48Medical examination

48 Medical examination (1) Secretary may give a notice in writing to an officer who is absent because of illness for: (a) a continuous period of 4 weeks; or (b) periods totalling 4 weeks if those absences relate to the same illness; to submit to a medical examination by a relevant medical practitioner specified in the notice. (2) If an officer: (a) has been absent because of illness for a total of 13 weeks in any 26 week period; or (b) has been continuously absent because of illness for a period of 13 weeks; and has not previously attended for a medical examination in accordance with a notice under subregulation (1) during the period of absence, the Secretary must give a notice of the kind mentioned in subregulation (1) to the officer. (3) If a medical report by a registered medical practitioner (other than a report obtained under this Division) indicates that an officer: (a) is unfit for the duties of the officer’s position; and (b) is likely to remain unfit for those duties for an indefinite or extended period; the Secretary may give a notice in writing to the officer to submit to a medical examination by a relevant medical practitioner specified in the notice. (4) If an officer returns to duty after absence from duty because of illness for: (a) a continuous period of 4 weeks; or (b) periods totalling 4 weeks if those absences relate to the same illness; the Secretary may: (c) within the period of 2 weeks after the officer’s return; and (d) if the Secretary is of the opinion that the officer is not fit to resume duty; give a notice in writing to the officer to submit to a medical examination by a relevant medical practitioner specified in the notice.