71BExtension of period of probation

71B Extension of period of probation (1) A period of probation for a person may be extended if— (a) the appointment has not been confirmed or taken to be confirmed; and (b) the head of service is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the extension is reasonably required to assess the person’s suitability for office. Examples—par (b) 1 Glen is appointed as an officer. Six weeks after starting work a family crisis occurs and Glen is absent on authorised unpaid leave for a 12-week period. Glen’s extended absence means that there has not been a long enough period at work to assess whether work performance is satisfactory so an additional period of probation is reasonable. 2 Josephine is appointed as a teacher and undergoes a medical assessment to assess her standard of health and fitness. The report from the authorised doctor is delayed because the doctor is taken ill and cannot complete the report before the probationary period would be taken to be confirmed under s 71A (2). An additional period of probation is reasonable to allow for a medical assessment report to be provided.