SMH:

Public servants should pull their weight at work or look for a new job, the Public Service Commissioner has warned.
The blunt assessment from Commissioner John Lloyd comes as he prepares to unveil new rules making it easier for bosses in the Commonwealth bureaucracy to sack underperformers.


Mr Lloyd also says he is going to make the public service's notoriously slow hiring process quicker and easier and give departments more opportunities to use temps, part-timers and contractors.


The commissioner shared his vision of a transformed Australian Public Service workforce with delegates at the Australian Human Resources Institute national conference in Melbourne on Monday.

But Mr Lloyd's vision of the future might be an unsettling one for many of the Commonwealth's 160,000 public servants.

The commissioner signalled he would soon be ready for the next offensive in his war on underperformers, and he says he has the backing of the APS rank-and-file.

"The APS has struggled to effectively manage underperformance," he told the conference

"This is a clear and consistent message from employees themselves."

There was a blunt message for those who were not contributing, with Mr Lloyd saying the APS should take a leaf from the private sector's book on dealing with slackers.

"Public servants who are not engaged by their work or cannot contribute at the required level should consider seeking other opportunities," he said."This could be another APS role or something outside the APS.

"Some companies actively manage out the bottom 10 per cent of performers every year.

"Commercial pressures mean a private sector manager cannot 'carry' someone who is underperforming.

"Why should people and how they perform be any less important in the public sector? Public resources are as important as those allocated by shareholders."

Mr Lloyd said that performance management was not about retribution, although an employee might end the process looking for another jobs.

"Performance management should not be punitive," the commissioner said. "Although the end may be a separation."

A speedier recruitment process was also badly needed in the public service, Mr Lloyd told his audience, and time-wasting had to stop.

The service's famously time-consuming application forms should go and marathon interviews should also be consigned to history, the commissioner said.

"It takes too long to recruit someone into the APS," he said.

"A good outcome is to welcome someone within 10 to 12 weeks of commencing the process.

"We have to ensure that fair treatment and merit selection underpin the recruitment of staff. But there are more efficient methods available.

"Applications should be succinct, interviews short and focused and referee checks limited to genuine contenders."

The public service should also get used to seeing more temporary workers, contractors, part-timers and casuals making up its ranks and it should be easier for bosses in the bureaucracy to get non-full time workers onto their books.
"The APS, like other sectors, will have to access non-ongoing employees, contractors, labour hires, part-time and casual employees," Mr Lloyd told the conference.

"The access should not be unduly complicated or restricted."

as long as they weed out the under performers and don't use it as an excuse to advance their office politics or their own careers, I'm all for it.

As the Tribune rode in upon his triumph, the crowds (Ochlocrats all) cheering his garlanded brow as his golden chariot lead the seemingly endless lines of captured enemies of Roma, the maidens showering him with flowers, chosen slaves throwing coins amongst the crowd and ribbons across his way, and the Senators lined up in tribute and raising the right palm high in salute, the Vestal Virgins offering him a prime and tantalising but prim view of what might have been his for the pleasuring, the matrons of Roma far less inhibited and offering freely ..... his favoured seneschal knelt beside him in the chariot, and slowly but clearly repeated time and again lest his mind forget midst the clamour of the adoring crowd:-

"Checks and balances.. division of powers.. check and balances... all glory is fleeting..... division of powers .... checks and balances....."

I am guessing we will see the likes of Greg a lot less now that he is going to have to actually work.

mariacostel wrote on Aug 28^th, 2015 at 9:51am:

I am guessing we will see the likes of Greg a lot less now that he is going to have to actually work.

I doubt that a queue will form outside Maria Costel's Wigwam.

Starve them of funds and then they will get their house in order ;)

They all should get a pay cut of 30%. And some of the top earners that get 200K or more  should have their pay packets capped at 200K. And all of this bullshit about having to pay public servants a lot of money to attract the best is absolute nonsense. Most of these public servants couldn't hold down a job in private enterprise anyway !!

mariacostel wrote on Aug 28^th, 2015 at 9:51am:

I am guessing we will see the likes of Greg a lot less now that he is going to have to actually work.

Public service?  I wish I had it so easy.

greggerypeccary wrote on Aug 28^th, 2015 at 11:26am:

mariacostel wrote on Aug 28th, 2015 at 9:51am: I am guessing we will see the likes of Greg a lot less now that he is going to have to actually work. Public service?  I wish I had it so easy.

You reckon it would be better than driving the club bus with all those drunken pensioners in it eh Greg?

if they remove all those that really dont do much.. they wont have many left...lolololol.. and thats starting at the top..

if they didnt have meetings they would be flat out having a reason to pop in now and then...

this is amazing news....its not just performance its the nepotism, favoritism and looking after mates that pizzzes most off...the culture in the P.S. is toxic to say the least and that goes for all areas...

I wish John Lloyd well with this endeavor...

we will now see sircrock come out screaming about poor P.S.. ::) ::)

Good to see that the Howard-implemented tyranny over one of the purported checks and balances/divisions of power - i.e. an independent public service (something I'm certain about two of you understand) - has moved a step closer under the despotic regime of Uncle To.



Socialist Government Workers Of The Republic!  Purge Revisionary Reactionary Bandit Thoughts!  Struggle with Might for Socialist Visionary Function In Service of The People's Revolution!  Dedicate Self and All For Greater Good In Socialist Brotherhood With Working Class!!  Purge Anti-Socialist Running Dog Elements and Strive for The Nation!!

http://i1.cpcache.com/product/29791319/obey_the_chihuahua_revolution_posters.jpg

cods wrote on Aug 28^th, 2015 at 11:45am:

if they didnt have meetings they would be flat out having a reason to pop in now and then...

I tried out the public service a couple of times, and the meetings are just insane.

We would actually hold meetings, to decide when to hold further meetings.

It's crazy.

I don't know how anyone could "work" in the public service - too boring and too structured for me, and far too many meetings.

greggerypeccary wrote on Aug 28^th, 2015 at 11:56am:

cods wrote on Aug 28th, 2015 at 11:45am: if they didnt have meetings they would be flat out having a reason to pop in now and then... I tried out the public service a couple of times, and the meetings are just insane. We would actually hold meetings, to decide when to hold further meetings. It's crazy. I don't know how anyone could "work" in the public service - too boring and too structured for me, and far too many meetings.

meetings are work for a lot of them as without them they wouldnt know how to fill their day..

something I have just learnt now this will turn your toes up...my daughter has worked for a certain section of the public service for many years .. she said something yesterday which shocked me.. she said I am taking a man rec day off on Monday....I looked at her and said oh yes.. right whats that.. you know its a mandatory recreation DAY....

no I dont .. I had never heard it before she then says we get two man rec days a qtr.. and if we dont take them we lose them and mine are due again in Sept....

well after I came out of my shock she explained it has gone on for years...when she has referred to rec days.. I am thinking they are days shes earnt somehow...but NO... every person gets 2 mandatory rec days per QTR 8 per year on top of everything else.....so you can imagine the rush to take them because they cant carry them forward...


and they call us the silly country. :D :D :D :D

and crock feels sorry for this lot.

cods wrote on Aug 30^th, 2015 at 7:58pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Aug 28th, 2015 at 11:56am: cods wrote on Aug 28th, 2015 at 11:45am: if they didnt have meetings they would be flat out having a reason to pop in now and then... I tried out the public service a couple of times, and the meetings are just insane. We would actually hold meetings, to decide when to hold further meetings. It's crazy. I don't know how anyone could "work" in the public service - too boring and too structured for me, and far too many meetings. meetings are work for a lot of them as without them they wouldnt know how to fill their day..

You are 100% correct.

For me, meetings are death.

I would rather kill myself than attend another Public Service meeting.

At the start of this new financial year, I started working for myself.

I don't hold meetings.

I "meet" with people (over a coffeewine), determine what has to be done, and then get on with it.

Scheduled, official meetings kill productivity.

cods wrote on Aug 30^th, 2015 at 7:58pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Aug 28th, 2015 at 11:56am: cods wrote on Aug 28th, 2015 at 11:45am: if they didnt have meetings they would be flat out having a reason to pop in now and then... I tried out the public service a couple of times, and the meetings are just insane. We would actually hold meetings, to decide when to hold further meetings. It's crazy. I don't know how anyone could "work" in the public service - too boring and too structured for me, and far too many meetings. meetings are work for a lot of them as without them they wouldnt know how to fill their day.. something I have just learnt now this will turn your toes up...my daughter has worked for a certain section of the public service for many years .. she said something yesterday which shocked me.. she said I am taking a man rec day off on Monday....I looked at her and said oh yes.. right whats that.. you know its a mandatory recreation DAY.... no I dont .. I had never heard it before she then says we get two man rec days a qtr.. and if we dont take them we lose them and mine are due again in Sept.... well after I came out of my shock she explained it has gone on for years...when she has referred to rec days.. I am thinking they are days shes earnt somehow...but NO... every person gets 2 mandatory rec days per QTR 8 per year on top of everything else.....so you can imagine the rush to take them because they cant carry them forward... and they call us the silly country. :D :D :D :D and crock feels sorry for this lot.

Actually, those days are negotiated as part of the Union agreement with the government.  Defence gets the same under the DECA (Defence Employees Conditions Agreement).  Who would have thought you would be amazed that your Daughter is taking advantage of UNION facilitated conditions of service.

I would hope you are strongly advising her to give these up -  and work all her required days - noting you adhorance to Unions in general?

Johnsmith wrote on Aug 27^th, 2015 at 1:15pm:

as long as they weed out the under performers and don't use it as an excuse to advance their office politics or their own careers, I'm all for it.

kevin rudd said that the public service was bloated and would cut its numbers if elected...

instead.. he employed 20,000 more of the lazy fkers...

he couldn't create jobs so he invented them...  >:(

President Elect, The Mechanic wrote on Aug 30^th, 2015 at 8:17pm:

Johnsmith wrote on Aug 27th, 2015 at 1:15pm: as long as they weed out the under performers and don't use it as an excuse to advance their office politics or their own careers, I'm all for it. kevin rudd said that the public service was bloated and would cut its numbers if elected... instead.. he employed 20,000 more of the lazy fkers... he couldn't create jobs so he invented them...  >:(

not as lazy as you mechanic ... they have jobs, you don't  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Johnsmith wrote on Aug 30^th, 2015 at 8:18pm:

President Elect, The Mechanic wrote on Aug 30th, 2015 at 8:17pm: Johnsmith wrote on Aug 27th, 2015 at 1:15pm: as long as they weed out the under performers and don't use it as an excuse to advance their office politics or their own careers, I'm all for it. kevin rudd said that the public service was bloated and would cut its numbers if elected... instead.. he employed 20,000 more of the lazy fkers... he couldn't create jobs so he invented them...  >:( not as lazy as you mechanic ... they have jobs, you don't  ;D ;D ;D ;D

The Mechanic's job is to make right wing extremists look insane.

I think he need s a pay rise.

once again the forum trolls can't deal with the facts so attack the poster...

surprise surprise...  ::)

President Elect, The Mechanic wrote on Aug 30^th, 2015 at 8:43pm:

once again the forum trolls can't deal with the facts so attack the poster... surprise surprise...  ::)

No attack.

You deserve a pay rise.

greggerypeccary wrote on Aug 30^th, 2015 at 8:13pm:

Scheduled, official meetings kill productivity

.....especially those union meetings  :D

Vic wrote on Aug 30^th, 2015 at 8:13pm:

cods wrote on Aug 30th, 2015 at 7:58pm: greggerypeccary wrote on Aug 28th, 2015 at 11:56am: cods wrote on Aug 28th, 2015 at 11:45am: if they didnt have meetings they would be flat out having a reason to pop in now and then... I tried out the public service a couple of times, and the meetings are just insane. We would actually hold meetings, to decide when to hold further meetings. It's crazy. I don't know how anyone could "work" in the public service - too boring and too structured for me, and far too many meetings. meetings are work for a lot of them as without them they wouldnt know how to fill their day.. something I have just learnt now this will turn your toes up...my daughter has worked for a certain section of the public service for many years .. she said something yesterday which shocked me.. she said I am taking a man rec day off on Monday....I looked at her and said oh yes.. right whats that.. you know its a mandatory recreation DAY.... no I dont .. I had never heard it before she then says we get two man rec days a qtr.. and if we dont take them we lose them and mine are due again in Sept.... well after I came out of my shock she explained it has gone on for years...when she has referred to rec days.. I am thinking they are days shes earnt somehow...but NO... every person gets 2 mandatory rec days per QTR 8 per year on top of everything else.....so you can imagine the rush to take them because they cant carry them forward... and they call us the silly country. :D :D :D :D and crock feels sorry for this lot. Actually, those days are negotiated as part of the Union agreement with the government.  Defence gets the same under the DECA (Defence Employees Conditions Agreement).  Who would have thought you would be amazed that your Daughter is taking advantage of UNION facilitated conditions of service. I would hope you are strongly advising her to give these up -  and work all her required days - noting you adhorance to Unions in general?

i do not abhor unions... thank you very much.. I just cant stand what they have become.. thats the difference between you and me you turn a blind eye to all the corruption and bullying.. and i dont..

the point it tax payers pay it.. and most of them dont know about it...

YOU DONT MIND IF THEY ALSO GET INFORMED DO YOU??? OR IS THAT AGAINST UNION PROTOCOL...

you think something like this is a UNION deal and its great for the country...

yeah right !!!! read the op..

at least someone is waking up to what ACTUALLY DOESNT GO ON IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE....and if everyone thinks places like Russell Hill and HMAS Harman are full of people  working up a sweat all I can say is... golf anyone.. >:( >:(

Swagman wrote on Aug 30^th, 2015 at 9:10pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Aug 30th, 2015 at 8:13pm: Scheduled, official meetings kill productivity .....especially those union meetings  :D

what do Public servants produce???>..

what do UNIONS produce???

valid questions..

a lot of hot air. maybe!

President Elect, The Mechanic wrote on Aug 30^th, 2015 at 8:43pm:

once again the forum trolls can't deal with the facts so attack the poster... surprise surprise...  ::)

That's what happens when there's zero moderating. While the cat's away ...

"Performance management should not be punitive," the commissioner said. "Although the end may be a separation."

;D

'may be a separation' = Booted back onto the street as sacked, fired, jobless, and with a bad reference from them for the next prospective employer.

"Some companies actively manage out the bottom 10 per cent of performers every year".

;D

'Manage out' = Boot them back onto the street as sacked, fired, jobless, and with a bad reference from them for the next prospective employer.

There must be a Handbook somewhere with all these PC euphemisms.

An interesting mix: A hard line 'rightist' strategy being planned while all the time using Leftwing-progressive PC euphemisms that would make any Social-Marxist proud.

***************************

But that aside ~ the most important subtext to this whole new initiative is the government's intention to create yet more young people who will never be able to secure a loan from a bank as a mortgage on buying a home because they'll only be classified as Casual Workers.

They'll be condemned to the rental market for their foreseeable future for not having any Job Security.

Tens of thousands of Australians are now condemned to work in Casual Employment and forfeit any hope of securing a loan on a home.

And yet not one protest march on this theme is seen on the streets of this nation.

The Casual Work option available to employers is a damned disgrace. It's robbing 40% of the younger generation of any hope of securing their own home.

There should be rioting in the streets in protest at the victimisation that Casual Work means for so many people who otherwise can't find permanent employment.

This country is being managed by idiots of both the major parties.

link

cods wrote on Aug 31^st, 2015 at 12:10am:

what do Public servants produce???>..

Paperwork.


cods wrote on Aug 31^st, 2015 at 12:10am:

what do UNIONS produce???

Pay rises and better working conditions.

Lord Herbert wrote on Aug 31^st, 2015 at 7:11am:

"Performance management should not be punitive," the commissioner said. "Although the end may be a separation." ;D 'may be a separation' = Booted back onto the street as sacked, fired, jobless, and with a bad reference from them for the next prospective employer. "Some companies actively manage out the bottom 10 per cent of performers every year". ;D 'Manage out' = Boot them back onto the street as sacked, fired, jobless, and with a bad reference from them for the next prospective employer. There must be a Handbook somewhere with all these PC euphemisms. An interesting mix: A hard line 'rightist' strategy being planned while all the time using Leftwing-progressive PC euphemisms that would make any Social-Marxist proud. *************************** But that aside ~ the most important subtext to this whole new initiative is the government's intention to create yet more young people who will never be able to secure a loan from a bank as a mortgage on buying a home because they'll only be classed as Casual Workers. They'll be condemned to the rental market for their foreseeable future for not having any Job Security. Tens of thousands of Australians are now condemned to work in Casual Employment and forfeit any hope of securing a loan on a home. And yet not one protest march on this theme is seen on the streets of this nation. The Casual Work option available to employers is a damned disgrace. It's robbing 40% of the younger generation of any hope of securing their own home. There should be rioting in the streets in protest at the victimisation that Casual Work means for so many people who otherwise can't find permanent employment. This country is being managed by idiots of both the major parties. link

Excellent points, don Herberto.  The young ones are fed pap at school, and basically mostly looked after pretty well by past standards, distracted by essential non-issues and a soft lifestyle, and thus have no idea what their foreparents had to do to get anything out of life.

Sad, really - and they reserve their rebellion over the essential issues such as disempowerment in real terms via financial inability (money is power) by doing drugs and king-hitting people on the street.

Lord Herbert wrote on Aug 31^st, 2015 at 7:11am:

The Casual Work option available to employers is a damned disgrace. It's robbing 40% of the younger generation of any hope of securing their own home. There should be rioting in the streets in protest at the victimisation that Casual Work means for so many people who otherwise can't find permanent employment. This country is being managed by idiots of both the major parties.

Agreed.

"The last two decades in Australia has seen a dramatic decline in permanent work, and corresponding growth of insecure forms of employment, such as casual, contract work and labour hire. The full extent and impact of this shift on workers, their families and the Australian community has never been formally investigated.

"The Australian union movement commissioned this independent inquiry to examine the extent of the insecure work and its impact on workers, their families and the community, and to provide recommendations on measures that can be taken to address any problems that are identified."

http://www.actu.org.au/our-work/independent-inquiry-into-insecure-work-in-australia

https://overland.org.au/2015/06/the-plight-of-australias-casuals/


http://workplaceinfo.com.au/hr-management/hr-strategy/news/union-attack-on-casualisation#.VeOZzCilyko

After my retirement I worked for a Casual Work agency for a full 6 years, and that's when I witnessed close-up-and-personal a younger generation that was on a hopeless Merry-Go-Round of endless casual jobs that took them nowhere and gave them no hope for the future.

I don't care which party is in office ~ this situation is a criminal abuse of young Australian's rightful expectation that being born in this country should offer them the sort of employment opportunities that will eventually lead them to home-ownership and a decent family life without them being permanent slaves to the rental accommodations market.