That this Bill be agreed to in principle.

Mr Speaker, I am pleased to present the Public Sector Legislation Amendment Bill 1999, a Bill to amend the Public Sector Management Act 1994 and the Fire Brigade (Administration) Act 19 74.

This Bill is necessary in response to the Commonwealth's new Public Service Act 1999. The Bill provides for interim arrangements to continue the current system of review and appeal procedures in the A.C.T. Public Service following the proposed repeal by the Commonwealth of legislation which provided the necessary procedural infrastructure. The repeal will operate from 5 December 1999.

Mr Speaker, the Public Sector Management Act, and the Fire Brigade Administration Act, deal with rights of review and appeal for A.C.T. public servants. These Acts have linked the A.C.T. Public Service to external review and appeal procedures set out in the Merit Protection Act by deeming A.C.T. Public Service staff to be Commonwealth staff for the purposes of that Act.

The Commonwealth Public Service Act 1999, and a related consequential provisions Act, are expected to commence on 5 December 1999. This legislation repeals the Merit Protection Act.

Mr Speaker, as a result of the Commonwealth repeal of the Merit Protection Act, it is necessary to ensure that A.C.T. appeal and review rights are retained until we can make longer term arrangements.