Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

PUBLIC SERVICE ACT 1999 - SECT 55

             (1)  The Public Service Minister may appoint a person to act as Merit Protection Commissioner:

                     (a)  if there is a vacancy in the office of Merit Protection Commissioner, whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office; or

                     (b)  during any period, or during all periods, when the Merit Protection Commissioner is absent from duty or from Australia or is, for any reason, unable to perform the duties of the office.

             (2)  Anything done by or in relation to a person purporting to act under this section is not invalid merely because:

                     (a)  the occasion for the appointment had not arisen; or

                     (b)  there was a defect or irregularity in connection with the appointment; or

                     (c)  the appointment had ceased to have effect; or

                     (d)  the occasion to act had not arisen or had ceased.