Review PUBLIC
SECTOR
www.cpsu.asn.au www.cpsu.asn.au
August 2016 2011 FEBRUARY
New Year – New Cabinet It wouldn’t be a start to the New Year without a parliamentary reshuffle to re-engage the community in the world of politics, with 2016 bringing some fresh faces and some inevitable shifting of portfolios both within Cabinet and the Opposition. For the PSA and its members, the reshuffle carries considerable interest given the challenges facing South Australia, both in relation to employment and service delivery. As we’ve already seen in a number
of areas this year, services continue to be stretched amidst a backdrop of rising demand and that creates a range of issues that must be addressed as a matter of urgency. It is these issues that will form the basis of ongoing interactions with new Minister for the Public Sector, Deputy-Premier the Hon John Rau MP, who will also maintain his previous portfolio of Minister for Industrial Relations. On other fronts, newly appointed Cabinet Minister, The Hon Peter Malinauskas MLC will take carriage of Police, Correctional Services, Emergency Services and Road Safety. The other newly appointed Minister, The Hon Leesa Vlahos MP, will carry responsibility for disabilities
as well as mental health and substance abuse. The Hon Stephen Mullighan MP has been given housing and urban development, whilst the Hon Dr Susan Close MP will inherit higher education and skills, in addition to retaining education and child development. PSA General Secretary Nev Kitchin said the new Ministry will be judged on its performance. “Job creation and the protection of vital services for the community will be critical to Government’s success and in this space it needs to lead by example. As the employer of choice, the Government must take the lead and reinvest in real people doing real jobs for the betterment of the community,” Mr Kitchin said.
“This year the Government must deliver a vibrant and bold approach to the public sector, which employs almost 13% of South Australia’s entire workforce. Rather than continual restructuring that in most cases leads to further cuts to jobs and services to meet agency dividends, there needs to be a stronger focus on redeployment and return to work.” “2016 provides great opportunities for fresh ideas which should be embraced by the new Cabinet line-up, especially if we are to see positive results in the coming year,” Mr Kitchin said. “Only time will tell if change delivers a more effective approach.” PSA members will rightly be watching with interest.
New PSA/CPSU Leadership Team After more than two decades of forcefully and effectively promoting the interests of public sector workers, Jan McMahon and Lindsay Oxlad announced they would step down from their respective positions as General Secretary and President of the Public Service Association (PSA)/Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU). The announcement by the longstanding leadership team paves the way for a new generation of leaders to continue the important work of the PSA/CPSU. Assistant General Secretary Nev
Kitchin has been appointed by Council to the role of General Secretary. Council has appointed Vice President Lesley Burford to the position of President and Vice President Natasha Brown to the position of Assistant General Secretary. As a union, the PSA/CPSU continues in a good position to provide strong, effective leadership and a powerful voice for members. “It is an honour to have the opportunity to serve as General Secretary,” said Nev Kitchin. “We have many challenges ahead, along with many opportunities, and I am ready to work with members to achieve the best results we can.” “One of the priorities will be to continue to grow and develop our Worksite Representative Structure which is key to our success at the worksite.”
New PSA General Secretary Nev Kitchin and Assistant General Secretary Natasha Brown.
Families SA campaign for better resources
Running Mates step down
Join A Friend to win…
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PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016
General Secretary’s column A Positive AND PRODUCTIVE YEAR
Taking up the challenge
By Nev Kitchin
By Lesley Burford
As we look to the year ahead, 2016 is shaping up to be an important one for the Public Service Association and its members. As General Secretary, I will be acutely focused on providing positive, productive and meaningful representation for our members. Importantly the PSA will be dedicating considerable time and resources to continuing to improve conditions for members and advocating for services to the community. This includes Enterprise Bargaining negotiations later this year for a new Parity Agreement to ensure the best possible outcome for you, our members. To that end, our representatives in the workplace will be talking to you throughout the year, gathering feedback about key priorities. The best way to maximise our success is through the support of members like you. Our vital link at the worksite, we need to grow union strength at worksite both within metropolitan and regional South Australia. We have learnt from previous campaigns time and time
again that increasing our membership, and acting collectively produces results whether it be in Corrections, Families SA or other worksites. With a Federal Election also on the agenda, the PSA will be keeping a close eye on the policies of the major parties and will be ready to campaign on any issue which jeopardises the vital work of the public sector, removes current workers’ rights, or places any further pressure on the South Australian jobs market. While there will undoubtedly be a focus on the alleged conduct of some unions this year stemming from the Commission into Union Corruption, PSA members will be well aware that our organisation has an ongoing and long tradition of best practice governance and fiduciary responsibility, which continues to be a critical cornerstone of our success. I look forward to sharing with you the many other exciting initiatives planned for 2016, as the year progresses. Here’s wishing both you and the South Australian public sector a positive and productive year.
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Review PUBLIC
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President’s column
It is a honour to have the opportunity to be the PSA President.
most influential public sector union in South Australia.
The Association is renowned for its commitment to protecting the South Australian public sector and the vital services its members provide to the South Australian community - a value that it is widely respected. Such values need strong leadership from the front. Former PSA President Lindsay Oxlad and General Secretary Jan McMahon were instrumental in installing such values within the Organisation. This has been a constant throughout the years, no matter the Government or the challenges that have confronted us. Through their era campaigning was a major focus of the PSA – it made the PSA recognisable on the State and national stage. Good management enabled the PSA to have the ability to ensure when a fight was to be had, the PSA was there. I commend Lindsay and Jan on their tireless commitment to the PSA and its values, and importantly, ensuring the PSA continues to be recognised as the
I can reassure all PSA members as the new President, that it is my intent and purpose to ensure the PSA remains a force to be reckoned with and a staunch protector of the public sector. There are many challenges leading into the future. A new round of Enterprise Bargaining for Wages Parity (Salaried) is due to formally commence in mid 2016. Undoubtedly, this round of bargaining will occur in the context of further restructuring and the impact of agency efficiency dividends, so it is essential that PSA members are visible and active in this campaign. There will be a Federal Election in 2016. The PSA is committed to ensuring that politicians ensure they focus on bettering working people’s lives, not diminishing conditions. As the new PSA President, I look forward to 2016 with excitement. There are challenges ahead, however I am committed to facing these head on with the knowledge that I represent the aspirations of PSA members and their families. It is a challenge that I am ready to face.
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FEDERAL WEBSITE CPSU
The website has general interest areas, a links page and specific sections for women, schools, higher education and corrective services.
PSA me better r
SECTOR
The Public Sector Review is an official publication of the Public Service Association of SA Inc and the Community & Public Sector Union (SPSF Group) SA Branch. Comments, letters and editorial material to: ‘The Editor,’ Public Sector Review Level 5, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide, SA 5000. Selected articles are published electronically on the PSA Website at www.cpsu.asn.au Tel: (08) 8205 3200 Fax: (08) 8223 6509 Toll-free: 1800 811 457 Email: jxb@cpsu.asn.au Printed on partially recycled paper with biodegradable soy-based inks by Cadillac Printing, 64 Kincaid Ave, North Plympton, SA. The Public Sector Review’s official publication number is PP565001/0010. This edition is Volume 49, number 1. Responsibility for political content in this publication is taken by Josie Barbaro, Editor.
Vision Statement THE PSA WILL ACHIEVE THIS BY: • ensuring job security for members • membership involvement
The PSA will be a dynamic organisation focused on the needs and aspirations of its members throughout South Australia as the principal trade union representing workers who provide community services to South Australians.
• effective management supported by trained professional staff • continual improvement of its operations • improvement of members’ wages and working conditions • provision of industrial support and other valued benefits to members • promotion of the vital role of the public sector in the economy and community.
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Simon Johnson, PSA Manager, Strategy and Policy addressing media on the Return to Work Act outside of Parliament House on the need to improve protections for all public secor workers.
The State Parliament’s Upper House passed a Bill tabled by The Hon Robert Brokenshire MLC to amend the Police Act 1998 to provide sworn Police Officers with superior outcomes over and above what is contained within the current Return to Work Act 2014. The Bill has passed the Upper House thanks to State Opposition and cross benchers supporting the Bill, however the Government indicated it does not support the Bill. The Bill will now need to be debated in the State Parliament’s Lower House. New Police Minister the Hon Peter Malinauskas MLC has recently commented on the issue saying that the situation of police is unique and worthy of examination, leaving the Government’s position unclear.
Members standing strong in Families SA Continuing the campaign for better resources for child protection, PSA members in Families SA have continued a campaign of industrial action. At the centre of the dispute is the failure by the Department for Education and Child Development (DECD) to provide meaningful workforce data on staff vacancies or have a staff recruitment plan to fill vacancies. In a letter to the PSA, DECD advised that more than 128 full time equivalent positions existed in January. This number is astonishing given the nature of work Families SA staff perform. Disturbingly, it is apparent that Families SA Executive are disconnected with those workers who provide care to our most vulnerable within the community – children. How can the Agency, responsible for child protection in South Australia, not have readily available data on its vacancy management?
The South Australian community deserves so much better. PSA members demonstrated good faith in December 2015 resulting in the lifting of bans, however, Families SA Executive have failed to adequately respond to PSA concerns. As a result, members recently re-instigated industrial action, commencing Monday 25 January 2016. Families SA members have had enough of the Department’s failure to address resourcing and workload issues. DECD Executive’s continual struggle to provide meaningful information on vacancies and recruitment strategies is absurd. The PSA has been publicly saying child protection is under resourced and the situation was at crisis point. The increase in the complexity of cases has been formally acknowledged by the Agency, yet still the issues remain. The decision for members to take and escalate industrial action was not taken lightly and the information subsequently provided by DECD indicates what PSA members have been saying about chronic
staff shortages. “PSA members have been raising the issue of high workloads with the Department for months now, culminating in the taking of industrial action. No children have been put at risk by the industrial action, and it is concern about children and providing adequate resources to those in need that has prompted this action,” said PSA General Secretary, Nev Kitchin. “In particular, PSA members have been pressing for information on identifying where staffing vacancies are. This has finally been provided by the Department, with over 120 vacancies identified, vindicating what members have been saying; the Department is chronically understaffed. “These positions now need to be filled as a priority.” Industrial action includes working to rule and worksite lock downs and only commenced after management’s continual reluctance to genuinely address workload
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The PSA has made it clear that it will not accept a circumstance where one group of workers receive superior return to work outcomes compared to others. PSA members do not go to work to get injured. However, in the event that an incident occurs that results in injury, they ought to be provided with the same entitlements as other workers. Anything less is unacceptable. PSA members serve our community. They deserve to be treated with respect and importantly, protected. The PSA will continue to ensure its members are not treated as second class workers and will utilise every opportunity to improve the current legislation.
PSA members in Families SA vote to commence an industrial campaign for better resourcing.
PSA General Secretary Nev Kitchin during an interview on the Families SA resourcing crisis.
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issues. At no time did industrial action put children at risk. There is more work to be done. The PSA has argued for the establishment of a workload measurement tool to ensure member’s workloads are reasonable to enable the continual protection of children. Child protection is everyone’s business and members in Families SA need to be congratulated on the stance taken to improve the welfare of the community and the workers providing services. At the time of printing, the industrial campaign for better resources was continuing with members prepared to escalate action should the Department fail to put in place real solutions.
Members serving the community The PSA would like to thank all PSA members for their community contribution and assistance to those in need during the 2015 Pinery fires. Throughout the year and particularly during times of extreme events, PSA Members perform valuable services to the South Australian community both visibly and behind the scenes. For those providing assistance through their work in the public sector or through efforts of volunteering - thank you for your contribution.
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trailblazer for women
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Jan McMahon has always had a sense of fairness and a strong belief in social justice so it was not surprising that she would become involved in the union movement.
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Jan first became involved with the state public sector union while working for the Environment and Planning Department. In the early 1980s Jan became a worksite representative at the CFS (Country Fire Service), and took on the role of staff representative during negotiations for a new enterprise agreement. Since then she has not looked back and for 30 years Jan has been a leader in the Public Service Association, as a member and worksite representative, then as a Councillor elected in 1984. Jan became the Association’s first female President in 1988 before being elected by members as the first female General Secretary in 1992. Jan has been re-elected to serve as General Secretary for six terms. An impressive record by any standards, becoming the longest serving elected General Secretary in the PSA/CPSU’s history. Jan is committed to gender equity and is extremely proud of the union’s achievements in improving fundamental aspects of workers’ lives such as childcare, superannuation and wages and conditions. Throughout her career Jan has been a role model for women in the public sector and the union movement. As the first female holding the most senior position of President and General Secretary in the Association’s long history, Jan has always taken time over the years to promote roles for women and mentor women as well. “It’s been an honour and a privilege to serve as General Secretary for this long. I am proud of our many wins for public sector workers and for the South Australian communities they serve.” Having worked with a number of different Governments, Premiers, Ministers and Chief Executives, Jan has proven that no matter who she was dealing with, negotiations would always be on a firm yet respectful basis. This fearless approach of advocating for members has resulted in an impressive legacy of outcomes which have benefitted thousands of members and the South Australian community.
Jan with ACTU President Ged Kearney during a Hold the Government to Account rally.
Jan has overseen the redevelopment of the PSA’s premises at 122 Pirie Street.
Jan appearing at one of many rallies held protesting public service job cuts.
Jan with Nev Kitchin launching the 2009 billboard campaign against job cuts.
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Jan reviewing plans for the State’s first 24 hour child care centre opened in 1988.
Jan with PSA/CPSU Federal Secretary Karen Batt.
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Running Mates After more than 20 years of dedicated service and leadership, running mates Jan McMahon and Lindsay Oxlad have established a solid track record when it comes to effectively representing PSA/CPSU members in their respective positions as General Secretary and President, standing up for a quality South Australian public sector and negotiating landmark conditions for members. Impressive in their own right and formidable as a partnership, they have established a solid foundation based on many successes on which future campaigns can be based. The positive outcome of these campaigns continues to demonstrate the important role the PSA/CPSU plays in protecting public sector workers’ interests. Of the many achievements, some highlights stand out; • 1999 – PSA negotiated the first Wages Parity Agreement, going from 10 Ministries with different wages and conditions, to one Agreement. A large wage discrepancy existed for the same classification levels between agencies. The Parity Agreement resulted in public sector workers getting the same level regardless of where they worked and was a significant step forward for equality of pay and conditions and the idea of ‘One Government, One Public Sector’.
• 1999 - PSA negotiated the introduction of Salary Packaging. • 2000 – Voluntary Flexible Work Arrangements negotiated as an outcome of Enterprise Bargaining, providing options for better work life balance for members. • 2006 – PSA/CPSU members rally in opposition to WorkChoices, Prime Minister Howard’s draconian industrial relations laws. • 2006 – PSA expands Discount Services benefits, providing comprehensive savings for members. • 2006 – PSA Landmark Paid Maternity/ Adoption decision – paid leave increased from 4 to 14 weeks due to PSA submission and expert witnesses, now currently between 16 and 20 weeks under parity agreement. • 2009 – PSA launches Billboard campaign against public sector job cuts. • 2009 – PSA launches Legislative Council Campaign “It’s Your House Don’t let anyone take it away” in response to suggestions to remove the Upper House. The Upper House has been important as a house of review on legislation impacting the public sector with many improvements negotiated. • 2010 – Hold the Government to Account Campaign – Treasurer Foley announced 1600 job cuts in the State Budget and legislated away conditions such as recreational leave loading and long service leave entitlements. The campaign culminated in a mass rally at the ALP Conference (Festival Theatre) on 27 November 2010 and ultimately led to the
Running Mates Jan and Lindsay stepped down from their positions in December 2015.
removal of Treasurer Foley and Premier Rann. • 2011 – PSA wins $2 million in Department for Correctional Services backpay for underpayment of wages and $1 million for Department of Families and Communities. • 2012 – Retention Leave negotiated for public sector workers recognising long term employees. • 2012 – High Court Win. PSA won jurisdictional argument over the Industrial Relations Commission hearing a matter relating to the 2010 Budget legislating removal of conditions. • 2015 – Major redevelopment of PSA premises on Pirie Street and opening of new Member Benefits Centre. Lindsay became well known for firmly standing up for a quality, well resourced public sector.
Jan and Lindsay at one of the many worksite representatives meetings they presided over during their leadership.
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Jan and Lindsay taking the PSA’s case to the High Court of Australia.
Jan and Lindsay addressing a rally at Parliament House during a wages campaign.
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PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016
Competition news Join a friend Livelihoods and Liberation Struggles Livelihoods and Liberation Struggles – 30 Years of Australian Worker Solidarity written by journalist Dani Cooper follows the work of APHEDA across three decades of Australian solidarity actions around the world. The book explores themes of inequality, poverty and international social justice, and the role that Australian Unions have in addressing these struggles. Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA was established in 1984 after Australian nurse and member of the Australian Nursing Federation Helen McCue, took a proposal inspired by her experience working in Middle Eastern refugee camps with the World Health Organisation to the ACTU President for an international solidarity organisation in Australia. 30 years later Union Aid Abroad APHEDA aims to build self-reliance through support to educational and training projects with over 40 training projects, working through 30 separate project partners in 15 countries assisting many different communities around the world.
To win one of four copies of Livelihoods and Liberation Struggles, simply email enquiries@ cpsu.asn.au with the subject line “APHEDA” by 31 March 2016 to go into the draw. Copies can also be purchased through APHEDA’s online shop at http://www. aphedashop.org/apheda-book/livelihoodsand-liberation-struggles-30-yearsof-australian-worker-solidarity This work supported directly by union members demonstrates how unions are making direct, positive change to the lives of those less fortunate around the world. The winner of last edition’s Women of Steel competition was Merina Pannunzio from the Department of State Development winning a copy of the book. Congratulations Merina!
PSA training courses
and win!
Recruit a new member to the PSA/CPSU and you will go into the draw to win your choice of a $100 gift card for you, and a $50 gift card for the member you recruit. Your union is only as strong as the strength of its members. Many non members say they have never been asked to join and who better than a colleague to explain the benefits of PSA membership. Simply write ‘Join a Friend’ along with your name and contact details on a membership form and recruit a colleague. The more members you sign up, the more chances you have to win. Entry is open to all financial members of the PSA/CPSU who are eligible under the Association Rules, except paid elected officials and employees of the PSA/CPSU.
March – April 2016
The PSA is committed to providing you with support, encouragement and opportunities. Training courses are designed to help you in your employment. We hope that you can use the information gained to make your work rewarding and your workplace fairer and safer. To find out more about PSA’s training courses please visit the PSA website: www.cpsu.asn.au/training-programs Course Worksite Representatives Training Course (Three day course) Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
Date
Time
8 March 9 March 23 March
9:00am – 5:00pm 9:00am – 5:00pm 9:00am – 5:00pm
Lunch’n’Learn 17 March 12:00pm – 1:30pm Super SA – Post Retirement Products All Members 4 April
Reclassification Course Part 1
9:00am – 5:00pm
Lunch’n’Learn Super SA – My Retirement 12 April 12:00pm – 2:00pm Triple S Scheme Members 14 April
Union Orientation Course
9:00am – 4:00pm
The PSA continues to provide industrial protection and support, training courses, a Members’ Rights Hotline to answer your work queries, and negotiates with Government on a range of issues on your behalf. In addition a range of non-industrial benefits are provided exclusively for members, such as Legal Services Scheme, Journey Accident Insurance, Holiday Homes, and discounted member benefits through the Ambassador Card scheme, discounted Health Partner services, gift cards and Metro tickets which all save you money. For further information visit www.cpsu.asn.au or email enquiries@ cpsu.asn.au. The Competition closes COB on the last day of each month, until 30 June 2016. *Terms and conditions apply – see website for more details. www.cpsu.asn.au
2. Protect Your Entitlements. Unions fought for and maintained - overtime rates, annual leave, sick leave, long service leave payments, maternity/ adoption leave, leave loading, penalty rates, maximum working hours, compulsory superannuation, equal pay for women and trade union training leave. PSA membership protects these entitlements for you. 3. Better Workplace Health and Safety. The PSA works to ensure that employers protect their employees from risks to their health and safety. 4. Comprehensive Industrial Advice. Members can access expert industrial advice and representation from specialist PSA staff. Our Members Rights Hotline is a dedicated phone line for member enquiries, available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
5. Save Money. Members enjoy a wide range of benefits and savings through the Ambassador Card at shops, restaurants, hotels and more. PSA membership also saves you money with discounted health insurance through Health Partners, Coles and Woolworths gift cards, metro cards and movie tickets. Take advantage of our holiday homes located throughout SA and New Zealand. The homes are available to rent at budget rates for members only. Union membership fees are tax deductible too! 6. Influence Policy. The PSA has successfully campaigned to protect and improve conditions of employment. PSA members have the opportunity to contribute and influence issues at a workplace, agency and political level. 7. Stay Informed. PSA members are provided with up to date information about their working environment. Stay informed with our regular website updates, network of Workplace Reps,
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Lock it in! The majority of PSA members now pay their membership fees by direct debit. Moving from payroll deductions to direct debit ensures the strength and longevity of your union. If payroll deductions were cut, union membership would be compromised and so would your union’s ability to represent you. Don’t leave control of your membership to someone else. Lock in your PSA Membership by direct debiting your union fees from a nominated bank account and put your mind at ease knowing that your PSA membership is secure. Contact the PSA membership team today to make the switch and lock in your membership at membership@cpsu.asn.au or phone 8205 3200.
10 Good Reasons To Join The PSA 1. Better Wages and Conditions. Union members have their wages and conditions negotiated by trained, experienced staff.
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‘Review’ magazine and agency specific communications on topics important to you. 8. Legal Advice & Assistance. PSA members have access to seek legal advice, assistance and family mediation services through our free Legal Services Scheme. Legal representation covers a number of non work related issues. 9. Journey Accident Cover. PSA membership provides free income protection from the minute that you join, through our Journey Accident Cover You will be covered for up to $1,200 per week for up to 104 weeks plus death and disability insurance up to $100,000.
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10. Strength In Numbers. Belonging to a union helps to empower members to make positive changes at their workplace. Be a part of a strong network of like minded people across the public sector. Join Today!
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PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016 P7
Transforming Health reform – update Since the announcement of the Transforming Health initiative by the State Government, the PSA has continued to advocate that any health care reform must focus on a model of wellbeing for all. Investment in primary prevention is important, if not vital, and appropriate policy and legislative frameworks are required to create social and physical environments to make it easier to be healthy. Put simply, there must be a focus on community care, just not hospital care.
As part of a regular commitment to visit regional members throughout South Australia, General Secretary Nev Kitchin together with Assistant General Secretary Natasha Brown visited Mt Gambier last October.
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Whilst the PUF is one part of the consultative process, it does provide an opportunity for the PSA to provide feedback on major initiatives contained within the reform. The value of member input cannot be underestimated during this process. Those delivering and using health services are in the best place to comment on reform. Announced initiatives such as the rehabilitation reform, stroke, chest pain and paediatric services, extending allied health care over seven days, and mental health services for veterans are examples
where member engagement and feedback have been vital. The PSA will continue to engage with members to ensure that any initiatives are fully transparent, appropriate consultative principles are met, and importantly, those very people delivering such services are engaged throughout all stages The PSA is committed to an efficient and effective health system, but it cannot be at the expense of service delivery and jobs. Health care must focus on meeting demand, not budget!
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Whilst the PSA continues to advocate for such an approach, member feedback on key elements of the Transforming Health Program has been invaluable as the PSA ensures a meaningful and transparent consultative process is maintained. Consultation needs to be more than discussions with the employer. The PSA has initiated site visits in early 2015, established a PSA Transforming Health Project Officer position and continues to engage with members. The PSA is also on the Transforming Health Peak Union Forum (PUF).
PSA General Secretary Nev Kitchin and Assistant General Secretary Natasha Brown meeting with members in Mount Gambier.
The worksites visited included Community Corrections, Families SA, Disability Services, Department for Communities and Social Inclusion, the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, TAFE, SADS and Mt Gambier Hospital. The visits are an important opportunity to hear member concerns and feedback, and recruit new members and worksite representatives who are key to our success in the workplace. Members discussed concerns related to future employment and budget cuts,
Education – Enterprise Bargaining The PSA has been negotiating with the Department for Education and Child Development (DECD) and representatives from the Office of Public Sector (OPS) for a new Enterprise Agreement. The PSA is representing members who are working as School Services Officers (SSOs) Early Childhood Workers (ECWs) and Aboriginal Education Workers (AEWs).
the Department, SSOs workloads have increased. The PSA has proposed extra funding and resources to deal with the additional workload and has been seeking improved regulation of workloads. SSO Classification/ PIDs - DECD has acknowledged that the SSO PIDs (Position Information Documents) are outdated. DECD has proposed updating the Work Level Definitions to more closely reflect the current work and responsibilities of SSOs. This work will need considerable The PSA lodged a claim for a new consultation with the Unions as agreement Enterprise Agreement in July 2015 which must be reached between the parties to was developed based on the feedback vary the SSO Award. and comments received from members SSO Progression - PSA has requested via survey and site visits. Since then, the DECD to soften the barrier to enable PSA has met with DECD and Government SSO1s to progress to SSO2 classification representatives to negotiate and discuss the level without having to go through a details of the claim along with issues put lengthy and complex reclassification forward by DECD. process. DECD has advised that this could The issues discussed include: tie in with the SSO classification/PIDs, however, the Department has not agreed to SSO Workload - With more responsibilities automatically progress SSO1s to SSO2. being handed down to schools from There has been no formal agreement reached between the parties during these negotiations. The PSA will be seeking to expedite negotiations and it is expected an offer will be made during Term 1 of the school year for consideration by members. The PSA PSA Members rally to highlight excessive workloads in schools as part of the will continue to keep Education Bargaining campaign. member informed.
particulary the impact on regional South Australia. The Commissioner for Public Sector Employment’s Determination 7 was discussed at length in a number of worksites with new members joining to ensure they would be protected by PSA’s oversight of the determination. The added complexity of finding ongoing public sector employment for redeployees in regions was a focus for numerous members as was the importance of Journey Accident protection, an important feature of PSA membership. Particular thanks goes to worksite representatives who helped to coordinate the visit, ensuring as many members as possible had the opportunity to raise concerns or to just meet with PSA officials. A new round of visits is planned for this year.
Pictured are members from TAFE SA, DCSI Families SA, South Australian Dental Service (SADS) and Community Corrections.
Medical records reclassification win The PSA has worked with Medical Records members in Repatriation General Hospital (RGH), Noarlunga Hospital (NH) and Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) on getting ASO1 positions reclassified to ASO2. After a lengthy battle with Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN), the Department agreed with the PSA that the work the Medical Records Officers performed was at the ASO2 level and as a result the members were reclassified to ASO2. The PSA celebrated this win with Medical Records Officer members with a series of worksite visits and morning/afternoon teas. The members were appreciative of the PSA’s effort on achieving a positive
outcome and celebrating it with them. Notwithstanding, the PSA has since lodged a dispute in the SA Industrial Relations Commission due to a disagreement with SALHN about the operative date for the reclassification applications. The PSA’s position is that members are entitled to payments backdated no later than three months from the date of lodgment of the reclassification applications as per the Public Sector Wages Parity Enterprise Agreement Salaried: 2014. A Voluntary Conference was recently held before the South Australian Industrial Relations Commission, with the employer advising they will reconsider their position as it relates to operative dates, with a report back to the Commission in early February 2016.
Assistant General Secretary Natasha Brown (far back right) with PSA Medical Records members at Flinders Medical Centre.
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PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW FEBRUARY 2016
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National
REAL ESTATE
Luxury/corporate rental available for short or long term rental in Encounter Bay SA @$600/week Fully furnished 2 storey/3 bed/2 bath in quiet location with panoramic ocean views over granite island and the bluff. Upstairs kitchen and living/ dining with sliding doors which open out onto large deck. 5 min walk to the beach. A/C/security entry/no pets/contact Sue mobile 0499 637 360
LAND AT EDITHBURGH
Lot/11 Grace Street Edithburgh SA 5583 Large block 9,717m (over 2 acres) is residential zoning and has a shed on it. With a wide, approximately 17m access off Grace Street this large L-shaped block has power and water. It’s a great block to build on with rural outlook and easy access to town facilities. Shed approximately 20 x 25. This block is located approximately 1KM from the Jetty. An alternative would be to develop as it has subdivision potential. Subdivision plans have been drawn up and available on request. Price reduced to sell $149,000 .Please contact Joe on 0411 659 085 and for more information refer to realestate.com.au
Sleeping up to 10 people in 4 large bedrooms including two queen size beds, the house will easily cater for 2 families. Two other bedrooms each contain a single bed and double bunks. All beds have quilts (with covers) and pillows. You will need to bring sheets, pillow cases, towels and tea towels. Features include a large fully equipped kitchen, spa bath, large lounge, games room with built-in wet bar and a second toilet. Facilities available include flat screen TV and DVD/video, CD/ cassette player, table tennis, games, front loading washing machine, an iron, bar fridge and a freezer. Outside is a BBQ area and plenty of room for parking. The house itself is situated in the centre of Edithburgh, only a short walk from shops, and several dining establishments. The jetty and swimming areas are also within easy walking distance, and the boat ramp is only a two minute drive away. Tennis courts, the flora park and golf course are just around the corner. View house images at www.edithburgh.net Email bookings@kingfisherwww.com or contact Cathy on 0412 641404.
Seacliff Beach Holiday Hideaway Fully furnished, short-term holiday rental available. Located on beach front next to the Seacliff Beach Hotel and close to Brighton and Glenelg this unit has everything a fun time can offer. Will sleep 4 or 5 (if someone is happy to sleep on the couch). Walk across the road to swim or sit on the balcony and watch the sunset whatever your preferred method of relaxing, this is the place to be. For more information check out http://seacliffbeachholidayhideaway.com/, for rates please contact Di Rankine at enquiry@ seacliffbeachholidayhideaway.com
Enjoy a PSA holiday home! Take advantage of another great PSA member benefit – affordable accommodation at popular South Australian destinations.
The PSA has a number of holiday homes/units available for members to enjoy at affordable rates. Located at Glenelg, Goolwa, Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln, Port Vincent, Robe and Wirrina, there are 14 self-contained homes/units available. Goolwa Homes/units cater for five to six people and are equipped with full-sized stoves and refrigerators, microwave ovens, high definition TVs, blu-ray players, crockery and cutlery. Standard weekly bookings are from 2.00pm Saturday until 10.00am the following Saturday. Nightly bookings are available (conditions apply). The homes are offered during school holidays on a ballot system. Off season rates do not apply during school holidays. Refer to PSA website for details. Wirrina – above and below Stay Costs Peak Season: weekly stays (seven nights) $570 (Kangaroo Island) / $465 (All other homes). Off-peak Season: weekly stays (seven nights) $430 (Kangaroo Island) / $325 (All other homes). All Year: Nightly rate of $85.00. Terms & Conditions of Hire/Cancellation Policy For full terms and conditions, along with cancellation requirements, refer to the PSA website: www.cpsu.asn.au Enquiries or Bookings Email: holidayhomes@cpsu.asn.au
New Zealand - Did you know? Holiday Homes in New Zealand Take advantage of our reciprocal arrangement with the New Zealand Public Service Association. Stay at one of the 41 holiday homes located in seven locations across New Zealand. Nightly rates start from NZ$51, with units able to sleep 2 to 8 people.
All Pets Direct Ph. 1300 799 685 www.allpetsdirect.com.au Ambassador Card members receive a 15% discount when shopping online (excludes flea and worming treatments). Use promo codeAMB15 when checking out. BizCover Ph. 1300 249 268 www.bizcover.com.au/?utm_source=AMBCARD Save $50 off any policy purchased by quoting AMBCARD. This saving will apply on all main products, such as professional indemnity, public liability and business insurance. Bookings can be made online at www.bizcover. com.au/?utm_source=AMBCARD or by calling 1300 249 268 and quoting code AMBCARD iframes iframes has over 3,000 big brand designer sunglasses and eye glasses online including Ray Bay, Oakley, Prada, Maui Jim, Carrera, Bvlgari and many more. 1300 858 875 www.iframes.com.au Save $10.00 off by using code ACARD10OFF. K-Mart eCard Golf Passport Specified Outlets Ph. 1300 722 507 www.golfpassport.com.au The Ambassador Card Golf Club gives members access to more than 200 golf courses throughout Australia, including private clubs and championship courses, with instant savings up to 50% on green fees. Secure Parking With more than 450 car parks throughout Australia including the Sydney CBD, Brisbane CBD, Melbourne CBD and Adelaide CBD and an innovative range of parking products to choose from, Secure Parking has a convenient parking solution for you. Members receive a 10% discount when booking your parking online via secure-a-spot at www.secureparking. com.au or via the GoSecure app. Use promo code AMBASSADOR10. *Bookings must be made via secure-aspot. Members receive 20% off Secure -A-Spot $50.00 pre purchased gift cards. To order go to www.ambassadorcard.com.au
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN Additions
Esca Restaurant & Espresso Bar (VALIDATION CHANGE) Valid Lunch: Monday thru Saturday. Valid Dinner: Monday thru Friday & Sunday. Save up to $25.00 off one main course with the payment of a main course of equal or greater value. Not valid functions. Georges on Waymouth (VALIDATION CHANGE) Valid Lunch: Monday thru Friday. Valid Dinner: Tuesday thru Friday. Save up to $30.00 off one main course with the payment of a main course of equal or greater value. Kathmandu Palace Restaurant (VALIDATION CHANGE) Valid Lunch: Thursday and Friday. Valid Dinner: Tuesday thru Friday and Sunday. Save up to $18 off one main course with the payment of a main course of equal or greater value. Lenzerheide Restaurant (VALIDATION CHANGE) 146 Belair Road, Hawthorn 5062 Ph. (08) 8373 3711 www.lenzerheide.com.au Valid Lunch: Tuesday thru Sunday. Valid Dinner: Tuesday thru Friday. Valid a la carte menu only. Save up to $35 off one main course with the payment of a main course of equal or greater value. Not valid December, set price menu or with any other offer. National Railway Museum (Validation Change) 76 Lipson Street, Port Adelaide 5015 Ph. (08) 8341 1690 www.natrailmuseum.org.au 1 adult free admission, with one adult paid admission (value $12) Office Furniture Plus (ADDRESS CHANGE) 77 Tapleys Hill Road, Hendon 5014 Ph. (08) 8211 9229 www.officefurnitureplus.com.au Quick Steps School of Dance (Validation Change) 261 Pulteney Street, Adelaide 5000 Ph. (08) 8121 3399 www.quicksteps.com.au Mention your Membership Card at time of booking to receive 50% off the first months membership. SA Skydiving (New Name & Web address) was Skydive Adelaide Langhorne Creek 5255 Ph. (08) 8272 7888 www.saskydiving.com.au Skyline Restaurant Bar (VALIDATION CHANGE & new phone number) 1 South Terrace, Adelaide 5000 Ph. (08) 8216 0300 www.rydges.com/southpark Valid Dinner: 7 nights per week. Save up to $45.00 off a main course providing a main course of equal or greater value is paid for. SuperGym (Change of name & validation) 280 Port Road, Hindmarsh 5007 Ph. (08) 7226 2264 Present your Membership Card to receive 10% saving on any 12, 6 or 3 month up front membership purchased and 10% rebate on all products. Not valid on special prices.
All Seasons’ Port Elliot Holiday House 19 Charteris Street, Port Elliot 5212 Ph. 0402 811 174 www.portelliotholidayhouse.com.au Mention your Membership Card at the time of booking to receive 10% rebate on normal room rate Friday and Saturday nights and public holidays, 20% rebate at all other times. Minimum 2 night stay. Chilli Chi 163-165 Magill Road, Magill 5069 Ph. (08) 8363 1828 www.chillichi.com.au Valid Lunch: Tuesday thru Friday. Valid Dinner: Tuesday thru Sunday. Save up to $15 off one main course with the payment of a main course of equal or greater value. Not valid lunch specials. Not valid take away food. Cucina Nuova Ristorante 17 Henley Beach, Henley Beach 5022 Ph. (08) 8356 8945 www.cucinanuova.com.au Valid Lunch & Dinner: Tuesday thru Sunday. Save $15.00 NORTHERN TERRITORY Additions off a main course with the purchase of a main course of Zest Restaurant equal or greater value. 100 The Esplanade, Darwin 0800 Karl Chehade Dry Cleaning (2 New Stores) Ph. (08) 8941 0755 www.novotel.com Shop 6 Stirling Tier S/C Valid Lunch & Dinner: 7 days per week. Save 25% off the 46 Mount Barker Road STIRLING SA 5152 total bill up to the value of $30.00. 32 Kensington Road MARRYATVILLE SA 5068 Ocean Break ALTERATIONS 32 Goolwa Road, Middleton 5213 Darwin Golf Club (VALIDATION CHANGE) Ph. (08) 8326 2619 www.stayz.com.au/20072 10% rebate on normal rate Friday and Saturday nights and Links Road, Marrara 0812 Ph. (08) 8927 1322 www.darwingolfclub.com.au public holidays. 20% rebate at all other times. Minimum 2 Valid Monday thru Friday. Green fee for 9 holes $20.00. night stay. Green fee for 18 holes would be $25.00. Paceway Restaurant (SA Harness Racing Club) Erldunda Roadhouse (Was Desert Oaks) 1 Globe Derby Park, Port Wakefield Road, Name Change Globe Derby Park 5110 Ph. (08) 8258 2522 Valid on race nights: Save up to $15.00 off a la carte menu with the purchase of main course of equal or greater value of $15.00. Save $25.00 off a buffet when purchasing a buffet of equal or greater value. Not valid on $9. Parlamento Bistro Restaurant 140 North Terrace, Adelaide 5000 Ph. (08) 8231 3987 www.parlamento.com.au Valid Dinner: Monday thru Sunday from 7.00pm onwards. Save $25.00 off one main course with the payment in full of a main course of equal or greater value. Red Poles 190 McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale, 5171 Ph. (08) 8323 8994 www.redpoles.com.au Valid Lunch: Wednesday thru Saturday. Purchase one main course and receive $20.00 off a second main course of equal or greater value. Vasarelli Cellar Door RestauranT Set in the heart of McLaren Vale, the Vasarelli’s have Wednesday Night 6:00pm – 12.00am brought to the public a combination of award winning wines and Italian’s love for cooking Thursday Night 6:00pm – 12:00am 169 Main Road, McLaren Vale 5171 Friday (overnight available) 6:00pm – 7:45am Ph. (08) 8323 7980 www.vasarelli.com.au Valid Lunch & Dinner: Wednesday thru Friday. Save up to $25.00 off one main course with the payment in full of a main course of equal or greater value.
ALTERATIONS
Archery Park (VALIDATION CHANGE) 203 Piggott Range Road, Clarendon 5157 Ph. (08) 8383 6448 Upon presentation of your Membership Card a 20% rebate will be given. (Maximum of 4 persons). Not valid with own equipment. Barossa Motor Lodge (Validation Change) 182 Murray Street, Tanunda 5352 Ph. (08) 8563 2988 www.barossamotorlodge.com.au Valid for special Dinner, Bed & Breakfast rate of $84.00 per person twin share. Subject to availability.