DISCIPLINARY APPEALS IN THE NEW SOUTH WALES PUBLIC SERVICE

Abstract: There is a widespread proliferation of bodies such as disciplinary appeals tribunals which review prerogative decision-making activities of managements. Yet scant analysis of their operation has taken place. This paper presents data concerning the operation of the New South Wales Government and Related Employees Appeal Tribunal. The nature of disciplinary appeals, the tribunal's decision-making behaviour and the subsequent decisions are examined in the light of available explanatory frameworks. It is concluded that the disciplinary appeal body functions as a de facto arm of public sector management rather than as a neutral, juridicial body.     

LET THE MANAGERS GOVERN: MINISTER-BUREAUCRAT RELATIONSHIPS IN NEW SOUTH WALES

Abstract: This article considers the relationships between ministers and chief executives in the New South Wales Liberal-National government. It looks at how ministers have set about taking charge of the public service against the background of the new political and economic realities confronting the state government. Senior ministers have consciously sought to limit their dependence on public servants and they have used a range of strategies to do so. They have remoulded the public service in a new "managerialised" form. Policy-making has been further internalised into ministerial offices and party circles and away from departments. The role of cabinet has been strengthened to impose a new corporate purpose as a counterbalance to traditional departmental interests. New incentive systems, based on contract employment and performance agreements, have been introduced to focus public service loyalties on the goals of the government. Advocates of managerialism, usually career public servants, have been appointed to key positions. Ministerial advisers have been used as countervailing sources of advice and as extensions of ministerial authority. Many ministers themselves have assumed an involved style of ministerial management of departments.