The retirement age for employees of the Department, as of 1 October 2006, is 65 years of age. Employees who reach age 60 after 1 October 2006 can elect whether to retire or remain in employment for a period of their choosing, up to age 65. Employees also have the right to request to work beyond age 65. Agreement will normally be given unless there are valid business reasons for turning down a request. Employees making such requests are subject to the usual requirements of conduct and capability to carry out their duties. Extensions after age 65 are not normally agreed for more than one year at a time.