Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:C2004A02670:body:0:p24
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:C2004A02670
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 58720–61305

they think it appropriate to do so, prepare revised reports accordingly.

"(15) If a list of names contained in a report prepared by the Chairman or by the Committee under this section in relation to an office of Permanent Head includes the name of a person who holds another office of Permanent Head, the Chairman or the Committee, as the case may be, may also prepare a report under sub-section (2) in relation to that other office as if that other office were expected to become vacant and, in the case of the Committee, as if the Committee had been appointed in accordance with that sub-section to prepare a report in relation to that other office.

Acting appointments of Permanent Head
"38. (1) The Governor-General may, by instrument in writing, appoint an officer to act in an office of Permanent Head—
     (a) during a vacancy in the office;
     (b) during a period (if any) when the holder of the office is suspended from duty under section 57 or 59; or
     (c) during a period, or during all periods, when the holder of the office is absent from duty or from Australia or is, for any other reason, unable to perform the functions of his office,
but an officer appointed to act during a vacancy shall not continue so to act for more than 6 months.
"(2) An appointment of an officer under sub-section (1) may be expressed to have effect only in such circumstances as are specified in the instrument of appointment.
"(3) The Governor-General may, at any time, by instrument in writing, terminate an appointment under sub-section (1).
"(4) Where an officer is acting in an office in accordance with paragraph (1) (b) or (c) and that office becomes vacant while that officer is so acting, then, subject to sub-section (2), that officer may continue so to act until the Governor-General otherwise directs, the vacancy is filled or a period of 6 months from the date on which the vacancy occurred expires, whichever first happens.
"(5) While an officer is acting in an office in accordance with sub-section (1), he has and may exercise all the powers, and shall perform all the functions, of the holder of that office under this Act or any other law.
"(6) Section 18 does not apply to the making of an appointment under sub-section (1) or to the termination of such an appointment.
"(7) The validity of anything done by an officer purporting to act under sub-section (1) shall not be called in question on the ground that—
     (a) the occasion for his appointment had not arisen;
     (b) there is a defect or irregularity in or in connection with his appointment;
     (c) the