Contract employees at Justice made permanent

16/7/01
Justice Minister Jim McGinty has delivered on a key Government pre-election pledge with the announcement today that almost 140 contract employees at the Department of Justice have been granted permanent positions.
"Each of these staff members has met the criteria for employment conversion set by the Government and letters informing them of their change of employment status are now being sent out," Mr McGinty said.
The criteria for contract staff being made permanent employees is that they must be:

• entry level appointees;

• merit or Department of Premier and Cabinet selected;

• employed on successive contracts for a period greater than 12 months with the department; and

• not employed in finite positions.

"These staff have filled a wide range of entry level positions within the Department of Justice, some for periods of up to six years," Mr McGinty said.
"The resulting lack of job security has made it difficult for them to plan ahead or to even access some services that many permanent employees take for granted, such as home or car loans.
"Their appointment as permanent staff is part of the Government's ongoing commitment to increase employment stability within the public service by limiting the use of contract staff."
The 139 staff fill a wide range of positions including receptionists, typists, clerical, administrative and accounts officers, customer service officers, cleaners and various positions within the courts, prisons and community-based sentencing.
As well as the direct benefits to staff, Mr McGinty said benefits to the Department of Justice - being achieved at no extra cost - would include improved morale and greater commitment from staff who saw a more certain future with the agency.
Media contact: Amanda O'Brien on 9220 5000