CONSULTANTS AND CONTRACTORS

306 The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (7 July 2011) (First Session).

1. Were any persons employed or otherwise engaged as a consultant or contractor, in any department or agency reporting to the Minister for Health, who had previously received a separation package from the state government; and

2. If so—

(a) What number of persons were employed;

(b) What number were engaged as a consultant; and

(c) What number engaged as a contractor?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations): The Minister for Health and Ageing has been advised:

1. & 2. All SA Government employees who accept a separation package have this clause included in the offer:

I agree not to seek, accept, engage in or remain in, any employment in either the South Australian public sector or a third party providing services to the South Australian public sector, remunerated or otherwise, whether temporary, casual, ongoing or by appointment, for a period of three years from the date on which my resignation takes effect.

Each officer who accepts a separation package is also listed on a database by the relevant agency as having accepted a separation package. This database is administered by the Sustainable Workplace Unit within the Department for Premier and Cabinet.

Prior to commencement in the Department, new employees must complete an employment declaration that includes details of any previous voluntary separation packages from the SA Government. These details are checked prior to commencement to ensure eligibility for employment.

All tender documentation released by SA Health includes as a condition of tender a statement advising potential respondents that SA Health will not accept as contractors or consultants, former employees who have accepted a separation package within the previous three years. Specifically, section 17.1 of the standard Bid Rules state:

The Principal will not accept the services of any former public sector employee, either directly or through a third party, who has, within the last three years, received a separation package from the Government, where such engagement may breach the conditions under which the separation package was paid to the former public sector employee.