Working in Government
The work of the NT Public Sector | Career development opportunities | Equity, diversity and merit | Occupational health and safety | Conditions of service | Flexible work practices
The work of the Northern Territory Public Sector
The Northern Territory Public Sector (NTPS), as the largest single employer within the NT, is responsible for providing a large range of services to the community. These services include things like hospital care, education, public transport, electricity and water provision and public libraries.
For more information on the work of the NTPS, refer to the website listing of NT Government agencies.
Career development opportunities
A career in the NTPS can open many doors to professional and career development opportunities. As a major employer in the Territory, the NTPS provides employees the opportunity to develop to their full professional potential by offering:
- opportunities for Training and People Development (DCIS) and Workforce Development (OCPE) - NTG employees only
- provisions for study leave
- opportunities to diversify skills and experience by transferring within the sector
Equity, diversity and merit
Equity and Diversity Equity and Diversity are core values of the NTPS.What is equity?
Equity is simply about giving everyone a 'fair go', with appropriate access to training opportunities, to fair working conditions and to opportunities for promotion. It is about providing everyone an equal opportunity to make the most of their talents and abilities in the workplace.
What is diversity?
Workplace diversity is a management and leadership approach aimed at creating an inclusive environment that values and utilises the contributions of people of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
As an employer, the NTPS seeks to maintain:
- a workforce that is a reflection of the diverse community of the Northern Territory so that we are better able to service that community
- an inclusive work environment that values the contributions of people of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives
- a workplace that is free from harassment and discrimination
- merit-based selection processes for recruitment and promotion
The Merit Principle
In the NTPS, selection is based on the merit principle.
What is merit?
Merit is defined in the Public Sector Employment and Management Act as "the capacity of the person to perform particular duties, having regard to the person's knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience and the potential for future development of the person in employment in the Public Sector".
How is merit assessed?
Merit is determined through a fair and transparent assessment process based on the stated principles of merit, natural justice, human resource management and conduct.
These guiding principles are found in the Public Sector Employment and Management Act, its Regulations and Employment Instructions.
For more information:
Occupational health and safety
The Northern Territory Public Sector (NTPS) is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of its employees while at work in accordance with the regulations of the Work Health Act.
The Work Health Act places responsibilities on employers and employees to operate workplaces without placing any person at risk of injury or disease.
In accordance with these regulations the Public Sector Employment and Management Act requires the Commissioner for Public Employment and agency Chief Executive Officers to develop and apply appropriate Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) programs.
Employment Instruction 12: Occupational Health and Safety Programs Work Health Act outlines the manner in which these programs are to be developed, implemented and managed.
Conditions of service
1. Introduction
2. Probation
3. Hours of Work
4. Salary
5. General leave conditions
6. Allowances
7. Other entitlements
8. Remote locality provisions
9. Superannuation
Flexible work practices
The NTPS is a flexible employer and provides employees access to innovative ways of balancing work and personal commitments.
Flexible work practices are strongly supported by NTPS managers and by the provisions of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act. The Public Sector Employment and Management Act By-Laws includes provision for part-time working arrangements, recreation leave, long service leave, maternity and parental leave and leave without pay.
Some ways that these leave provisions can be used include:
- Flexible working hours
- Home-based work
- Job-sharing
- Part-time employment
- Career break schemes
- Part-year work
- Short-term absences for family and community responsibilities