24 Ombudsman (Komesina o Sulufaiga) Act 2013 (3) The Ombudsman and staff are taken not to be employed in the Public Service for the purposes of the Public Service Act 2004. 54. Appointment and remuneration of staff – (1) Subject to this section, the Ombudsman may appoint sufficient number of staff for the purposes of this Act. (2) The Ombudsman may determine: (a) the salaries and allowances of staff; and (b) the terms and conditions of their appointments,– taking into account the salaries, allowances, terms and conditions of appointment of similar independent agencies of the State. (3) The Ombudsman must: (a) employ persons under this Act under contracts of employment; and (b) take into account the budget of the Office when appointing persons for the purpose of this Act. (4) In this section, “appoint” includes confirm, promote, demote, re-grade, discipline, suspend, terminate or re-appoint. (5) If officers and employees in the Public Service are given general increases in salaries or allowances, the salaries or allowances of staff are to be increased accordingly. 55. Guidelines for employment – (1) The Ombudsman may issue employment guidelines setting out: (a) procedures for appointments, disciplinary matters, demotions, suspensions or terminations; and (b) other matters relating to employment under this Act. (2) If there are no guidelines issued under subsection (1), the Ombudsman must adopt the employment procedures in the Public Service. Division 2 – Funds and annual reports 56. Funds – (1) The funds of the Ombudsman comprise the following: (a) monies appropriated by Parliament for the purpose of this Act; and (b) any fund received under subsection (3).