Equal Opportunity Commission

In reply to the Hon. S.G. WADE (9 May 2017).

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse): The Minister for Police is advised that:

The recommendations are currently being addressed in priority order and recommendation 27 is scheduled to be addressed in 2018.

Currently, maternity leave arrangements in South Australia Police (SAPOL) are addressed through the Office for the Public Sector determinations and SAPOL’s General Orders. These documents state that members, whether taking paid or unpaid maternity leave, have the right of return to their position. The vacancy can be carried, or backfilled on a temporary basis by secondment or relieving into the position. If the position no longer exists through restructure then the member returns to a position that is similar. The position can be permanently backfilled if the member’s maternity leave reaches its expiration period and the member relinquishes the position.