New employment policy cuts out ambiguity

A new DET policy clearly outlines what's regarded as private or secondary employment, writes DIANE HAGUE.

Members would be aware that the Department of Education and Training (DET) has recently published a Private and Secondary Employment Policy which applies to all permanent and temporary full time employees, including schools, TAFE, AMES, teachers and public sector staff.

The policy was the subject of extensive consultation between Federation, the Public Service Association and DET, beginning with a first draft sent to the Federation in December 2002.

The policy clarifies what has been the case for teachers and related employees since the 1970 Teaching Services Act, that is, anyone covered by the Act who wished to engage in private employment had to seek prior approval from the Director-General. Indeed section 89 of the current Teaching Services Act states specifically that, except with the permission in writing of the Director-General, which may be withdrawn at any time, an officer or temporary employee shall not engage in employment other than under the Act itself.

When the TAFE Commission was established in 1991, TAFE moved to develop the Private Employment Policy and this was gazetted in 1992 then revised in 1997. This policy replaces the 1997 TAFE policy. The policy describes some exemptions such as HSC marking and attempts to clearly outline what does and doesn't comprise private or secondary employment.

Federation believes that if a teacher or other officer is employed full time in the public education system then they should not be employed privately elsewhere. However, in cases where, for whatever reason, members are privately employed, they must comply with this policy and in particular section 6 which relates to approval procedures and standards. The policy is available on DET's website.

Diane Hague is an Industrial Officer.

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