AEU Journal Vol 44 No.5

Vol 44 | No. 5

August 2012

We give a Gonski

AEUJOURNAL SA

It’s time for legislation Members across the country take action

Inside: Kids at risk u Country Housing: Educators forking given hope for out for low quality the future accommodation

u TAFE:

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Picture yourself protected.

Put your health in safe hands with Teachers Health Fund.

Visit teachershealth.com.au or call 1300 728 188 to join today.

Teachers Federation Health Ltd ABN 86 097 030 414 trading as Teachers Health Fund SAAEU-AD- 07/12

SSO WEEK 2012

Features President’s View

We give a Gonski

20–24 August

AEU Union Journal Training

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Put this poster up at your site for all to see

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Hold a sub-branch morning tea to encourage all members to sign the ‘Our Pay, Our Way’ letter Email us your photos and stories on

*: journal@aeusa.asn.au for publishing in the AEU Journalw

8: igiveagonski.com.au and register your supportw

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Give a Gonski: go to

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One Union

pages 6 – 7 SSOs campaign for the choice to have wages paid over 52 weeks

Editor: Craig Greer

It’s time for legislation

Kids at risk u Country Housing: Educators forking given hope for out for low quality the future accommodation

u TAFE:

y! a W Os

Subscriptions: Free for AEU members. Nonmembers may subscribe for $33 per year.

Print Post approved PP 531629/0025 ISSN 1440-2971 Cover Photo: Craig Greer Illustration: Simon Kneebone (page 17) Printing: Finsbury Green Printing

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Legislate Now!

TAFE

pages 11 – 13 AEU members across the country take action on National Gonski Day

pages 14 – 15 Kids at risk given hope for the future

Letters to the Editor

*Winner of top letter!

Dear Editor, It beggars belief that the Adelaide Zoo’s incoming boss Elaine Bensted can comment that while she knows nothing much about animals, that she does know about ‘numbers and people’, given a career background in banking and most recently in charge of TAFESA. I can’t comment on Ms Bensted’s banking record but surely no objective commentator could seriously say that TAFESA has prospered under her watch?

As a former TAFE employee I am still in regular contact with former colleagues languishing in the system who report that morale among staff has never been

Best letter in each issue of the AEU Journal will receive two tickets to either Palace Nova Cinemas or the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

Email to:

journal@aeusa.asn.au

AEU Journal is published seven times annually by the South Australian Branch of the Australian Education Union.

Deadline Dates Publication Dates #6 August 31 September 19 #7 October 19 November 7

r SS u , O our y Paport

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Facsimile: 8373 1254 Email: journal@aeusa.asn.au

Australian Education Union | SA Branch For further info contact Lisa Sigalla on *: lsigalla@aeusa.asn.au

Inside:

Telephone: 8272 1399

STRONGER TOGETHER Our Pay, Our Way! Authorised by Jack Major, AEU Branch Secretary, Australian Education Union | SA Branch, 163 Greenhill Road, Parkside SA 5063 © 2012

Members across the country take action

Australian Education Union | SA Branch 163 Greenhill Road, Parkside SA 5063

lower, that fears for their job security and careers in TAFE are under serious threat, and that under the so-called Skills For All policy prescription so eagerly advocated by Ms Bensted and her minions, that TAFE’s finances are a shambles. They also speak of the systematic underfunding and rationalisation of key program areas, high levels of unpaid student fees and an increasingly casualised TAFE teaching workforce.

Hardly a record worthy of a promotion one might have thought?

Those Pandas had better start fully paying their way (plus a surplus) or they might be shipped back to China n sooner rather than later.

Dr Tom Haig, Retired Regional Educational Manager, TafeSA

Dear Editor, I would think in this advanced technological world that it would be just a matter of hitting a button on the computer at Shared Services to enable SSOs to have their pay spread over 52 weeks of the year and not over 40 weeks.

It is an insult to SSO’s that we can’t choose to have this option. In private enterprise this would be unacceptable

Advertise in the AEU Journal. Reach over 13,500 members across South Australia.

8272 1399 journal@aeusa.asn.au

and employees would not put up with it. It’s time this was changed!

Kerry Viney SSO, Nuriootpa Primary School

Dear Editor, As an SSO who is paid for only 40 weeks of the school year, I support the AEU’s Our Pay, Our Way! Campaign. A great weight would be lifted from my shoulders if I was able to have my pay spread over 52 weeks. I would no longer have to worry about how I was going to survive financially during the school holidays, especially the 6-8 weeks over Christmas. n Shirley Goff, Long Street Primary School

AEU Journal is carbon neutral If you currently receive a hard copy of the Journal and would prefer to read the Journal online, please let us know by emailing: journal@aeusa.asn.au

The AEU Journal is online at: www.aeusa.asn.au/journals.html

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Branch RunningExecutive Head

AEU SA Branch Executive shows its support for the I give a Gonski campaign.

1 Pictured from left to right: Chris Turrell | Hewett Primary School, David Smith | AEU Vice President, Trina Coburn | Wirreanda High School, Jan Murphy | AEU Vice President, Steve Clark | Salisbury East High School, Pat Cavanagh | Woodcroft Primary School, Donald Peter | Regency TAFE, Jackie Bone-George | Open Access College, Katrina Hanlin | Port Augusta West Primary School

Emerging Australian Talent

Pathways Three free talks from music experts centred on writing music as a career - approaches tools and techniques.

2012

AEU LEADERS’ CONFERENCE When:

Friday 9 November

Wednesday 19 September, 1.30pm, 3pm, 4.30pm.

Elder Conservatorium, University of Adelaide. FREE

9.15am – 4.00pm

Masterclass

Where:

Tan Dun A unique chance to observe Tan Dun working with ASO’s resident composers and musicians to inspire their progress.

Thursday 20 September, 1.30pm. Space Theatre. FREE Li-Wei & Zhao Xiaoxia

At the AEU 163 Greenhill Road, Parkside, SA 5063

Fire & Water A unique opportunity to hear Tan Dun’s music for solo cello, and the beautiful sounds of solo guqin performed by artists featured in ASO’s Tan Dun: Martial Arts Trilogy Friday 21 September, 7pm. Space Theatre. Tickets from $15 Inspired by Tan Dun

Crouching Tigers Experience the culmination of the ASO’s creative composer residencies and be the first to hear the composers’ works.

Sunday 23 September, 2pm. Space Theatre. Tickets from $15

For FREE event info and bookings call 8233 6253 For ticketed event bookings call BASS 131 246 This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body

4

What makes a good school and preschool?

In September, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra is hosting six emerging composers who will create works inspired by Tan Dun, composer of the Martial Arts Trilogy (The Banquet; Hero; and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) The ASO and the Adelaide Festival Centre invite you to these associated events:

Conference dinner:

Thursday 8 November | 6.15pm Adelaide Pavilion on the Park Veale Gardens, South Terrace, Adelaide

Australian Education Union | SA Branch For further info or to register go to8: www.aeusa.asn.au/events.html or email Ken Drury on8: kdrury@aeusa.asn.au

President’s View

Our union attacked in Parliament AEU President Correna Haythorpe is outraged by the State Opposition’s latest anti-union move.

I

magine a future where you do not have a right to union representation – no AEU representative on Merit Selection Panels, the Teachers Appeal Board, Principal Classification Panels or School Amalgamation Review Committees. Opposition Education Spokesperson David Pisoni is actively planning for that future with a series of amendments moved in the Upper House to completely remove all reference to the AEU from the Education Act. In a recent press release, Mr Pisoni described the Education Act as “the last bastion of closed shop union activity in SA”.

What Mr Pisoni fails to recognise is that on all of these panels, there is just one position for the AEU rep and several positions for other employees, community and ministerial reps. Further, in all instances, these representatives are democratically elected and appointed and are duty bound to uphold the principles and policies of equity, merit and a fair go. That is not a “closed shop”; it is democracy and has been achieved with the hard work of AEU members over 40 years.

So how did this happen?

While Parliament was debating consequential changes to the new TAFE bill, MLC Rob Lucas seized the opportunity to move the amendments to the Education Act. This was supported by a number of independents with a final vote of 11 for and 10 against.

There was no consultation with the

“All unions should be worried about the potential impact of legislative amendments that ride roughshod over industrially negotiated agreements.”

AEU about the impact of this decision, just a stealth attack that obliterates over 40 years of union representation.

There was, however, consultation with the SA State School Leaders Association, which is referenced in Hansard as having supported these amendments.

AEU members have to ask why the Liberals would seek to remove union representation from the Education Act. What can a future Liberal Government gain from such a decision? What is the benefit of removing the AEU rep from merit selection panels and principal classification panels? Are they planning more school closures? Why would they deny DECD and DFEEST employees the right to union representation on the Teachers Appeal Board?

Clearly there is a much bigger agenda in play and it’s likely to mirror the NSW Liberal Government’s move toward “local autonomy” at the expense of the industrially won right of members to be included in democratic school-based decision-making processes.

All unions should be worried about the potential impact of legislative amendments that ride roughshod over industrially negotiated agreements.

Where to now?

AEU principal officers have met with several key MPs and MLCs to seek their support in blocking these amendments.

The State Government has given assurances that the amendments will not pass the Lower House. The ALP, the Greens and Dignity for Disability MLC

Kelly Vincent, have voted against the amendments in the Upper House. This means the matter will now go to a deadlock conference later this year.

It is vitally important that AEU members have their say about this issue.

Several hundred members have already emailed Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond to express their strong concern.

Please attend the area meetings for an update and bring this issue to the attention of all members in your school.

We have provided the email addresses (over page) of all who voted in favour of the amendments so you can contact them to express your concerns.

And the final word from Hansard…

IR Minister Russell Wortley speaking against the amendments: “Let no member be under any delusion, what we have here is a classic example of union bashing. What has been done in effect, if this amendment continues to go through, is to take away representation on bodies that have been negotiated over many decades, at the stroke of a pen and within ten minutes … you ought to be ashamed of yourself.”

The AEU formally thanks Minister Wortley and the ALP, Greens MLC Tammy Franks and Mark Parnell and Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent for their support. n I urge all members to raise your voice in protest at these amendments.

In solidarity, Correna Haythorpe

Take Action!

• Email addresses of MLCs who voted in favour of removing the AEU from the Education Act are over page. 3 3 3 3 3 • Please email them expressing your opposition to the amendments.

8: www.aeusa.asn.au> Issues > Keep the Act Intact

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How They Voted

SSO Campaign + SSO WEEK 2012

Supported the amendments to remove AEU representation:

Our Pay, Our Way! SSOs seek pay reforms

Rob Lucas, LIB rob.lucas@parliament.sa.gov.au David Ridgway, LIB david.ridgway@parliament.sa.gov.au Terry Stephens, LIB terry.stephens@parliament.sa.gov.au Steven Wade, LIB Stephen.Wade@parliament.sa.gov.au

With hundreds of SSOs only paid during term time, the AEU is campaigning for employees to be given the choice of spreading their pay over the full calendar year.

John Dawkins, LIB john.dawkins@parliament.sa.gov.au Jing Lee, LIB Jing.Lee@parliament.sa.gov.au

SSO WEEK 2012

Michelle Lensink, LIB Michelle.Lensink@parliament.sa.gov.au

Put this poster up at your site for all to see

20–24 August w

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Hold a sub-branch morning tea to encourage all members to sign the ‘Our Pay, Our Way’ letter

*: journal@aeusa.asn.au for publishing in the AEU Journalw

Email us your photos and stories on

Anne Bressington, IND Ann.Bressington@parliament.sa.gov.au John Darley, IND john.darley@parliament.sa.gov.au Robert Brokenshire, Family First robert.brokenshire@parliament.sa.gov.au Dennis Hood, Family First Dennis.Hood@parliament.sa.gov.au

Opposed the amendments: Russell Wortley, ALP Gail Gago, ALP Carmel Zollo, ALP Bernard Finnigan, ALP Ian Hunter, ALP Gerry Kandelaars, ALP John Gazzola, ALP Tammy Franks, Greens Mark Parnell, Greens Kelly Vincent, Dignity for Disability

“Please email the members who supported the amendments to remove AEU representation from the Education Act to express your concerns.” n 6

8: igiveagonski.com.au and register your supportw

, Y A P R !

U Y O WA R U ww O w

Give a Gonski: go to

w w w w SSOs! w w UR w PPORT O SU

ool sch n the mpaig g in a dur U c ay e AE op h e n ort t eks. v i e ce pp s re k, su r 52 w e SSO ee nd SSO W Os ov a s S u tho uring pay S D ra to Ove idays. l ho

One Union STRONGER TOGETHER

Authorised by Jack Major, AEU Branch Secretary, Australian Education Union | SA Branch, 163 Greenhill Road, Parkside SA 5063 © 2012

Australian Education Union | SA Branch For further info contact Lisa Sigalla on *: lsigalla@aeusa.asn.au

I

n March, the AEU surveyed SSO members regarding the manner in which they are paid. An overwhelming majority of SSOs who are paid over 40 weeks and in receipt of 16% loading said they would like to be able to choose to have their pay spread over the course of the year.

And why wouldn’t they? Most people can’t afford to be without a pay packet during school and Christmas holidays!

In response, AEU SSO members have put together a campaign, it’s called Our Pay, Our Way! and will come to life during SSO Week – August 20-24 (Week 6).

In the lead up and during SSO Week, we will email AEU members to advise how they can get involved in the campaign, so stay tuned.

Read what some SSOs who will be taking action in support of the Our Pay, Our Way campaign have to say about being paid over 52 weeks:

Meredith Ramsey SSO, Cleve Area School “I find it difficult to meet financial demands whilst being paid over 40 weeks. I am the sole provider for my family and my husband is on a disability pension. If pay was over 52 weeks he would obtain a higher pension each fortnight.”

Valerie Trowbridge SSO Adelaide West Special Education Centre “As someone on a single income, being given the option of taking my wage over 52 weeks would free me from the isolation I experience during the school holiday periods.

While I can budget to pay for rent and bills during those periods, finding extra to take my grandchildren out to the movies or to enjoy a lunch with a friend goes beyond that budget.”

Sue Ball SSO Roma Mitchell Secondary College “House payments, car payments, rents and normal household expenses don’t stop for school holidays! It is easy for some to say, ‘Just put some

SSOs : FAQs money away to cover school holidays’, but things don’t always work out that way, particularly when there are ten weeks where there is no money coming in, making budgeting very difficult.”

Sue Gaskin SSO Roma Mitchell Secondary College “I have been working continuously for 4 years without a holiday as I am an SSO who does not get paid holidays or even the opportunity to request my pay over 52 weeks. I am 50 years old and feel I will never get the break I so desperately need.”

Sandi Burk SSO Nicolson Avenue JPS “If you are employed for the year (one year contract) you should be paid for the year (52 weeks).

People that have their pay spread over 52 weeks can enjoy their holidays as they will have money coming in and will not have to find alternate employment to cover their bills during the holiday periods.”

Nerida Axford Stirling East Primary School “My job as an SSO is so rewarding that sometimes I would love to do it without being paid. But the reality is that I need to pay bills.

Getting paid as an

SSO is another issue. I have found the Christmas break the most difficult time – trying to stretch the budget to the limit knowing that this will be my last money for the next eight weeks without that extra income. To have our pay spread evenly across the year would take away a lot of that worry and stress.”

Charmaine Zauch Banskia Park International High School “I have been an SSO for many years.

During that time my financial and family situation has changed. I now have sole responsibility for my finances and therefore would benefit greatly by a 52 week pay scheme. My situation is not unique. I’m sure the majority of our members would benefit from a new pay structure. I support the AEU 100 percent.”

Elizabeth Thompson SSO, Port Lincoln Special School “For 40 weeks of the year we SSOs, put our heart and soul into helping other people’s children, and we love it.

During holidays and especially at Christmas time, when we have the time to spend with our own children, we have to go back to living on one wage and struggle. I know that our time is the most precious thing we can give our kids but sometimes I just want to have the funds for my kids to do something ‘special’ together.”

Pauline Bolto SSO Littlehampton PS “Pay over the 52 weeks will be fantastic. To cope with no pay over the holidays I have been accessing my long service leave! Now I have used it all up.” n

Strength in Numbers The success of any campaign hinges on widespread member involvement.

You can help make this a reality by encouraging non-AEU SSOs to join the union.

When talking to potential members give them reasons to join; let them know it was the AEU that fought for

and achieved the conversion of hundreds of SSOs to permanency and that we will soon be fighting for their right to be paid over 52 weeks.

Ask the your AEU Sub-branch Secretary for some membership kits or let potential SSO members know they can join the AEU online (link below). n

8: www.aeusa.asn.au.join.html

SSO: did you know?

Responsibility for student learning: SSOs may have a wide range of tasks delegated to them consistent with their level of classification, but teachers MUST assume personal oversight and ultimate responsibility for student learning.

SSOs must not accept personal responsibility for any portion of a student’s learning program or the curriculum.

Duty of Care: If SSOs are working with students or supervising them in any way and they see the students acting in a dangerous manner, or are aware of a potentially dangerous situation, they should immediately report the matter to the responsible teacher or the Principal.

They cannot ignore the situation, to do so would mean the SSO is negligent in his or her duty.

Special leave: Special Leave is designed to enable employees to meet individual needs and responsibilities that cannot be attended to outside of normal working hours.

Special Leave is defined as any type of leave to which other leave categories such as Sick Leave, Family Carer’s Leave, Maternity Leave, Adoption Leave, Recreation Leave and Long Service Leave do not apply.

Full time SSOs are entitled to up to 15 days of Special Leave per calendar year.

SSOs in receipt of salary loading are eligible only for up to three days special leave with pay for urgent pressing necessity.

More information can be found in the Special Leave policy. n 7

Issues & Wins Update:?????????????????

Enterprise Bargaining 2008

Your union working for you

The AEU is constantly advocating for members rights. These are some recent issues and wins we can report on.

Issue: Leaders who have tenure in schools that have been amalgamated.

Win: The AEU successfully represented a Principal member in the Industrial Relations Commission, ensuring that their industrial rights were protected during the amalgamation process. As a result, principals in amalgamating schools who still have tenure, apply for the new position, do not win it and need a negotiated placement, can now rest assured that there will be a negotiated placement between DECD, the AEU and the member involved.

Issue: An AEU TRT member requested Long Service Leave but was refused by DECD. Win: The AEU wrote to the CE and now DECD have agreed to enable her to apply for a long service leave in-service payment, which means she can access a cash payment equivalent to her long service leave entitlement. Therefore she can use the money to take the leave.

Issue: A TRT member was notified by DECD that as they had had a break in service of greater than three months that this constituted a break in service and that they would have their long service leave cashed out.

Win: The AEU successfully argued that since 2005, all temporary teachers were

appointed under Section 15 of the Education Act and that the Long Service Leave provisions in the Act applied. This meant that that they could have a break in service of up to two years before they lost their long service leave.

Issue: A member (who worked as a temporary teacher through the 1990s) contacted the AEU seeking help to access long service leave accrued during this period.

Win: Due to the recent High Court decision on long service leave the employer agreed to credit this employee with his long service leave as his breaks in service did not exceed two years.

Issue: Travel problems Win: The AEU has raised with the Head of Schools, Chief Executive, PSWR and with Industrial Relations Commission, concerns that members have over access to government vehicles, the onerous requirements expected when people use their private vehicles and the lack of payment of the travel allowance. Progress is being made on this matter and we expect that the Commissioners Standard 3.2 will be applied in the near future.

Issue: Allowance increases Win: SA Unions and the AEU have suc-

cessfully argued the State Wage Case which has seen an increase of 2.9% from 1 July 2012 in the following allowances: Instrumental Music Allowance, Special Class Allowance, Practical Teacher Training allowance and some locality allowances. See the AEU website for rates and make sure that you are claiming all these allowances if you are eligible.

Issue: Incorrect classification of Coordinators in Regional and District offices Win: The AEU lodged a clause 3.1 dispute over the classification of Coordinator positions in regional and state office. It has been an ongoing problem over many years that a number of positions have been under classified. It has now been agreed by DECD that a review of the classification guidelines will take place so that correct classification levels of these positions can be determined.

Issue: Membership density Win: Significant increase in Principal members joining the AEU. Membership has increase from 79% to 87.5%. The AEU welcomes all new members and believes that strong membership density across public preschools, schools and TAFE leads to amore active and harn monious worksites.

One Union, StrOnger tOgether!

8: www.aeusa.asn.au 8

Leaders

An open letter to all AEU leader members Dear Colleague,

Re: “It’s Time to Stand Up” As I know you realise, the next 12 months will be a critical period for public education both locally in SA, and right throughout Australia.

Among many (and there are always many), there are three important areas that will take your attention:

SBS and your local AEU organiser and myself.

Leaders are indeed “time poor”.

This is not to ask you to do more quantitatively but to produce results qualitatively.

tion in the most pro-active ways which move outcomes to a broader front in a more informed, united and successful manner.

Sounds interesting? Please email me ASAP to let me know of your willingness to give it a go and I or a colleague member will be in touch. it’s time to stand up….for all of us. n

So, in the scheme of things, the players are you, the wider state network of leader activists, your connections into your regional and cluster networks and contacts, you working with your AEU

Ken Drury AEU Organiser, Leaders Focus

1. The negotiation of the 2012 Enterprise Agreement which must see positive outcomes for school and pre-school leaders as well as for all other education workers;

National conference for leaders in public schools

August 29-30, 2012

2. The imminent reorganisation of DECD with likely implications for the regions and therefore local autonomy and therefore your workload;

Sofitel Melbourne on Collins 25 Collins Street, Melbourne Victoria, Australia

3. The financial position of our state and the flow-on effects for the resourcing of public schools/preschools (as well as the Federal Government’s procrastination and perhaps back-down as regards Gonski).

Leadership for a bright future in public education

For these reasons alone, it has never been more imperative that union members stand up for public schools, communities and students.

❛If we want the world to be different, our first act needs to be reclaiming time to think.❜

You will agree with me that school and pre-school leaders like yourself enjoy a powerful and influential ascribed role status. Hence I am writing to invite you to join a network of AEU member leaders from across the state who believe that it’s time to stand up for all that we value in public education.

— Margaret Wheatley

Keynote speakers John Ralston Saul (Canada) Moral Purpose as Action Margaret Wheatley (USA) Persevering Educators Sir Ken Robinson (UK) Out of Our Minds

M

Contact Mary O’Hagan for conference details at (03) 9418 4967

or al

#2159

I am suggesting a group of activists from all parts of SA who are prepared to allocate a little of their valuable time to consider and pass-on critical information to colleagues and communities, talk to other leaders in their regional and cluster networks and, to take the fierce action which will be necessary to protect our shared belief as unionists in social justice and a fair go for all students and communities.

8: kdrury@aeusa.asn.au

Online registration: www.velc.org.au

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Sponsored by

I am asking that you be fiercely professional and I am asking you to support campaigns local and wide to protect and advance public educa9

Celebrating diversity Public Education Week

Update: Enterprise Bargaining 2008 7 Marziya Mohammadi addresses students at Unley High School as Minority Tradition lead singer Mason Somerville looks on.

Welcome to Australia!

High school seminars promote diversity and understanding

AEU

members are among hundreds of Australians who have recently added their photos to a gallery of refugee and asylum seeker supporters on the Welcome to Australia website, the online presence of a not-for-profit collective advocating the rights of new arrivals and promoting multiculturalism.

Staff and students in many South Australian schools, particularly those with a New Arrivals Program (NAP), provide fantastic support to students and families who have arrived in Australia to seek asylum or refuge from war or environmental catastrophes at home.

Schools play a crucial role in helping new arrivals integrate with their new communities.

An important aspect to the Welcome to Australia campaign, which originated in Adelaide, is community and school education. In June, Welcome to Australia organised the Walk Together march, which took place in ten cities across the country. Around a thousand people turned out in Adelaide to support the

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“How is it humane for a government to lock up behind razor wire people who have fled their country?” event, which culminated in speeches from a range of supporters and a performance by local band Minority Tradition, who have been conducting educational seminars on the topic for students in Adelaide secondary schools.

The AEU Journal was fortunate enough to be present at Unley High School in May when at the request of the school’s student multicultural committee,the group performed one of their seminars to students in Year 10.

Minority Tradition, whose lead singer and guitarist Mason Somerville has worked with asylum seekers on Christmas Island, performed a range of songs which told the stories of asylum seekers like Marziya Mohammadi, a refugee from Afghanistan who fled the war in Afghanistan with her family at the age

of eight. The Mohammadi family lived for a while in Pakistan in sub-human conditions before finally arriving in Australia. Marziya, or ‘Maz’ as she’s known in the Aussie tongue, is now a first year university student and was on hand to talk to the Unley High students about her experience as an asylum seeker.

“My childhood wasn’t an easy one … my first glance at the world was of my war-torn homeland, my first sound was that of an explosion, my first wish was for peace, my first experience was hunger and thirst, my first toy was a used bullet, and my first identity was homelessness. I can’t really do much about it but say, alas, my time got wasted,” she told the students.

Marziya went on to describe her experiences in coming to and settling in Australia, and posed some important questions: “How is it humane for a government to lock up behind razor wire people who have fled their country?”

Is torturing the already tortured victims the only option that remains?” Certainly some questions for the students to think about.

The seminar concluded with Minority Tradition performing a rousing rendition of their appropriately named anthem “Welcome to Australia”, after which each band member was assigned a classroom to further the discussion with students.

After the classroom discussion, in which Mason spoke in detail about his work and the relationships he built with asylum seekers on Christmas Island, we asked one of the students, David, what he thought of the seminar.

“I thought the music was really catchy actually and I liked the myths and facts they put up on the screen. It’s funny that many of the things I thought were facts may not be at all. I used to think that it was illegal for asylum seekers to come to Australia, but it turns out it’s not,” he said. n If you’d like to get involved in the Welcome to Australia campaign by posting your photo on the website go to:

www.welcometoaustralia.org.au

To arrange a seminar with Minority Tradition at your school, email:

kate@welcometoaustralia.org.au

Schools Funding Campaign

Schools take action on National Gonski Day Craig Greer reports on the growing support for schools funding reforms

S

chools across Australia turned Gonski green on July 24 as the AEU’s “I give a Gonski” campaign carried out a successful national day of action in support of an improved federal schools funding model. Hundreds of schools, including many in South Australia, held morning teas to mark the occasion, with members encouraging colleagues, parents and local MPs to show their support for what has become one of the union’s biggest ever campaigns.

In South Australia the AEU spread its campaign activities across the week of July 23-27, with a number of schools in the federal seats of Hindmarsh, Port Adelaide and Sturt using iPads to sign parents up to the I give a Gonski website at the school gate. On the day of action, members from a number of inner-metro schools joined AEU officers at Finance Minister Penny Wong’s office to deliver a letter calling for her to support for a new funding model. (Photos over page).

Over 30,000 people have now registered their support on the campaign website and the number is growing daily.

Members across the country have posted their photos and messages of support on the campaign’s facebook page.

Speaking on the national day of action, AEU Federal President Angelo Gavrielatos reiterated that we have a once in a generation opportunity to get school funding right.

“What David Gonski has recommended is a fundamental overhaul of the way schools are funded. There would be more funding, primarily for public schools, and a much fairer, more transparent way of allocating funding for education so the needs of all students can be met,” he said.

Support for the new funding legislation is gaining momentum in both the community and in parliament, with a number of Federal MPs making recent public statements in support of the

“Public opinion is the key to convincing the decisionmakers in both federal and state parliament that change is needed.” review recommendations. On July 23 the Australian reported that Federal Cabinet is developing a blueprint to roll out the reforms. PM Julia Gillard told participants in an online forum that the government has been working on the technical aspects of the Gonski recommendations and will announce their response before the end of the year.

While there are positive signs with respect to the political will of the Gillard government, the fact remains that the states will need to come on board if the review’s significant recommendations for reform are to be implemented. Given most State Governments are in the process of slashing public sector budgets, this is potentially a stumbling block in getting the reforms through.

Another area of concern is the Coalition’s point-blank refusal to support the Gonski recommendations. Opposition Education spokesperson Christopher Pyne has made it perfectly clear that a conservative government would try to

1 From left: Joc Wickstein and Jess Garland at Cleve Area School’s Gonski morning tea repeal any laws based around the recommendations of the Gonski review.

“Anything the government did that undermined non-government school funding and was forced on parents we will dismantle,’’ Mr Pyne told The Age. The reality is the Gonski Review doesn’t undermine funding to non-government schools. In fact, the review recommends they receive an increase in funding of $1.2 billion (2009 figures).

But with the majority of low SES (socioeconomic status) students attending public schools, the bulk of any funding increase would quite rightly be directed toward them.

While politicians spend the coming months working out where their priorities lie in relation to schools funding, it’s crucially important that our campaign continues to grow in strength.

Public opinion is the key to convincing the decision-makers in both federal and state parliament that change is needed.

If you haven’t registered your support at www.igiveagonski.com.au please do so at your earliest opportunity, and encourage your family and friends to take action too. Our kids are depending on us to act today so they have a better future tomorrow. n 11

Cover story

Thousands of AEU members and supporters of public education have joined the “I give a gonksi” campaign.

Here are some of those we’ve snapped in the process.

We give 12

Cover story

a Gonski 8: www.igiveagonski.com.au

13

Staff Profile

TAFE Issues

AEU welcomes Tony Sutherland to TAFE role Journal: What was your role prior to coming to the AEU? Tony: Since 1994 I‘ve been employed

by TAFE as a lecturer in the Agricultural program.

Journal: What workplace union positions have you held?

Tony: I am proud to have been an active member of the AEU for a number of years and have been supported by my colleagues in holding the following positions: Subbranch Secretary at Mt Barker/Victor Harbor campuses, Delegate to TAFE Divisional council since 2007, Delegate to Branch Council since 2009, Chair of TAFE Divisional Council since 2009 and the AEU SACE Reference group.

Journal: What advice do you have for other AEU workplace reps?

Tony: Be true to your beliefs and convictions – if you have concerns for colleagues or yourself in the workplace don’t be afraid to voice those concerns without fear of retribution.

Journal: Why did you apply for the TAFE organiser role?

Tony: I have a strong belief that high quality in education and training lies with a well-funded public provider. I share the concerns of many of my colleagues under the current government direction of ”Skills for All” for the viability and future of TAFE. As TAFE organiser I feel that I can speak more freely about these concerns and aid in maintaining the continual rights and conditions of our members in the workplace.

Journal: What do you see as the current biggest issue for TAFE members?

Tony: The Skills for All agenda and the long term implications of this on employees’ rights and conditions of employment.

The key issue is the opening up of public funding to often low quality private registered training organisations (RTOs), forcing TAFE to compete for public funding.

Journal: How are you going to support AEU members in TAFE? Tony: I can best support members by encouraging them to stand up for their rights and voice their concerns at the local level with the support of their local subn branch.

14

1 Bricklaying students at Noarlunga TAFE. Dennis Nuttall and Sandie Holmes 3

Another brick in the wall Students at risk are getting a chance to build a positive future at Noarlunga TAFE.

W

e don’t need no education, we don’t need no thought control,” was the opening line of the famous Pink Floyd song that protested, among other things, the rigidity of UK boarding schools and that particular style of education. Fortunately, Adelaide’s public high schools bear no resemblance to those mind-numbing institutions Roger Waters chastises in the Floyd classic. However, there are some kids that for one reason or another just don’t fit in, cope or prosper in a traditional school environment and, as a result, struggle to obtain gainful employment.

The prospects of students who struggle at school could change for the better if a program being run out of Noarlunga TAFE continues to be taken up across the state. Together with government employment agency CRS Australia, TAFE Bricklaying lecturer Dennis Nuttall is giving hope to kids deemed “at risk” of falling through the cracks due to a learning barrier, health condition or other circumstance that prevents them from succeeding at school.

Sandie Holmes from CRS Australia

“If you can get the kids turning up from Monday to Friday, they’re going to learn something by Friday.” says the pilot is possibly the first to involve such a broad range of stakeholders in creating potential career paths for “at risk” kids.

“There’s actually an enormous need in the community to help youth at risk,” she says. “We’ve identified students who are struggling at school and with the school’s support, have encouraged them to get involved. We’ve now got 27 kids spread across bricklaying, painting and decorating and carpentry and so far they’re all doing remarkably well.”

The program, which has been given the green light to expand into other trades, spans 26 weeks and includes intensive literacy and numeracy tutoring, skill development in job seeking and resume writing, and a worksite placement that will hopefully lead to a longterm job opportunity. The students are

8: www.facebook.com/itsourtafe

Vice President’s Report Update: Enterprise Bargaining 2008

AEU Vice President Jan Murphy reports On May 29 this year the AEU sought the help of the Industrial Relations Commission to assist with the lack of action from DECD regarding the Teachers and Leaders Workload Review.

Our position was that AEU members were being deprived of the benefits arising out of the recent arbitration as they related to teachers’ and leaders’ workload, which has become excessive, unreasonable and unsustainable.

The report on the review was released by the AEU after a recommendation was endorsed at the AEU’s March Branch Council meeting. The report contains recommendations and some of the data collected by the project team after consultation with over 2000 teachers and leaders across the state.

Despite this extensive review and recommendations for changes, the AEU was seriously concerned that the workload issues would not be addressed by DECD prior to commencement of the next EB negotiations.

For the past six weeks this matter has been conciliated by the IRC and we are pleased to announce that many items in dispute have been settled.

So what does this mean?

The AEU has successfully negotiated several important changes to the PAC handbook and the Arbitrated Award that will protect and empower members. They include: • Clarifications and a strengthening of the definitions of face-to-face teaching and Non-Instruction Time (NIT) • Averaging of face-to-face teaching and NIT • Provision of time to develop Individual Education Plans • Development of a single plan format for students with multiple plans • Calculation of the NIT entitlement in area schools, combined schools, special schools, special units and classes, behaviour and NAP units

• A new clause with regard to meal breaks • Greater access to site financial information for PACs to enable more informed decision-making.

It has been agreed that a Joint Workforce Monitoring Group will be established. Its role will include the monitoring of workload arising from new initiatives and overseeing outstanding agreed matters, such as changes to PAC Training and development and implementation of the Single Plan format. Further, there will be continued negotiations about leaders and teachers role statements.

What’s next?

It is definitely not over! There were many other issues raised in the review that are yet to be addressed. Even after conciliation in the IRC, the AEU and DECD were unable to reach agreement on issues such as teaching loads for principals, increased admin time for leaders and the redirection of admin tasks to reduce leader workload. Further negotiations will now depend on the development of agreed role statements for teachers’ and leaders’ work.

During the review process, the AEU has repeatedly requested that the roles of teachers and leaders be defined as was stated in the arbitration decision.

The Commissioner has made it very clear that these role statements must be developed and the parties are now working on doing so. This is great news for our members.

The conciliation has been a major step forward, gaining agreement on some of the irritants, inefficiencies and workload protections prior to formal EB negotiations. This will ensure that we have solutions to some of the issues that were identified by members in the review.

As the conciliation is now finalised, the AEU will pursue unresolved issues through EB2012. n If you would like to read the IRC statements follow the link (right) 3 15

8: www.aeusa.asn.au>Issues >Review of Teachers and Leaders Work

Are you or a colleague running an innovative program in TAFE? If so, the AEU Journal would like to hear about it.

Email us at journal@aeusa.asn.au

IRC conciliating on workload

Read the IRC statements

individually case managed by Dennis and Sandie who put the program together with funding assistance from the Commonwealth.

Dennis says their job is all about building confidence and commitment in their young charges.

“We get them doing things they show an interest in and then slowly but surely bring in the foundation skills like maths and literacy in order to improve their employability,” he says.

“A lot of what we do is about building a work ethic. If you can get the kids turning up from Monday to Friday, they’re going to learn something by Friday.”

After five weeks the students who have shown they are ready through good attendance and attitude will be placed with an employer two days a week. The students’ on-the-job skills are assessed by Dennis, and Sandie supports both the student and employer to work through any issues that may arise. It’s this supportive partnership between TAFE, CRS Australia and industry that Sandie and Dennis hope will make the program a success.

“Dennis and I will pick up different things when we go to visit the student at the worksite – Dennis has the technical skills so he’ll see different things to me.

Our role is to mentor the kids through the placement and hopefully at the end they’ll come out of it knowing what’s required from employers,” says Sandie.

With the State Government’s Skills for All policy forcing TAFE to compete against private RTOs for government funding, it’s more important than ever that innovative high quality programs that support the needs of both students and industry are delivered by TAFE. While the social inclusion aspect of the program is important, Dennis says it’s vital for both students and employers that TAFE continues to produce high quality trainees that are ready for the workplace.

“We don’t just place any student with an employer, if they don’t make 100% attendance at TAFE then they’re not employable. If they come here two days a week, they won’t get placed, it’s as simple as that. I won’t set kids up to fail.

We know what industry wants and needs and we’re going to provide that. We can’t afford to waste anyone’s time.” n

Sub-branch Secretary

Enterprise Bargaining

Member Profile

EB2012 is underway!

Barmera PS teacher Cherie Cooper talks about her role as Sub-branch Secretary

Journal: Which schools have you worked in?

Cherie: Hincks Ave at Whyalla, Coober Pedy Area School, Karkoo Rural School, Oodnadatta Aboriginal School, Barmera Primary School (current).

Journal: Do you have a high level of membership at Barmera?

Cherie: It’s quite good, around 90% of the staff are members of the AEU. Journal: What does your role as Subbranch Secretary involve?

Cherie: Attending Area meetings, displaying all info sent via fax on the AEU noticeboard, assisting staff when they have any queries or grievances, calling the AEU office to find out information for members, holding sub-branch meetings, encouraging staff to join the union and promoting AEU campaign activities.

Journal: What do you like about being a Sub-branch Secretary?

Cherie: I’ve met a wide variety of people throughout the Riverland and the AEU in the city. I am asked to be on panels as I have done the training. It does give me a good feeling when I can help someone if they have a problem.

To be able to contribute at area meetings and discuss ways to improve conditions is quite empowering.

Journal: What are some of the biggest issues facing members in the Riverland area?

Cherie: Wow! This is a huge question.

The list is so long but some of the key issues are transport, travel time and

allowances, access to PD, student behaviour – we badly need a behaviour support unit in the Riverland. There are also general issues that are faced by the whole community like the economic downtown, which is seeing businesses close and school enrolments drop off.

There is a general lack of services compared to what’s available in the city. We have to do a round trip of 80km just to get to Big W and accessing medical specialists involves taking days off to travel and so on.

Journal: How did you become involved in the AEU’s Country Conditions Committee?

Cherie: I first heard about the committee during a conversation with our previous AEU organiser Marg Bastian, and then it was advertised in the Journal that there were some vacancies, so I applied.

Journal: What are some of the things you would like to see improved for country members?

Cherie: All members and sites have issues of course but country members have extra ones to contend with. I’d like to see more support for new teachers starting out by providing adequate housing, a behaviour unit in all major country areas, provision of local guidance officers, more support for students with disabilities, an easier reclassification process for SSOs, the return of government cars so we don’t have to use our own vehicles for school-related tasks, more admin time for leaders, to name a few.

Journal: What advice would you give to someone considering taking up the role of Sub Branch Secretary?

Cherie: Have a go! You have the opportunity to receive lots of training and it feels really good to be able to help your colleagues when issues arise. I highly recommend it. n

Are you up-to-date Online?

We need your preferred Email to

16

email address

8: membership@aeusa.asn.au or call Membership on: 8272 1399

The AEU has commenced formal negotiations for a new agreement.

F

or members who are yet to experience it, enterprise bargaining is the process by which the employer and the union/s negotiate in good faith to settle upon improved salaries and conditions for employees.

For the past few weeks, the AEU has been in formal bargaining negotiations with the State Government and Department representatives from both DFEEST and DECD. At this point in time, these discussions have been informative and useful in setting up a positive working relationship between the parties.

During the early stages of negotiations, the parties have been briefing each other about the various proposals and positions which will be on the table at a later date.

To date, we have briefed the government on issues such as workload for all sectors, country conditions, attraction and retention provisions, class size and proposals for SSOs, preschools and Aboriginal educators. The AEU has prepared a formal claim which was endorsed

by AEU Branch Council in March.

We will be seeking provisions which substantially enhance employment conditions, including, but not limited to: • Preservation of entitlements and rights that are contained in the current Arbitrated Enterprise Bargaining Awards • Employment security for DECD and DFEEST employees • Nationally competitive salaries, allowances and loadings • Improved classification structures particularly for preschools and schools

opinion • Attraction and retention provisions • Improved professional development entitlements • Improved country conditions • Improved workload provisions • Fair and reasonable redeployment processes for DFEEST • TAFE salary nexus with schools Unfortunately, our interstate colleagues have had significant difficulty in settling their enterprise bargaining negotiations. In NSW, Victoria and Queensland the respective Coalition governments have driven a hard line of devolution, local autonomy, reduction of permanent positions, staff cuts and budget cuts. Salary offers have been between 2% and 2.9% with the Baillieu government in Victoria seeking performance pay for principals rather than the current classification structure.

Both NSW and Victoria have taken industrial action which has been strongly supported by their members. With this uncertainty regarding national salary movements and conditions, the AEU SA Branch still has room to move with our own claim. Members can be assured that the AEU will monitor interstate negotiations to ascertain whether any further protections are needed for SA before our own negotiations conclude.

Given the agenda interstate to restrict salaries and conditions, it becomes vitally important for the AEU to bargain hard for improved conditions in South Australia in order to future proof members’ entitlements.

We know that we can count on the support of all members in preschools, schools and TAFE throughout EB2012. n

One Union, Stronger Together!

A PISA garbage!

W

three measures and ranked us clearly above nations like the US, UK, Germany and France.”

In this excerpt, Mike addresses the claim by Mitchell that Australia’s PISA results are lagging “way behind” those of our Asian neighbours:

He continues: “However, between 2000 and 2009, Australia’s performance had slipped and a number of school systems, particularly in East Asia, have overtaken us.”

hen author and InDaily columnist Susan Mitchell recently called for “taking on the militant teachers’ unions, whose sole job is to protect their members whether they be good or bad teachers”, AEU Research Officer Mike Williss saw an opportunity for a right of reply.

Susan says that “the latest international rankings show Australia is lagging way behind its Asian neighbours”. Way behind? Susan gives us no facts or figures, but if I tell you that 65 education systems were tested in the OECD’s PISA test covering reading, maths and science – where would “way behind” put us?

Thirtieth, fortieth…sixtieth perhaps?

Allow me to quote from Christopher Pyne whose recent Sydney Institute speech seems to have provided some of the inspiration for Ms Mitchell’s article.

Pyne observes: “Historically, Australia’s education system has performed relatively well.

According to the OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2009 results, of the 65 assessed school systems Australia was ranked 9th in reading, 10th in science and 15th in mathematics. These results were significantly above the OECD average on all

To be ranked 9th, 10th and 15th out of a field of 65 does not place us “far behind” the leaders. Pyne’s paragraph could almost be taken as celebratory.

And this, of course, provides the spur for Ms Mitchell’s opening remarks.

What Mr Pyne fails to mention is that in 2000, when we came 4th, 7th and 5th respectively Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai were not included in the tests.

Certainly, in the case of reading and science our position relevant to other 2000 participants has hardly changed at all except in so far as three new entrants have placed above us and forced us down as a consequence. Except for maths, our performance has not “slipped” – others have entered the field who are simply doing better – and good luck to them.

The fact that we are still a top performer and to quote Pyne, “significantly above the OECD average” is quite remarkable when one considers the conditions under which learning occurs in this country. n A copy of his full response, subsequently carried by InDaily, is on the AEU website.

17

Country focus

House of the rising rent Country educators are forking out for low quality accommodation.

AEU Organiser Stephen Miles reports.

O

ne of the most significant issues many teachers and leaders deal with when they win their first position in a country or remote location is finding suitable housing.

Many beginning teachers move away from friends and family for the first time, so the importance of having a comfortable, clean and safe living environment cannot be understated.

As an incentive, government housing is a key factor in attracting and retaining teachers and leaders to the country.

There are other factors such as TRT coverage, access to training and development and support for students with special needs and challenging behaviours.

It is the role of the Government Employee Housing Manager (GEHM) to find housing for teachers and leaders who apply for it in country locations. In the first instance the GEHM will look to place DECD employees in a government house, but availability is an increasing problem. On top of this, many of the houses are old, run down and don’t provide clean and comfortable living.

These factors are forcing teachers to rent in the more expensive private market, which, despite a government subsidy, impacts heavily on a teacher’s weekly earnings. For example, a beginning teacher working in Roxby Downs, where private rentals less than $450 per week 18

are hard to come by, would see almost half their salary gone in rent each week.

In the chook-house Currently in Port Augusta and Whyalla, demand is outstripping supply. This is in part because a number of government departments are now offering government housing where they previously didn’t.

Due to this lack of availability, teachers are often forced to source more expensive accommodation because the government houses are not up to standard.

The 15% subsidy available to members in that region then becomes less valuable.

An issue with many houses in the north of the state is the inadequacy of cooling systems, insulation and verandahs. This is particularly problematic in towns like Port Augusta that can be up to five degrees hotter than the average statewide temperature during the warmer months. One local in Port Augusta summed it up: “The quality of teacher housing? You would only put your chooks in ‘em.”

Staying in the country Country-based AEU organiser Anne Beinke says that housing has been an ongoing issue for the 10 years she has represented members in the north of the state.

“The issue of supply varies at times in different places, as does the price of rent. However the quality of housing has been an ongoing issue. Having a

comfortable place to retreat is vital.

Teachers face many issues, from behaviour management to constant curriculum changes and so on. Being able to go home to a relaxing, clean and safe environment is important for their wellbeing,” she says.

“We want educators and their families to feel comfortable in the community, at work and at home, and stay longer as a result. I know of cases where living arrangements have caused people leave and go back to the city. This is just not good enough.”

The 2010 budget cuts reduced the number of country schools that are eligible for assistance, with all the government housing within 100 kilometres of Adelaide being sold off or in the process of being sold. This affects locations such as Balaklava, Cambrai, Murray Bridge and Kapunda.

Beginning teacher Matt Rotolo (pictured above) has lived in a government house in the small Murraylands town of Cambrai since the start of 2011.

“I’ve completed training to become a member of the Cambrai CFS and have coached at the local footy club. I originally intended on staying in the Cambrai School House for at least three years, but these plans have had to change,” he says.

“My house will be sold at the end of the year and I’ll have to find alternative accommodation. There’s no other rental accommodation in the town so I’ll have to travel from another centre to my job at Cambrai Area School,” he added.

It makes a big difference when teachers and others who work in a small town are able to live there and contribute to the community. Being forced to live elsewhere due to a lack of adequate housing provision is simply unacceptable.

If the State Government is serious about attracting and retaining teachers and leaders to country areas and keeping them there, it needs to drastically improve the quality of and availability of country housing. n

AEU Women’s Conference 2012

AEU Information Unit

Questions from the Workplace

Q

TAFE employees are entitled to an allowance of $105.00 for protective clothing to be worn at work. Does this allowance include safety boots, safety glasses and/or earmuffs?

A

1 Guest speaker and Young Australian of the year 2011, Khadija Gbla.

1 Keynote speaker, Emma Grey from “Worklife Bliss”.

AEU Women Stand Proud and Stand their Ground

W

power of the mind in positive thinking and challenging or changing our outlook on life. On the second day we were so fortunate to have young Australian of the year, Khadija Gbla join us. Khadija is an extremely engaging, energetic and enthusiastic activist within the Adelaide Sierra Leone community. At 23 she talked about how she has “stood proud and stood her ground” since she arrived in Adelaide at the age of 13 and realised that she had a voice and she had to use it. She talked about not being popular within the Sierra Leone community for talking about and raising issues others do not want aired but believing so strongly in what she is trying to achieve that she is still willing to stand up in the face of anger and ridicule. Khadija is the first speaker in the five conferences I have organised to have participants in tears one minute, laughing hysterically the next, and on their feet at the end.

The AEU Women’s Conference is an annual, fully-funded conference that all women members are eligible to attend.

For more information about this conference in 2013 please contact the AEU Women’s Officer, Tish Champion. n

8: www.aeusa.asn.au/interest_women.html

What is the situation regarding the Long Service Leave entitlements that were cut in the 2010-11 State Budget?

A

The 2012 State Budget did not reinstate the 15 days entitlement following 15 years of service that was cut in the 2010 State Budget. However, an ‘Experience Retention Entitlement’ was introduced to provide an additional entitlement to four working days leave after 15 years of service. This new Public Sector Skills and Experience Retention Entitlement differs from Long Service Leave in that it is calculated in working days rather than calendar days.

The new leave must also be taken within five years or it will expire (unlike long service leave which continues to accumulate).

After a phasing in period the new scheme will provide public sector employees, with a comparable benefit to that which existed prior to the reduction of long service leave entitlements n in the 2010-11 State Budget.

Anne Walker Legal & Information Officer 19

% 8272 1399

The workshops on both days allowed women to explore topics of interest including application writing, superannuation, work/life balance and managing the emotional demands of working in education. Feedback from the conference this year was fantastic. And if I do say so myself, it was the best conference I have been involved in so far.

Q

AEU Information Unit | Mon – Fri | 10:30am – 5pm |

omen all over the world have been standing proud, standing their ground and fighting the fight for a very long time. In most countries we have definitely made advances when it comes to women’s rights – the right to vote, the ability to run for parliament, the ability to work once we marry and have children, accouchement leave, paid maternity leave, part-time employment, no fault divorce and even to a certain degree, equal pay. What on earth do we still have to fight for? Isn’t everything perfect?

While we obviously don’t have the struggles for equality that young women in Afghanistan or Sierra Leone have, we definitely cannot claim victory just yet.

We still have plenty to fight for and the truth be told, plenty to lose if we don’t.

The 2012 AEU Women’s Conference was an opportunity for AEU women from all sectors to explore, learn about and discuss the very real barriers that women in South Australia in the 21st century still face. We still face the glass ceiling, lack of leadership opportunities, discrimination, pay inequity, under representation and so on.

Members who attended the conference this year were treated to some brilliant guest speakers including author Emma Grey, who talked about the seven types of busy that women routinely engage in that hamper their work/life balance. We also heard from mental health expert Jo Mason from Principals Australia who explained the

The $105.00 allowance is specifically for protective clothing such as overalls and/or dustcoats that protect an employee’s clothing.

The employer’s Occupational Health and Safety responsibility must ensure that an employee is provided with a safe working environment. Safety boots, glasses and earmuffs are necessary for an employee’s health, safety and welfare whilst at work. They should be supplied by the employer as part of their occupational health and safety requirement and do not form part of the $105.00 allowance, which is purely available for the supply of protective clothing.

Health & Wellbeing

Make your wellbeing a priority AEU member and EQUILIBRIUM Director Louiza Hebhardt says educators are exposed to a range of factors that can lead to psychological distress.

T

here’s no doubt that teaching, the profession that makes all other professions possible, can be one of the most rewarding vocations there is. But with increasing demands that face teachers and other school based staff in the workplace, it’s no surprise that teaching ranks alongside cardiac surgeons and air traffic controllers as one of the top five most stressful professions (2005, UQ News, University of Queensland Press).

There’s a number of combined factors that give teaching its place on this scale, including the well documented and highly publicised issues relating to workload, pay and NAPLAN results. Not so obvious but definitely contributing to school based staffs’ stress levels include matters relating to student behaviour, interpersonal conflict, and working with families whose values are different to their own. Working with students who have experienced trauma, who have learning difficulties or undiagnosed disabilities can also be incredibly demanding.

It’s the very nature of working within schools that exposes teachers to a number of psychological hazards that may be known as burnout, vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue. These may present as: • somatic complaints (headache, stomach upsets) • sensory sensitivity • intrusive thoughts • sleep disturbance • emotional numbing • difficulty concentrating • hypervigilance • feelings of hopelessness and helplessness • feeling anxious, guilty, overwhelmed, angry, sad • over-identifying • avoidance • re-triggering of own traumas 20

MYTH

FACT

Only weak people have psychological problems

Many people experience psychologically challenging periods at various times in their lives

Strong people can cope with anything and don’t need help

Most people benefit from an impartial viewpoint from an informed person

Source: Responding to concerns from parents and caregivers in DETE preschools and schools, 2000

Unlike other helping professions (such as social work or psychology), there is little understanding among school-based staff that psychological distress is a normal side-effect to working in situations that are emotionally demanding. As there are very few (if any) official processes in place to support staff with their wellbeing, most teachers have very little knowledge about these hazards and therefore how to either recognise or manage them.

Unfortunately, professional support is often only sought once a crisis has occurred instead of in the earlier stages of the difficulty arising. This is largely related to the stigma and unhelpful myths associated with accessing mental health support, as tabled above.

EQUILIBRIUM recognises that although self-care is the responsibility of the individual it is also an OH&S issue that sites must address. The counselling, training and consulting services available for school based staff are preventative in nature and designed to optimise wellbeing by increasing awareness about best practice and current research findings in this area.

Counselling can take the form of 1:1 or small group sessions with participation in ‘Supervision Style’ the opportunity for confidential debriefing about work related issues. Training sessions range from staff meetings to full day conferences and cover in detail the many aspects of staying emotionally healthy whilst employed in education.

Consulting takes the form of working with school leaders to maximise the

capacity of their staff by investing wisely in their employees’ wellbeing.

Louiza Hebhardt is presenting at the upcoming OH&S Conference: “Taming Toxic Workplaces”, the New Educators Conference in the Upper Spencer and Wellbeing Day in September. Register for these events and more on the AEU website (details below on Page 21). n

More information about EQUILIBRIUM can be found at: W: www.equilibriumctc.com.au @equilibriumctc T: 0413 813 652 [Louiza Hebhardt]

* Upcoming Ev ent

‘12

Tues. 25 September

10.00am – 2.30pm

Wellbeing Day 2012 A holiday ‘drop in day’ of displays mini seminars and activities designed to inform attendees about how to care for their wellbeing and health.

Open to: Everyone.

AEU 2012 Training and Development Program

Noticeboard

Union Education Courses 2012 Fri 10 Aug

9:15am – 3:30pm

Meetings and Public Speaking Workshop 1-day day course to develop members’ confidence in decision-making forums. Learn about meeting procedures, assertive communication and public speaking.

Open to: All AEU members.

Tues 18 Sept

9:15am – 3:30pm

Advanced Women’s Contact Officers 1-day course for women members who wish to learn more about how to support women in their workplace.

Open to: All AEU women who have completed the “Women’s Contact Officer” course.

Tues 18 Sept

9:15am – 4:00pm

SSO Reclassification: IT Positions A 1-day practical workshop to assist SSOs in applying for reclassification. This workshop is specifically designed to cater for SSO members working in IT. Open to: AEU SSO members working in IT positions.

Wed 19 Sept

9:15am – 3:00pm

SSO Reclassification: Finance/admin A 1-day practical workshop to assist SSOs in applying for reclassification. This workshop is designed for SSO members working finance and /or front office admin positions.

Open to: AEU SSO members working in finance and/or front office admin positions.

* Upcoming Event

9:15am – 12:30pm

Curriculum Organiser Online: An Intro An introduction to the AEU’s COO and how it can help members’ transition to the Australian Curriculum.

Open to: Everyone interested in finding out how COO can help them in their Australian Curriculum preparation.

Mon 24 Sept

1:30am – 4:30pm

Curriculum Organiser Online: Programming & Planning: A short practical workshop using the AEU COO to plan, program and create units of work and teaching resources against the Australian Curriculum.

Open to: Members who have subscribed to COO.

* Upcoming Ev ent

‘12

Thurs. 4 October

9.15am – 3.00pm Overseas Trained Teachers’ Conference

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AEU Redbook:

a guide for new educator AEU members

Put together by new educators for new educators, Redbook is a must for AEU members in their first five years of teaching. Covering everything from Award rights and entitlements through to tips on how to set up your classroom, you’ll be referring to this great resource regularly. n For a free electronic copy of AEU Redbook, email AEU New Educators Organiser Sam Lisle-Menzel at:

: slislemenzel@aeusa.asn.au 8 Be sure to include your name and AEU member number.

A 1-day conference for AEU members who were initially trained overseas prior to teaching in Australia.

Council Dates for 2012

Open to:

Upcoming dates for 2012 are:

All AEU members who were initially trained overseas.

for a guide ucatosr new ed ber m e m AeU

Branch Council Meetings Saturday, August 11 Saturday, November 17

TAFE Divisional Council Meetings Upcoming dates for 2012 are:

* Upcoming Event Sun. 26 August

‘12 ‘12 ‘12

Mon. 20 August

Mon 24 Sept

9.15am – 3.30pm

OHS Conference: Leading Work Health & Safety – Taming Toxic Workplaces

This conference will provide information, inspiration, tools and time for leaders, HSRs and members to equip them to take a leadership role in their workplaces.

Open to: All AEU members.

Friday, August 10 Friday, November 9

2:00pm – 8:00pm

* Upcoming Ev ent

9:00am – 2:30pm

Wed. 29 August

Mon. 27 August

AEU Upper Spencer New Educators’ Conference [Port Augusta] An afternoon and full day conference featuring workshops on resilience, classroom management, cooperative learning strategies and changing conditions of work.

Open to: members working in the north in their first 5-years of teaching.

For further info on any of the above events and courses email Lynn Hall on

9.30am – 2.30pm AEU Upper Spencer Aboriginal Members’ Mini Conference [Port Augusta] Featuring sessions on writing applications, EB and current educational issues.

Open to: Financial Aboriginal members working in the north.

8: training@aeusa.asn.au

8: www.aeusa.asn.au>events & courses

or to register go to

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Vice President’s Report

SACE first year evaluation On Saturday July 21st the Education Minister released the final report of the SACE First Year Evaluation.

While the AEU has not yet analysed the report in detail, and while there are some omissions, on balance we should welcome its main findings. The views of the many respondents to the AEU/IEU online SACE survey of November 2011 were reflected in a number of places in the report.

Of the eleven recommendations, those concerning the Research Project were given especially high importance. While the panel did not have the power to make recommendations affecting major policy areas, such as whether the Research Project should remain compulsory, they did point the Board in a number of helpful directions which would resonate with our members: providing sufficient materials to teachers to assist with teaching research skills; investigating whether the Project favours female students; making it more accessible to new arrivals and Aboriginal students; analysing the reasons for students not choosing Project A; and should the Board reconsider its policy, determining whether the Project should remain a Stage 2 subject.

According to our member survey much of the heavy additional teacher workload was due to a lack of clarity about assessment. In that regard, it is pleasing to read the recommendation that the reach of clarifying forums be extended and that more annotated exemplars of student work and assessment tasks be provided, along with a simplification of the statements of performance standards and associated criteria.

The evaluation was wide-ranging and many groups and individuals contributed to it. Given time, and serious attention to the evaluation’s report, the initial confusion will be replaced by clarity. n David Smith AEU Vice President 22

Notice board ADministrative officer vacancies

Australian Education Union | SA Branch The term of office of the positions is from 1 February 2013 to 31 January 2016

Research Officer The Officer is responsible for conducting research in support of AEU campaigns and preparing reports and submissions on educational issues.

Industrial Coordinator The Officer provides strategic industrial advice and provides leadership in the planning and development of industrial strategies and negotiations.

Organiser (two positions) Organiser (Leaders Focus) Organiser (SSO Focus) Organiser (Aboriginal Educators Focus) The Officers will be responsible for developing and supporting member activism and providing advice and assistance to members on work related issues.

Job and person specifications and details of the selection process for these positions are available from:

Irene Tam on 8272 1399 (email - aeusa@aeusa.asn.au) Applicants must address the requirements of the job and person specification in their application.

Leave without pay may be negotiated for AEU members whose employer is a state government agency.

Applications must reach the Branch Secretary, AEU (SA Branch), 163 Greenhill Road, Parkside, SA 5063 by Wednesday, 31 August 2012.

These positions will be filled by appointment at Branch Council on 17 November 2012.

Measuring bang for the buck Most people understand instinctively the difference between nominal wages and real wages.

Nominal wages are the amount of money which we receive in return for the employer’s use of our intellectual labour power.

Real wages are the amount of commodities – both goods and services – which we can buy for that money.

Right-wing commentators often delight in pointing out that in the highly performing Finnish education system teachers are paid less than their Australian counterparts.

In equivalent US dollar terms, this is true. Our nominal wages are higher

than those of our Finnish colleagues.

In real wage terms, however, Australia lags behind not just Finland, but nearly every other OECD country.

A recent study of teachers’ salary as a proportion of the median household disposable income for OECD countries (the teachers’ pay data is from 2009 and the income data is from 2007/08 – the most recent available) reveals that Australia ranks 27 out of the 31 OECD countries for which data is available.

That is, in real wage terms (as distinct from nominal wages) Australian teachers are paid very poorly. n Mike Williss Research Officer

NOTICE BOARD

Member’s Market In order to cater for extra editorial space, the AEU Members Market now has a reduced space allocation in the Journal.

Advertisements will be printed at the discretion of the Editor and will not run in more than three issues in succession.

Kangaroo Island, PENNESHAW Large elevated block in a secluded cull de sac with panoramic views across the village of Penneshaw and Backstairs Passage to the cliffs of Deep Creek and west across the bay to American River. 5-min walk across golf course to pub. Price red. to $105,000. T: 0429 969 161 E: dpeter@picknowl.com.au

GOOLWA HOLIDAY HOUSE 15-mins from beach, shops and river. Sleeps 9, in-ground pool, decking with BBQ, fully equipped, A/C, etc. $100 night.

T: 0403 841 031 E: leonday@adam.com.au

OUTBACK TAGALONG TOURS Guided tours in your 4 wheel drive, with your gear loaded on the ‘Big Red Truck’. Hassle Free Outback Touring. Book now for our Spring

Holiday House – 2nd Valley Sleeps 9, Q/S x2, Singles x3, Double x 1, 2 storey, 2 bath, 3 toilets, 2 living, main BRM with ensuite, TV, DVD, Ducted RCAC, UP, RCAC split D/S M/Wave.

E: info@sfrealty.com.au

BEACH HouSE SWAP for ‘IT’ Tuition: sms or T: 0402 922 445 a/h or T: (08) 8338 2316 a/h

Australian certified organic products: Keep Healthy. For personal use & gifts. www.bodytune.mionegroup.com

PROPERTY CODE D30

FOR SALE: Junior Primary/Special

Lifestyle of Choices:

Ed Books – (mainly phonics) – In excellent condition. Most originally cost $20 –$30. Make an offer!

PO Box 4 Kangarilla SA 5157 T: 0414 764 115 or 8327 4027 E: jacqueline@adam.com.au

Invitation to find out how to create more of what you want in life in every area. Create great health and become more of the person you want to be. No cost to have a chat. T: (Linda) 0410 654 657 E: lindanew@tpg.com.au

WORKSHOP: Stress management, personal goals and learning difficulties. Brain Gym – an introductory workshop. Movements to ‘switch on’ the brain.

T or Fax: (08) 8768 2537 E: gibbons@seol.net.au

FOR SALE: Nintendo DS lite.

STREAKY BAY HOLIDAY HSE:

Encounter Lakes B&B:

ALDINGA BEACH RETREAT

Tour – Innaminka Races, Coward Springs, Warren Gorge.

T: David Connell – 0288 854 620 or Lyn Rowe – 0403 594 406 www.brtoutback.com.au

Enjoy a quiet romantic stay in 4 star accom. B&B on the lake, Victor Harbor. Fully equipped, incl. condors for a row on the lake. Price $130 p/night.

T: 0421 018 384 E: encounterlakes@bigpond.com W: www.encounterlakes.com.au

white. Hardly used, 2x stylus, original instruction bks, charger + 3 games – Agatha Christie: the ABC Murders, Brain Training, Tomb Raider. $120 o.n.o.

E: hannah@iyouth.com.au Peaceful, wood fire, cosy, 2 – 8 guests, 5 mins from beach, opp National Pk, LCD TV, fully equipped kitchen, BBQ, kid friendly facilities. Wkends frm $290. Email for pamphlet.

E: acaciahouse@optusnet.com.au T: 0418 843 711

5-min walk to beach, in town, close to shops. Evenings, catch squid from jetty. Sleeps 13. Fish & boat cleaning facilities. New bath & kit; BBQ entertaining area and private spa suite avail. Starting rate $140 p/night. T: (08) 8626 1539 E: ascaines@hotmail.com

Advertise in Members’ Market for FREE! Rent, sell, buy or offer goods and services. Send ads to:

journal@aeusa.asn.au

2012 Climbing the Wall

AEU EARLY CHILDHOOD CONFERENCE

º

When:

Friday 5 October

ºº

9.15am – 3.30pm

Where:

@ the AEU

163 Greenhill Road, Parkside, SA 5063

Conference dinner:

Thursday 4 October | 6.00pm

Australian Education Union | SA Branch To register or for further information go to: www.aeusa.asn.au or email: training@aeusa.asn.au

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