Executive Officers following the change in government policy that led to contracts being offered without 'fall-back'.

While the PSM Act enables existing members of the Public Service who obtain Executive contracts to retain the ability to 'fall-back' to their existing public service position when their contract expires, the Government policy change has meant that this condition is now only very rarely offered. Many in this situation have felt forced to accept contract extensions without 'fall-back'.

The Association has been contacted by a number of members in Executive levels who have been adversely affected by the policy change. The change also has clear career implications for members at Senior Manager level contemplating future employment in the Executive stream.

PSA has expressed concern over these matters with CE Treasury and Finance and the Commissioner for Public Employment and the Association is pursuing the matter at Industrial Relations Commission level.

The PSA is seeking support for affected members beyond what is currently included in the policy.

The Commissioner for Public Employment has advised that he "would like to explore other options for structured support, with a view to improving efforts to assist executive employees to transition and find alternative employment" at the expiration of their contracts.

PSA is concerned that no formal mechanisms exist to allow the Public Sector to utilise available experienced persons when their own Agency has no further need of them.

The PSA looks forward to being part of a process that will hopefully address the difficulties that have arisen from the way that the policy has been implemented in some instances.

PSA will be pursuing discussions on these matters and members will be kept informed of progress.

Members who believe that they have been adversely affected by the policy or who wish to make comment should contact PSA Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher on 8205 3224 or at pgc@cpsu.asn.au or PSA Assistant Chief Industrial Officer Gayle Peak on 8205 3288 or at gp@cpsu.asn.au. All enquiries will be dealt with in confidence.