To right Indy, as soon as we can get a 'Seniors National Service' up and running the better. Get those old folks out of 'Gods Waiting Room', wasting their little remaining time playing bingo, I say, get em' off the booze and away from the pokies, we'll all be better off, there's too much of it going on these days. Can't keep paying unsustainable Aged Welfare, now can we. Anyone who is fit and "reasonably" well, and under 90, lifestyle illness like heart disease is no excuse for not doing a bit of hard yakka, anyway it serves them right. These malingers should be put back into the work force immediately, don't you agree?

Paul1405,
A National Service works for a large percentage of the population but the field your posts place you in can only be sorted out & avoided by the use of condoms !

I reckon all public service positions should have a maximum term of 5 years, after which they should not be eligible for employment in any public sector position for a period of 3 years.

Would it be great if bureaucrats knew what it was like in the real world.

The same should apply to all academia.

Hassy,

Other than being spiteful, your suggestion is impractical. There would have to be a massive, on going training program of new recruits costing millions. Besides, when you make one of your regular trips down to 'Centrelink' for a whinge about your aged welfare payment, a new recruit might not be familiar with your case history, and under pay you.

BTW weren't you a public servant once, a non productive swing off the taxpayer teat in the Air Force? Did you resign after 5 years?

Did you resign after 5 years?
Paul1405,
That is a typical dumb, stupid bureaudroid remark ! If everyone was treated the same way it wouldn't be a problem at all.
If the appraisal system would be such that merit is indeed part of that system then we would have a much better functioning bureaucracy. The automatic renewal of a position rather than proper appraising guarantees ruining our Public Service.
The notion of not being allowed to move an incompetent bureaudroid sideways or down, prevents many good competent bureaucrats from doing a proper satisfactory job !
The Public Service union really has to be sent to T.A.F.E. do do a course in integrity & responsibility & general sound mentality !

Indy,

Do you agree with what Hassy said; "I reckon all public service positions should have a maximum term of 5 years, after which they should not be eligible for employment in any public sector position for a period of 3 years."

I see that as a regressive spiteful suggestion with no merit what so ever. How about if we cut you and Hassy off aged welfare after 5 years and make you wait another 3 years before you can reapply to get your snouts back into the taxpayer trough. What a wonderful idea, agree?