The exclusion of the Directorate on Intelligence and Security (DIS) from the 2008 Public Service Act is being discussed by high offices in country and could result in an amendment of the Act before the end of this year, The Telegraph has learnt.
Carter Morupisi, director of the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) confirmed last week that consultations of a possible review and amendment of the Act began between his office, the Attorney General and the Office of the President.
Morupisi noted that as DPSM continues to work towards the modernisation of the public service for optimal performance, it has emerged that a review of the Public Service Act, which commenced in 2010 is necessary.
Apart from the inconsistency created by the exclusion of DIS from the Act, the proposed review and amendment is set to look at harmonising the Public Service Act with other national labour laws such as the Employment Act, Trade Dispute Act and Trade and Employers Organisations Act.
“A roll out plan has been developed which includes consultations with key stakeholders, including Public Service Trade Unions, cabinet. It is planned that the bill be presented in the July 2014 sitting of Parliament,” Morupisi said.
Among other things, the amendment also seeks to align the Public Service Act to the provisions of the constitution, according to Morupisi.
He added that the amendment will also address gaps in the Act created by the repeal of other Employing Authorities Acts like the Teaching Service Act.
The amendment of the Act was first announced in 2012 through a letter dated July 24, 2012 that was delivered to trade unions.
In the letter, Morupisi informed trade union leaders that his department is in the process of reviewing the Act in order to align it with other national and international labour laws.
