Page:Cook Islands Constitution Act 1964.pdf/40

Schedule (2) The Audit Office shall, at least once annually, forward to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly for presentation to the Assembly a report containing such information as is required to be submitted by any enactment, together with such other information relating to the Cook Islands Government Account or other funds or accounts which under this Constitution or under any other enactment are required to be audited by the Audit Office as that Office considers desirable.

Part VI The Cook Islands Public Service

72 The Cook Islands Public Service

There shall be a Cook Islands Public Service, which shall comprise such persons in the service of the Government of the Cook Islands as may from time to time be prescribed by law.

73 Secretary of the Premier’s Department

(1) There shall be a Secretary of the Premier’s Department, who shall be the permanent head of that Department and the principal administrative officer of the Government of the Cook Islands.

(2) The Secretary of the Premier’s Department shall be appointed by the High Commissioner, acting on the advice of Cabinet.

(3) The Secretary of the Premier’s Department shall be deemed not to be an employee of the Cook Islands Public Service:

Provided that the provisions of any law for the time being in force relating to the tenure of office of employees of that Service, the grounds on which such employees may be dismissed or suspended, and the rights of such employees to appeal against dismissal or suspension shall apply with respect to the Secretary of the Premier’s Department as if he were an employee of that Service.

(4) The salary of the Secretary of the Premier’s Department shall be determined by enactment, and shall be charged on the Cook Islands Government Account:

Provided that such salary shall not be diminished during his period of office, unless as part of a general reduction of salaries applied proportionately to all persons whose salaries are determined by enactment.

Schedule Article 73(2): amended, on 4 August 1965, by section 2(1) of the Cook Islands Constitution Amendment Act 1965 (1965 No 2).

74 Cook Islands Public Service to be under the control of Secretary of the Premier’s Department

(1) The Secretary of the Premier’s Department shall be responsible for the appointment, promotion, transfer, termination of appointment, dismissal, and disciplinary control of the Cook Islands Public Service, and shall have such other functions as may be prescribed by law. 40