Under the new Public Sector Workforce Rejuvenation Scheme to be unveiled as part of today’s State Budget, a termination payment of $50,000 will be offered to government employees with at least 10 years’ public service and $25,000 to staff with less than a decade on the payroll.

It will be pro-rata for part-time employees. Any offers made under the scheme would be at the discretion of a Chief Executive and any decision by an employee to accept an offer would be voluntary.

Treasurer Rob Lucas said the scheme was modelled on one used by the former Labor government in 2011 and 2017 for a teacher renewal program and a similar scheme supported by the Nurses Federation as part of their 2016 Enterprise Bargaining Agreement with the former Weatherill government for a workforce renewal program for nurses and midwives.

He said an employee who has a right to ongoing employment in the SA Public Sector may be offered an incentive to separate from government employment.

“We know there are some public sector workers in ongoing employment who may have lost their passion or enthusiasm for their role,” Lucas said.

“If an offer of a termination payment is made by their Chief Executive under the scheme, that person may voluntarily elect to accept the offer and agree to vacate the position in search of new prospects. This opens up opportunities for an exciting new career pathway for someone else, including – but not limited to – graduates and trainees.”

“Ultimately, the scheme is intended to enhance and rejuvenate our public sector with new recruits who are excited about the future of our state and how they can contribute in their chosen field of service.”

The Government says the program is distinct from the existing Targeted Voluntary Separation Packages (TVSP) because an ongoing role is still required.  Therefore, it says it is not expected to result in a net FTE reduction.

The scheme will operate until 31 December this year.