Local Government Act 1993

If a position (including a general manager position) within the organisation structure of the council is vacant or the holder of such a position is suspended from duty, sick or absent—

the council, in the case of the general manager’s position, or

the general manager, in the case of any other position,

A person who is appointed to a position temporarily may not continue in that position—

if the holder of the position is on parental leave—for a period of more than 24 months, or

in any other case—for a period of more than 12 months.