PSA Review June 2012

Review PUBLIC

SECTOR

www.cpsu.asn.au

June 2012

Premier Meeting The PSA leadership team met with Premier Jay Weatherill in the week after the latest State Budget.

The PSA was represented at that meeting by President Lindsay Oxlad, General Secretary Jan McMahon and Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher.

Grave concerns were expressed to the Premier about the additional 1000 job cuts that had been announced.

It was made clear to the Premier that this would create severe difficulties in the delivery of services and have an unsustainable impact on workloads for members.

He was also advised that the PSA was closely monitoring the impact of the “efficiency dividend” – i.e. budget cut. The PSA has made it clear that these savings must be made by genuine efficiencies or program changes consistent with the Treasurer’s

statements, not by Chief Executives simply cutting more jobs.

The PSA also discussed a positive from the Budget – the introduction of the new retention scheme.

Enterprise Bargaining was discussed with the PSA acknowledging that this process was underway with the Government agreeing to continuation of a Single Parity Agreement.

The Premier is aware of the background to these negotiations and the ill-will created by the 2010 Foley Budget.

“It is important that this Premier is willing to have these discussions with the PSA,” PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon said.

“Full and frank discussions are essential at the highest levels to ensure this does not happen again.”

SA Can’t Afford Job Cuts The recent State Budget delivered a mix of bad and good news.

A cut of 1000 jobs and a new “efficiency dividend” - i.e. budget cut were the bad news items for the Public Sector.

The good news was the win of a new Retention Provision – a very pleasing outcome after prolonged negotiations (see separate story).

Regarding the job cuts, the PSA has advised Government – both in meetings and via the media – that cuts to jobs are unsustainable.

“We can’t afford to lose Public Sector workers,” Public Service Association General Secretary Jan McMahon said.

“Morale is faltering, workloads are growing, the whole system is at breaking point.

The PSA recognises the difficult global economic conditions and the national reduction in GST revenues.

It notes, however, that the Australian economy is faring well against almost all other nations and economic indicators for the future are bright.

We don’t live in a vacuum, we understand that.

We recognise that the cuts could have been worse if the Government

had not been willing to accept the need to maintain a deficit for the next couple of years instead of aiming for a surplus.

“If that had been the case, then the job cuts would have been much harsher and the impact on community services much more dire.

not be allowed to be a backdoor means of cutting more jobs.

“If Department or Agency heads start cutting staff to find this money, we need to know about it as soon as possible so we can put a stop to it.”

The meeting also passed the following resolution:

“It is easy for politicians to simply say we will cut jobs and money. What they need to come clean about is what services they will be slashing as a result.”

PSA General Secretary, Jan McMahon Jan McMahon with Premier

Increasing the “efficiency dividend” – spending cut – from 0.25% to 1% for departments will also severely reduce the scope of needed services and leave people in need behind.

Meetings of Worksite Representatives were held at the PSA and regionally the day after the Budget was delivered.

Reps were asked to ensure that all feedback regarding the impact of the job and budget cuts flows back to the PSA. They were in particular advised that the “efficiency dividend” should

“That this meeting of PSA Worksite Representatives expresses concern at further job cuts, but notes that the Government has chosen a deficit Budget rather than even greater cuts to jobs and services.

“This meeting welcomes the announcement of a new Retention Provision recognising the valuable contribution PSA members make to the public sector and the South Australian community.

“Members are to be congratulated for their campaign efforts since the

Foley 2010 Budget in winning back conditions of employment.”

The PSA recognised that it was significant that Government is willing to accept a deficit Budget.

“The PSA played an influential role in that. Budget submissions pointed out that cuts of thousands and thousands of jobs is not the only answer.

Future meetings will decide further actions needed as a result of this Budget as the true impact becomes ever more plain.

RETENTION WIN

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

SSO CONFERENCE & WOMEN'S CONFERENCE

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PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW JUNE 2012

Secretary’s Column WHAT HAS THE UNION DONE FOR ME?

THE CHICKENS HAVE FINALLY COME HOME TO ROOST

By Jan McMahon

By Lindsay Oxlad

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SA members have been campaigning for almost two years now, and I am pleased to say it has all been worth it.

Last year, in the 2011 Budget, the results of our campaign and hard work had begun to pay off. We were able to achieve the following; s 2ESTORATION OF 2ECREATIONAL ,EAVE Loading s 2ECOMMITMENT TO *OB 3ECURITY FOR THE term of Government, and s #OMMITMENT TO NEGOTIATING A RETENTION allowance with a date of effect of 1 July 2011 Whilst these were remarkable results in themselves, it was not over. It was always going to be a long term campaign, and in the 2012 Budget we achieved the following; s !NNOUNCEMENT OF A 2ETENTION 0ROVISION for employees with 15 years or more service, and s ! "UDGET $EFICIT AS ADVOCATED FOR IN THE PSA’s Budget Submission, rather than more severe job and service cuts Given that many of the wins we have achieved have occurred over a period of time, it may be easy to think they are random outcomes, or the result of good luck.

This is not the case.

They are the result of two years of hard work. Two years of putting our message across to a new leadership of Government who were prepared to listen and do the right thing.

These are by no means insignificant achievements in the current political and economic environment with many groups advocating for removal of tenure and further downsizing of the public sector, including the Opposition who continue to mislead the public with their use of statistics to suit their position.

Leader of the Opposition, Isobel Redmond, has publicly been saying that this Government has employed an additional 18,000 public servants. This is a very selective use of statistics. The State's public sector has grown in size, but that growth has not been commensurate with the growth in the State's population and relative to the State's employment figures. The reality is in 2003 the total South Australian public sector

Review PUBLIC

President’s Column

workforce represented 12.1% of people employed in South Australia. In 2011 this figure was 12.3%. Despite the scaremongering, the growth in public sector employment has been extremely moderate.

This also needs to be considered in the context of growing demand for services, an ageing population, greater complexity of community needs particularly in the health, disability and family sectors. I have publicly set the record straight, and have written to the Leader of the Opposition about this so that we can have an honest debate about the size of the public sector.

To its credit, the current Government can see past the ideological arguments. The new leadership made it clear that they were going to rebuild the relationship with the PSA based on respect. They were prepared to meet with PSA representatives and have meaningful discussions, prepared to listen to our arguments, and they have focused on what is good economic sense.

The facts are that to be able to deliver its policies and services to the community, the Government needs public sector workers.

Specifically, it needs experienced, skilled and knowledgeable employees to deliver quality services. Therefore there needs to be some recognition and incentive for those employees to remain in the public sector. Apart from anything else, it is good business practice.

It is what we have been saying since we started in 2010.

Yes, it has been a long two years. Our campaign chronology is extensive, with many key events and critical moments, however the latest Budget was a significant point in our campaign.

More recently we have begun negotiations for a new Enterprise Agreement.

Whilst this process is still underway, the PSA has already secured a commitment on two critical issues, a single agreement and an agreement that is enforceable. This will ensure we have a solid base upon which to deliver good outcomes for PSA members.

So congratulations to each and every one of you for contributing in some way to these results. Remember these any time someone dares to question “What has the union ever done for me”.

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or many years now successive governments have chipped away at the foundations of the public sector and its capability to efficiently and effectively deliver services to the community. The consequences of successive waves of job cuts, “efficiency dividends”, TVSPs and the like are now being felt by the community not just public sector workers.

The recent crises at the Adelaide Women’s Prison and the youth detention centers at Magill and Cavan confirm that the Association’s repeated warnings to governments about the consequences of not having a coherent public sector wide workforce plan for the future.

While the pundits will claim that these were isolated events involving the prison system they are wrong. As the research carried out for the PSA has shown time and time again what we are experiencing now is just the start of the more widespread erosion of the capability of all sectors of the public sector due in part to the significant loss of corporate knowledge and the inexperience of those left to carry on who lack the capability to do their jobs effectively.

While the police, fire fighters, ambulance officers and emergency service workers have been protected to some extent from the downsizing occurring elsewhere because successive governments understand the catastrophic consequences in those critically important areas, those same governments have failed to understand the consequences for the wider public sector.

The decision by the government to remedy the mistakes in the last Foley budget and to acknowledge the need to provide incentives for long-term public servants to remain in the service gives some hope that the penny has finally dropped.

The Premier is on the record in acknowledging that any government (not just his) depends on public sector workers with a diverse range of skills and capabilities to deliver the government’s policies and programs, to plan for the future of the State and to support the needs of families and the community generally.

It is oft stated by Chief Executives in both the public and private sectors that their people are their most important assets who need to be nurtured and developed to enable their businesses to be sustainable into the future.

Yet when push comes to shove in the public sector the reverse seems to be true as staff are subjected to increasing workloads and demands that they deliver more and more outcomes with less and less resources.

The net result of the (shortsighted) actions of successive governments is that the public sector is not sustainable and unless the government of the day stops pandering to the anti-public sector elements in the business community and their self styled spokespersons the services provided by the public sector will continue to deteriorate.

As the continuing fiasco with Adelaide’s bus service contracts amply demonstrates, outsourcing government functions and services to the private sector is not the answer and in fact causes more grief to the community (i.e. voters).

The challenge for the Government (and the Opposition as well) is to take urgent steps to build a sustainable public sector for the future benefit of all South Australians.

The current Enterprise Bargaining negotiations provide an opportunity for the Government to lay the foundations of a sustainable public sector (and by the way demonstrate that it does truly value its employees as its most important assets).

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/sa Tel: (08) 8205 3200 Fax: (08) 8223 6509 Toll-free: 1800 811 457 Email: nm@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 46, number 2.

Responsibility for political content in this publication is taken by Peter Christopher, Editor.

Vision Statement THE PSA WILL ACHIEVE THIS BY: IRWYVMRK NSF WIGYVMX] JSV QIQFIVW QIQFIVWLMT MRZSPZIQIRX

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.

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Parking Decision The Full Court of the Supreme Court which heard the PSA's appeal recently ruled that car parking was not a condition of employment. “We were disappointed at the Court decision,� PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon said. “The PSA did everything it could to protect members from a pay cut resulting from SA Health imposing new fees.

Negotiations for the next EB are well underway with some progress made to date.

The current Parity Agreement expired on June 30 this year.

The PSA is seeking any improved pay and conditions negotiated in the new EB be backdated to that date.

The negotiation process is more laborious under the current circumstances due to the disregard shown by Government in the past to the legitimacy and importance of proper negotiations. “The new Leadership team have gone a considerable way to showing that they understand that what happened was very wrong.

The beneďŹ ts stripped away have now been won back, either directly

At Health Partners, we continually strive to provide our members with the very best care and services available.

We’re proud to have won our second consecutive Canstar Cannex award for most outstanding value-for-money hospital cover in South Australia.

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or in a close to equivalent form. “The PSA has made it clear that there will be no future scope for any Government to act in such a dishonest manner again.

Good faith bargaining has broken down and it has been a considerable process to restore it.

Key elements of negotiation so far are that there will be a single agreement and it will be enforceable.

Other points currently being negotiated are that there will be no loss of current entitlements.

The recent Supreme Court decision regarding hospital car parking will now inuence future negotiations about what is, or is not, considered a legally binding work beneďŹ t or condition.

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Enterprise Bargaining negotiations,�

Ms McMahon said.

It will also be vital to speciďŹ cally protect other employment conditions which, prior to this decision, were considered to be protected by the 'Protection of Existing Conditions' clause.

The PSA thanks members for their ongoing support and participation during this campaign.

EB Update

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“The PSA was determined to use all available avenues to protect members' interests, up to and including this Court challenge.�

The PSA initially took this issue to the Industrial Relations Commission, Industrial Relations Court including a Full Bench, and then to an appeal to a Full Bench hearing of the Supreme Court of South Australia. “This will now be a factor in current

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Also to be discussed are the acceptable level of pay increases.

Recent media speculation that the Government will aim to keep pay increases to 2.5% would not be acceptable. “There was no ďŹ gure in the Budget papers and the PSA is not locked in to a ďŹ gure The PSA is clear that 2.5% is far from acceptable.

The PSA will continue to seek input from members about issues of particular concern to them that they believe should be included in ongoing negotiations. “The Government's offer and their future behaviour must be conciliatory and continue to rebuild the bridges of trust lost by their predecessors.�

The PSA claim seeks a package which provides worthwhile beneďŹ ts to members including: s !

FAIR AND REASONABLE SALARY increase for all; s 0 ROPER PROTECTION OF EXISTING conditions; s *OB 3ECURITY s ) MPROVEMENTS TO CLASSIlCATIONS and salary increments; s 7ORKLOAD PROTECTION s ) MPROVEMENTS TO CONDITIONS and allowances; s !N ENFORCEABLE AGREEMENT The PSA has sought a commencment date of 1 July 2012 for the new agreement, with a continuation of job security.

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PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW JUNE 2012

Budget Snapshot State Treasurer Jack Snelling delivered his second Budget on May 31 announcing the State is not expected to return to surplus until 2015.

In brief the Budget resulted in: s ! NEW 2ETENTION 0ROVISION FOR public sector workers with 15 years service or more; s .O MAJOR CUTS TO INFRASTRUCTURE programs;

s JOB CUTS OVER YEARS FROM

s $EFERRAL OF THE lNAL STAGE OF the Queen Elizabeth Hospital redevelopment and further work at Modbury Hospital; s )NCREASED SPENDING IN DISABILITY OF MILLION OVER lVE years; s MILLION FOR A NEW MINING training centre at Regency TAFE; s 2EDEVELOPMENT OF THE 0ARKS

Community Centre; s $ELAY OF ELECTRIlCATION OF metropolitan rail network.

Major infrastructure spending includes: s MILLION JOINT &EDERAL AND State) funding for Adelaide to Melbourne roads; s MILLION WITH MILLION Federal funding) for the South Road Superway; s MILLION FOR THE 3OUTHERN Expressway duplication;

s MILLION FOR 3EAFORD RAIL extension; s BILLION 2OYAL !DELAIDE Hospital; s MILLION FOR THE 2IVERBANK Precinct; s MILLION FOR THE !DELAIDE Oval redevelopment.

In addition speeding ďŹ nes and water costs have been increased signiďŹ cantly. Car licence, registration and CTP have increased as have public transport fares.

Retention Win Prolonged negotiations with Government bore fruit on Budget day when the Treasurer announced details of the new Retention Provision.

Treasurer Snelling had alluded to the creation of such a retention scheme during his ďŹ rst Budget and the PSA was heavily involved in

ensuring it came to fruition.

Hailed by media commentators as a big win for the Public Sector, the Retention Provision is a vital step.

At a post-Budget meeting of Worksite Representatives the PSA described it as “positive recognition of the need to retain current experienced staff�.

“It was a vital outcome. Our preBudget submissions highlighted how important this was. “The PSA has evidence of longterm, experienced people already saying they would leave. “The PSA has campaigned very hard to win back what was stripped away then, and we are getting very close.�

The new Provision beneďŹ ts staff with 15 or more years of service.

WORKING DAYS LEAVE EACH YEAR IS PROVIDED PHASED IN BY The extra days can be cashed out AT PER DAY AT THE EMPLOYEE S discretion and leave must be taken within ďŹ ve years of its accrual or be lost. “It is signiďŹ cant that this is EXTRA WORKING DAYS OFF A YEAR and is a very good outcome and a direct result of PSA campaigning over recent yearsâ€?. “The PSA will discuss with Public Sector Workforce Relations the precise mechanism of how this will work and provide full details to members.â€?

PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon said: “The Retention allowance is a huge win for members. “There were massive losses of employment conditions – we’ve got pretty much all of them back, either directly or in a close to equivalent form. “The Retention Provision recognises skills and the value of long term employees.�

Jan McMahon (left) and President Lindsay Oxlad (right) with Treasurer at Budget Lock Up 2012

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Mental Health The crisis in mental health in our correctional facilities has been brought out starkly recently by the example of one prisoner.

That prisoner, a woman with severe mental health issues and a history of harming herself and others, was incarcerated in the Yatala Prison – a male facility – and restrained for prolonged periods each day in the inďŹ rmary for many months.

A signiďŹ cant cause of this is the obvious lack of beds and facilities at our only forensic psychiatric facility, James Nash House.

This prisoner’s experiences have, thankfully, swung the spotlight onto

this gross failure in care in our society.

The PSA has long and loudly argued that much more must be done to care for the mentally ill in our prison system.

The percentage of prisoners with mental health issues has been spiralling out of control and Correctional Services OfďŹ cers have neither the facilities nor the training to deal with them. “They simply should not be there,â€?

PSA Chief Industrial OfďŹ cer Peter Christopher said. “It’s reached a point of crisis where our members are having to deal with ever increasing numbers of people with mental health issues who are often in prison because of crimes committed because they are mentally ill.

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“It is a classic catch-22. We need to do something to break this cycle and to give these people the care they so desperately need. “Successive Governments have been shutting down mental health institutions and placing people into community care, but the community care must actually be there. “I have little doubt that restraint was

used to save this particular prisoner’s life – but the fact remains members and the prisoner should never have been put in that situation.�

Members report regularly on the difďŹ culty of working under these circumstances and the PSA is again tackling this issue.

Members with examples of such failings in the system are asked to inform the PSA.

Cavan & Magill Training Centres Members Goodwill Exhausted On Wednesday 20 June 2012, Public Service Association (PSA) formally advised the Department for Communities & Social Inclusion (DCSI) that two separate matters are now in dispute. Both matters relate to lack of genuine consultation.

The ďŹ rst matter relates to the long running dis-satisfaction with the consultation entered into by DCSI about the new training centre. DCSI has written to the PSA to advise that consultation has been exhausted. The PSA disputes this as DCSI has only presented and defended it's position in relation to covered walkways, reduction of OPS3 Youth Workers and the loss of case manager roles in the new centre. At no time has there been an attempt to reach a compromise or an agreeable outcome.

The second matter relates to a change in work practice without consultation.

Interviews with residents are now occurring outside of interview rooms and in other less secure parts of each centre. Members have reported that this change occurred without consultation with the PSA and that this change in work practice presents a risk to member and resident safety. Considering the recent high number of assaults, this lack of consultation is of great concern.

Members at each centre have unanimously agreed to withdraw all goodwill and will work strictly to procedures, stafďŹ ng ratios and will not subject themselves or residents to unsafe work practices. This means never working alone with a resident, Teaching or nursing staff are not part of ratios or to be used in escort duty. Unit ratios are to be maintained.

Jan McMahon with Minister Hunter, PSA Vice-President Hewish & PSA Reps at a recent inspection of the new Cavan site

PSA Slams Libs Audit Commission The PSA has condemned plans by the Liberal Opposition to establish an Audit Commission. “It is just another Sustainable Budget Commission – a way to cut jobs without saying that is what you plan to do,� PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon said. “Former Premier Rann and former Treasurer Foley hid behind the smokescreen of the SBC in the lead up to an election, not openly telling the

voters what they planned to slash and burn. “Now the Liberals say they will do the same thing. “I think the voters of this State deserve to know what they will be voting for. Which services the Opposition will cut if they win Government, and which people in need in our community will be left behind.�

Ms McMahon noted that the Liberal

Opposition in Victoria promised no job or service cuts in Victoria ahead of their electoral victory.

Since their win, they have established an Audit Commission which has done just that.

Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond forewarned of the creation of the Audit Commission in her Budget reply speech in Parliament, saying it would be tasked with returning a Budget surplus,

lowering State debt, restoring the AAA rating and providing cost effective service delivery.. “Every time you cut a job or a service you harm someone. Surprisingly, politicians seem to forget that.�

South Australians do not want an Audit Commission after the election, they expect to make an informed decision at the polls based on full disclosure of policies before the election.

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PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW JUNE 2012

SSO Conference The PSA has recently hosted its annual School Services Officers (SSO) and Women’s Conferences.

This year was the 25th Anniversary of the Women’s Conference, a milestone to be proud of. The conference was officially opened by Minister Gail Gago.

“We have been working together to improve the conditions and entitlements of women in the Public Sector for a very

long time,” PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon said.

“During that time there have been significant improvements and the gap between the genders is closing.

“There is still more to be done, and we will continue to work with our women members to ensure further improvement in equality.”

This year’s Women’s Conference had the theme: Strong Together- Every

Woman in Every Workplace. It was held on Friday June 15.

Two days earlier, the PSA hosted the SSO Conference – “A time of change in Education and Child Development”.

This was the 8th Anniversary of the Conference which continues to provide members with the opportunity to network with other SSO members.

Addressing the Conference, Ms McMahon said: “SSOs are a crucial and

13 June 2012 equal part of the education equation.

“Often overlooked in the debates about education, funding and student ratios, it is a simple fact that schools would not function without SSOs.” The PSA thanks all participants and speakers at the Conferences and looks forward to working together cooperatively in the years ahead.

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PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW JUNE 2012 P7

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PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW JUNE 2012

Fighting the Myth R Public Sector Numbers at Record Low - Not High The PSA has gone on the attack against the self-perpetuating myth of “public service blow outs in employment�.

In letters, in meetings, in media interviews, the PSA is attacking this untrue statement and countering it with some reality. “We are all heartily sick and tired of this same old tired line being dragged out time and time again by the same interest groups,� PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon said.

Ms McMahon spelled out the facts in a recent letter to Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond. “I refer to recent media comments where you were reported as saying that this Government has employed more than 18,000 extra public servants. “The Public Service Association is concerned about the quality of public debate surrounding the size of the public sector, in particular the misleading use of statistics to justify a particular viewpoint. “According to ďŹ gures published by

the Department of Premier and Cabinet in the South Australian Public Sector Workforce Information Statistics, the number of public sector employees has INCREASED BY

12.3%. This ďŹ gure is telling. The State’s public sector has grown in size, but that growth has not been commensurate with the growth in the State’s population and relative to the State’s employment ďŹ gures.

“In the desire to find a “punching bag� for the complex economic issues facing the State, the facts are too often conveniently omitted�

Jan McMahon, in the Australian Financial Review “However, this has been over a period of almost 12 years in which time the State’s population has increased BY PEOPLE !LSO THIS HAS ONLY equated to 15,113 full time equivalent positions. “In 2003 the total South Australian public sector workforce represented 12.1% of persons employed in South Australia (June 2003). “The most recent data available indicates that in 2011 this ďŹ gure was

“This needs to be considered in the context of growing demand for services, an ageing population, greater complexity of community needs particularly in health, disability and family sectors. “I speak to members daily who provide these services with professionalism, dedication and a commitment to providing quality services to our community. “Unfortunately it is too easy to lose

sight of the valuable work people do and reduce the debate to ďŹ gures and statistics.â€?

Ms McMahon also raised the matter in national newspaper The Australian Financial Review the week after the Budget. “Post-Budget public sector bashing has reached a predictable peak after last week’s South Australian budget announcement of 1000 job cuts,â€? she wrote. “Business groups and the media have taken aim at a perceived soft target calling for SA’s public sector to carry a greater share of the economic burden. “They argue that public sector job numbers have grown in recent years. “Yet SA’s public sector, relative to population growth, is shrinking. In the desire to ďŹ nd a “punching bagâ€? for the complex economic issues facing the State, the facts are too often conveniently omitted.â€?

Enjoy a PSA holiday home!

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All units are airconditioned.

Standard week is 2pm Saturday until 10am the following Saturday.

Members are advised to vacate the units by 10am at the latest.

Earliest arrival time is 2pm. This time will be used to prepare the unit for your arrival.

HOLIDAY HOME AVAILABILITY - JULY TO SEPTEMBER 2012 July 1-6 21 - 27

August 4 - 31

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1 - 10

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Pt Vincent

7 - 13 14 - 31

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Robe

7 - 31

1 - 31

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It is the responsibility of the member to replace any damages / breakages that occur.

Glenelg

Off-season rates do not apply should school holidays fall during this period.

School holiday bookings are decided by ballot. You must apply in writing. The ballot closing dates are Christmas holidays - 30 April: April holidays - 30 November; July holidays - 28 February; September holidays - 31 March.

Cancellations. If cancelled one month before, full refund is given. If cancelled two weeks before, half refund is given.

If cancelled less than two weeks before, one third refund is given.

FOR INFORMATION CALL 8205 3200 OR TOLL FREE 1800 811 457

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PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW JUNE 2012 P9

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The value of retaining skilled and knowledgeable employees should be obvious to any employer.

Our Government should be no exception.

The new retention provision announced in the recent State Budget shows they are beginning to learn this lesson.

The PSA has long been advocating more efforts by Government to retain, staff warning of a looming skills and labour crisis.

A recent major report on this subject formed a significant element of preBudget submissions to Government.

Titled “The Workforce Retention Dividend: Valuing Knowledge and Skill in the Public Sector Workforce”, it was prepared by the Australian Workplace Innovation and Social Research Centre (WISeR) at The University of Adelaide.

WISeR focuses on work and socioeconomic change and socio-economic impact assessment.

Its report aimed to identify the different aspects of valuing the skills and knowledge that are lost to the Government as a result of staff reduction. The underlying premise is that employers “invest” in their employees, beginning from the recruitment process, and in the form of professional training during their careers.

2

r

Jan McMahon with John Spoehr

The returns to these investments are found in improved quality of work, employee morale and efficiency – all of which lead to improved productivity.

Key findings included: s 2APID LOSS OF 0UBLIC 3ECTOR workers, especially those with more experience and skill, will result in the loss of corporate knowledge and hinder the transfer of skills within

the South Australian labour market.

In this environment it will be more difficult to attract and retain experienced workers in the Public Sector. Loss of knowledge and skill in this context is particularly problematic. It may harm the ability of the State Government to deliver its programs effectively and efficiently;

“The central challenge to be faced by policymakers is the potential loss of a large number of experienced and skilled public sector workers over a relatively short period of time and the growing difficulty of sourcing suitable replacements in a tighter labour market” Associate Professor John Spoehr, Executive Director of Australian Institute for Social Research, The University of Adelaide

the South Australian public service.

This loss represents a considerable value which needs to be taken into account in Public Sector workforce planning; s /VER THE NEXT lVE YEARS AN accelerating retirement rate of public servants will coincide with the significant expansion of the resources sector. Combined, these forces will result in tightening of

s 4HE 3TATE 'OVERNMENT NEEDS TO develop a better understanding of the implication of staff losses for the knowledge and skill base of the public service as a central element of public sector workforce planning; s 4HE CENTRAL CHALLENGE TO BE FACED BY policymakers is the potential loss of a large number of experienced and skilled public sector workers over a

relatively short period of time and the growing difficulty of sourcing suitable replacements in a tighter labour market; s 4HERE IS AN URGENT NEED TO DEVELOP A multi-faceted approach to attraction and retention that addresses a range of drivers and barriers; s 4HERE WILL BE PARTICULAR CHALLENGES associated with attraction and retention of public servants in regional South Australia where employment demands generated by mining projects have the potential to starve the Public Sector of various occupational skills.

The report notes that long-term regular employees gain valuable skills and corporate knowledge over time, gathered by training programs, onthe-job training or by many years of professional experience.

When such workers leave, they take with them these skills and knowledge.

Whilst the cost of this loss is hard to quantify, it has genuine and explicit implications for employers.

This loss of corporate knowledge will soon be exacerbated in the Public Sector due to the retirement of a legion of Baby Boomer employees.

P10 PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW JUNE 2012

QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS The 2012 Queen's Birthday Honours list included awards to a number of people prominent in South Australian Public Service administration in South Australia.

GRAHAM INNS Mr Graham Inns received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to business and commerce.

-R )NNS WHO HAD A YEAR career in the South Australian Public Service under Premiers Don Dunstan, Des Corcoran and David Tonkin, was also a company director and Deputy Lord Mayor.

Mr Inns is a former Assistant General Secretary of the PSA during the Dunstan era and was, as Public Service Commissioner (and later Chairman of the Public Service Board) responsible for major reforms to the SA Public Service in areas like industrial democracy, workers participation in management, equal rights and equal pay for women. The last point led to the appointment of the ďŹ rst Women's Adviser in the public service and followed the

time when women had to resign from the service when they married. )N -R )NNS WAS appointed as head of the Premier's Department and the reforms that followed included the establishment of consultative committees and signiďŹ cant improvements to promotion selection processes.

ANNE HOWE Ms Anne Howe has received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) Award which recognises her distinguished professional career in human service agency management, policy, planning and public sector reform.

Ms Howe was Chief Executive of SA Water for over 10 years, heading the water utility through

a period of great change. She previously held a number of senior position in the SA public service including the National Public Works Council, Australian Procurement and Construction Council, the Water Services Association of Australia and as Chair of the State Supply Board.

Ms Howe is the holder of the inaugural Nancy Millis Award, presented to her in recognition of her active involvement in the water industry and her work in advancing the proďŹ le of all women in the industry.

Ms Howe was a member of the PSA throughout her career in the Public Service

OWEN GLOVER CFS State Training Officer and long-term PSA member Owen Glover has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal.

Mr Glover, who works in the CFS State Training Centre, received the medal in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the South Australian Country Fire Service, initially as a volunteer and cadet and then as a staff member commencing in

Mr Glover has been a member of the PSA for over 25 years and it is gratifying that his lengthy and important contribution to public service has been recognised in this way.

It is regrettable that the important role that so many, like Mr Glover, play in providing service to the public can be overlooked or just not really recognised.

Awards such as the one that Mr Glover has received go a long way toward counteracting that.

FOR SA

For Sale competit

For Sale Nov. 201 economi

For Sale 10 month $3400 o.

For Sale excellen Telephon answer.

Spanish (all for $ 120 632

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8357 058

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SPSF ELECTION RESULTS The Australian Electoral Commission has declared the the results of the SPSF election for Officer positions and Delegates to Branch Council. Those elected are deemed to hold the office of PSA Officer and Councillor.

Branch Secretary MCMAHON Jan Branch Assistant Secretary KITCHIN Neville DELEGATES TO BRANCH COUNCIL: Electorate 1 - Higher Education BECK Andrew Robert WARNER Margaret Electorate 2 - Health BROWN Natasha D'AMICO Paul HALL Christopher Keith HOWELL Bernadette HUGHES Lesley SNOWBALL Carl STITT Robyn

Electorate 3 - Schools LEVERINGTON Monte TONKIN Marg Electorate 5 - Administrative Services REILLY Peter Francis WINDSOR Lise CALLAGHAN Stephen BURFORD Lesley HENDERSON Sharon SHARRAD David HOUGHTON Chris TOWNSEND Malcolm DAWSON Raylene Electorate 6 - Professional Services OXLAD Lindsay Malcolm WILSON Rose

Electorate 7 - Operational Services BELL Patricia PENN Michael John GRIFFITHS Michael HEWISH Peter Electorate 8 - Statutory Authorities & Others HORNE Peter MARTIN Jo SPSF ELECTION - STAGE 2 Stage 2 of the SPSF Group, South Australian Branch Election was conducted at the Council meeting.

As a result of the election, the following persons have been elected to the positions shown:

Branch President Lindsay OXLAD Branch Vice-Presidents (5) Andrew BECK, Lesley BURFORD, Stephen CALLAGHAN, Peter HEWISH, Lesley HUGHES

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PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW JUNE 2012 P11

Breakfast kit included, 250m to Granite Island, 3.5Km to Endeavour

CLASSIFIEDS

Bay, Close to all facilities. For Further Inquiries or to make a Booking

FOR SALE

Call DIANNE on 0406 705 071 OR/ MICHELLE on 0414 088 301

For Sale - Sony PS Vita (Wi-Fi). Brand new, unopened, won in competition. $275 ONO. Ph: Jeff on 0433 271 952

Pricing From $100 per night (4 people) off Peak.

For Sale - Mazda 626, 1998, Manual. 180,000 kms. Registered until Nov. 2011. Excellent condition, brand new battery, good tyres, economical. $3,200.00 o.n.o. Phone Gayle 0488644495

MARION BAY YORKE PENINSULA -Wywurry Beach House

For Sale - Toyota Camry CSI Wagon, automatic 1994 model.

10 months registration. Excellent condition, complete service records. $3400 o.n.o. Contact Adrian or Therese on 0414 689 724.

walk to the long sandy beaches of Marion Bay and only five minutes

For Sale - Yamaha RX-V3900 AV Receiver, 14 months old, excellent condition, original packaging. $1500 or make me an offer.

Telephone Ian on 8277 8346, leave a message on the machine if no answer.

Spanish Dancing Shoes, size 71/2 and Black Practice Skirt size 8-10 (all for $70.00). Alto Saxophone for $200.00. Ring Helen on 0401 120 632 anytime.

Wedding Dress - Size 10, beaded bodice, satin to ground, low back, huge satin train inc, long sleeved, absolutely stunning gown. $25 o.n.o. Contact Sue on 84492368 Hills swing set with slide - $500 o.n.o. Just dismantle and it is all yours for hours of fun for you and your kiddies. Contact Ange Higgs 0434 074 674 (Gawler Area) REAL ESTATE TIMESHARE FOR SALE - 2 b/r apartment $3000 o.n.o.

Call John on 0418 307 142 for further enquiries RENTAL ACCOMMODATION Work in Murray Bridge? Sick of commuting? This 1 b/r self contained unit is available for $90 p/w (unfurnished) or $120 p/w (furnished). Ring Jen on 0412037968 for more information.

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION Moonta Bay Fully self-contained unit. Open plan living area, full sized kitchen, split system r/c a/c, colour TV, automatic washing machine, 2 bedrooms (sleeps 7 including sofa bed). Prices start from $80.00 p/n.

Phone 0403 959 809 Carickalinga - Stylish holiday home. 3 b/rs, 2 bathrooms, modern kitchen, r/c air conditioner. Fully furnished and equipped including dishwasher, TV/DVD, bbq. Located on Carickalinga Rise with

**Prices subject to change during Easter long weekend

Stylish three bedroom elevated pole frame beach house a few minutes

BLACK DOGZ SHACK

to the walking trails of Innes National Park. Spacious open plan

The current featured property is located 98 Purnong-Mannum Road, approximately 20 minutes upstream from Mannum. This stunning river front residence with modern furniture through out is positioned right on the beautiful River Murray. In the heart of some of the best water skiing area of South Australia. Enjoy the beautiful views of the River Murray whilst enjoying the 2 level home. Top level features 4 bedrooms, 1 king, 2 queen and 1 double/single bunk, formal dinning, large lounge, fully equipped kitchen, bar area, main bathroom and ensuite in master bedroom. 2 plasma TV’s one in the lounge and the other in the master bedroom. Surround music system, R/C airconditioner and fire place for cozy winter nights. Upstairs has a beautiful outside deck entertainment area. It also features clear blinds when nights get cool and gas heating is available. Ground level features games room with 2 leather futon beds, Plasma T.V., air hockey/snooker table, soccer table and even a table tennis table.

Laundry and bathroom. Also available are 2 single foldout beds if needed. This property also includes a fresh water system, BBQ facilities, paddle boat and 2 wave skis. Landscaped surrounds and plenty of undercover parking. This property sleeps up to 12 people.

Applications subject to approval by landlord. Priced from $880 per night Minimum 2 night stay. Bond Applies. 3 bathrooms, 4 bedrooms (sleeps up to 12), Carport (fits 6 cars) FURTHER INQUIRIES: SUZIE PAGNOZZI 0414867420

living with views over scrub, the salt lakes and Innes National Park.

“OCEAN BREAK” - MIDDLETON - Centrally located at Middleton, is an inviting home with beautiful, bright beach style décor. It is close to Middle Point and other well known surfing and swimming beaches, bakery, tavern and general store. Fully self contained with almost every modern day amenity to ensure a carefree enjoyable stay. Features: 2 b/rms (sleeps 6), electric blankets, pillows, r/c a/c, colour tv/dvd/vcr radio/cd, microwave, stove, fridge/freezer, bbq & outdoor settings, fenced secure garden & car parking.

Reasonable rates. Packages & vouchers available.

Ph: 0403 271 015 or 8326 2619 or email oceanbreak@dodo.com.au

who have been involved in this for one hundred and twenty years (not

Quality modern furnishings and fittings throughout. Features include: Split system rc air con, 50 inch plasma TV, DVD / CD player/radio/ iPod dock, books, games, some CD’s and DVD’s provided. Flat screen TV main bedroom. Fully equipped kitchen, tea and coffee provided. Three double bedrooms, master bed ensuite 2 way bunk beds third bedroom. All beds have pillows, quilts with covers and blankets provided. Need to bring own sheets and towels. Gas BBQ, outdoor setting, native gardens and birdlife, Dual driveway access suit 2/3 cars and a boat. Marion Bay is a three hour drive from Adelaide along the scenic Yorke Peninsula.

Very reasonable rates from $100 per night . July - September Special, stay 5 nights pay for 4. Contact JENNY on 0431 259 503 or email jenny@thebatesnet.com.

DE-STRESS IN CHORD All you bathroom baritones and tenors out there who would like to develop those voices and sing a range of music from Gershwin to Opera choruses to modern musicals and be a part of a group of people

the same people by the way). Apart from the pleasure of developing a broader musical knowledge, it is a great de-stresser and an opportunity to be a part of a group of interesting people with a variety of different occupations and hobbies. The Adelaide Male Voice Choir is always trying to improve and build on its qualities to bring in new members, or even just friends of the Choir. If you feel you would like to be a part of the living history of our State or would like to just

8357 0587 or 0439 800 978

Victor Harbor - Smuggler’s Inn - Crozier St. Holiday Unit to Rent.

2 Bedroom - Double & twin single, Fully furnished, Air Conditioning, Television - DVD Player, Swimming pool,

THE AMBASSADOR CARD UPDATES 2012

Supplement Superstore

GO GOLFING

280 Port Road, Hindmarsh 5007 Present your Membership Card at time of purchase to receive 10% rebate on all products.

Not valid on special prices.

Call 1300 552 855 and mention your Membership Card WR UHFHLYH *R *ROÀQJ PHPEHU UDWHV :KHQ ERRNLQJ DQ e-voucher will be sent to you or the club directly.

ALTERATIONS

Legs 11 now called: Sassy Legs Enter promo code SASSY AMB at checkout to save 10% on all merchandise, delivery charges excluded. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer.

panoramic coastal views. $170 p/n. Min 2 nights. Contact Cora Ann:

Don’t forget you can use your card at Campbell’s Cash and Carry at North Plympton and Pooraka. Show your Membership Card to the checkout operator. Not valid for the purchase of liquor.

Amante Jewellery

ADDITIONS KMart Gift Cards Ray’s Outdoors Gift Cards.

Call The Ambassador Card on 1300 724 477 and save 5% when pre-purchasing Gift Cards. Available in denominations of even 100s, maximum order per type of card $1,000. Gift cards should be treated as cash and cannot be replaced or cancelled. Postage & Handling $2.00 normal mail, $5.00 registered post (all orders $500 and over will be sent by registered mail).

Visit our online store, register your customer details and select AMB as your membership group to receive 15% rebate on all our already below retail price jewellery including our hot specials. You will also receive a bonus offer of a $15 E-Voucher to use with your next purchase.

DISCOUNT INK Save 10% on all compatible printer ink cartridges. Save 5% on genuine brands. Use promo code AMCARD at online checkout or order by phone on 1300 726 106. Free delivery for all orders over $99.00.

INFO BY EMAIL

come in and experience a practice night, please ring one of the following phone numbers: 8270 2628 or 8332 1895.

Roaming SIM Offer valid for online orders only.

DELETIONS Virgin Australia Page 15: :DOOLV Page 50: Page 67: Page 106:

Chelsea Cinema – no longer leased to Kurrajong Restaurant (closed) Paradiso (closed) Peesey Park Cottage

FEDERAL WEBSITE CPSU

[[[ GTWY WTWJ EWR EY The federal office for State public servants, the CPU-SPSF (State Public Services Federation) has launched a new website, and all PSA members are encouraged to contribute material.

ncil Increasingly, the PSA is providing information to members on industrial matters and other benefits via email. To ensure that you receive the very latest information, please let us know if your email address changes. Just send an email message to enquiries@cpsu.asn.au with the details and your membership record will be updated.

The website has general interest areas, an online journal “The Public Interest”, a links page and specific sections for women, schools, higher education and corrective services.

As well as being a useful site to ‘bookmark’, website co-ordinator Ryan Heath believes your views and experiences need to to be up in writing to make the site work.

If you have anything from a book review to a campaign victory in your workplace to report, email: lgruit@spsf.asn.au.

P12 PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW JUNE 2012

-J ]SY NSMR E RSR QIQFIV MR ]SYV EVIE RS[ YWMRK XLI JSVQW FIPS[ XLI] ERH ]SY [MPP UYEPMJ] XS FI MR E HVE[ JSV E [IIOIRH IEGL EX E 47% '479 LSPMHE] LSQI P S A M E M B E R S H I P A P P L I C AT I O N F O R M

M E M B E R S H I P A P P L I C AT I O N F O R M

The Public Service Association of SA Inc

Methods of Payment Please complete one of the following sections

ABN 62 406 330 782

Community & Public Sector Union SA Branch (SPSF Group)

Direct Debit 03! SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE OF YOUR SUBSTANTIVE BASE SALARY PLUS '34 TO A MAXIMUM OF THE !3 RATE and are tax-deductible. The appropriate Goods and Services Tax amount will also be deducted. Unless otherwise notified, direct debits occur on the first working day of each month. Below is the authorisation for your subscription to be paid by direct debit.

Personal details Title

____________________

Surname _________________________________________________________________

First name/s _________________________________________________________________________________________

To: The Manager

Home address _______________________________________________________________________________________

Name of Credit Union/Financial Institution ____________________________________________________________

Home phone_______________________________ Gender _________________ Date of birth______________

Address of Credit Union/Financial Institution __________________________________________________________ I/we request you, until further notice in writing, debit my/our account described in the schedule below, any amounts which the Public Service Association of SA Inc., Community and Public Sector Union, SA Branch (SPSF Group) may debit or charge me/us through the direct debit system.

Employment details Dept/agency _________________________________________________________________________________________

I/we understand and acknowledge that the Credit Union/Financial Institution may in its absolute discretion determine: 1. The order of priority of payment by it of any money pursuant to this request or any authority or mandate.

2. At any time by notice in writing to me/us terminate this request as to further debits.

:RUN DGGUHVV _______________________________________________________________________________________ :RUN SKRQH _______________________________________ :RUN ID[ ______________________________________ E-mail _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Full time

Part time

Casual

Signature/s

____________________________________________________________________________________

Date

____________________________________________________________________________________

Total hours worked per week______________________ Classification (eg ASO 2) ____________________

Member’s name ____________________________________________________________________________________

Occupation _________________________________________ Increment____________________________________

Address

____________________________________________________________________________________

Annual salary ______________________________________ Referred by __________________________________

Account name

____________________________________________________________________________________

BSB number

___________________________________

PSA Membership I hereby apply to join the Public Service Association of SA and agree to be bound by the rules.

Accounts

CPSU Membership I hereby apply to join the Community and Public Sector Union, State Public Services Federation (SA Branch) and agree to be bound by the rules.

PSA/CPSU membership subscriptions may also be paid by cheque, money order or cash.

If paying via this method, please make cheques and money orders payable to the PSA/CPSU. I wish to pay quarterly

Signature ______________________________________________________________ Date ___________________

I wish to pay half yearly

I wish to pay annually

Credit Card

I do / do not wish to receive a tax statement (please circle).

If you wish to pay by credit card on a monthly basis, please complete details below.

The PSA/CPSU is bound by the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000. Information is collected to enable the union to contact you about matters relating to your union membership and to ensure that we have the necessary information to represent your employment and related interests. A member can opt out of receiving such information by contacting the PSA/CPSU. The PSA/CPSU Privacy Statement is available from the union’s web site or by contacting the office.

Please mail your completed application form to: Reply Paid Number 5306, PSA/CPSU SA Branch, GPO Box 2170, Adelaide SA 5001 (no stamp required)

Account number _____________________________

Card number

â–Ąâ–Ąâ–Ąâ–Ą â–Ąâ–Ąâ–Ąâ–Ą â–Ąâ–Ąâ–Ąâ–Ą â–Ąâ–Ąâ–Ąâ–Ą

Cardholder’s name ________________________________________ Expiry date ______________

For any further information call the PSA on: (08) 8205 3200 or freecall 1800 811 457

Card type

Bankcard

Mastercard

Visa

Signature ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Review

PSA Training Program 2012 go to www.cpsu.asn.au/training s 0UBLISHED SIX TIMES A YEAR

Review w e i R v e e w v e i e i R w v Re ust toring Tr SECTOR

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April 2011

s &ULL COLOUR PAGES

unt rnment to Acco Hold this Gove au

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t must “This Governmen nt for be held to accou ting the harm it is inflic and on its employees they the community serve.� y

services, to protect vital The campaign provides Sector which and the Public .

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s 2EGULAR FEATURES s 4RAVEL AND ENTERTAINMENT

Job The PSA’s community gaining increasing signs that campaign is are some positive support and there nt realise this. a clear some in Governme re-shufe is The recent Cabinet nt has realised the Governme y indicator that no communit decisions have some earlier . It must support. beginning be the But this can only policies which by changes to be accompanied conditions cut. working and saw jobs, services continue this determined to The PSA is as it has since multiple levels on campaign Foley handed Treasurer Kevin the day former last year. in September ďŹ ght. The down his Budget alone in this We are not are standing other unions community and with us. and the shoulder to shoulder has been strong y “The response the communit members and support from PSA General signiďŹ cant,â€? has been very said.

McMahon nt Secretary Jan to hold this Governme “We will continue

says: The radio ad ent has “The State Governm services jobs, started slashing ents as and worker entitlem cuts. part of its Budget jobs are set “Almost 4000 service to go which equals waiting longer reductions, support for times and less families an South Australi in need. ent must be “The Governm g t for betrayin held to accoun making South workers and bear the Australian families LĂ€HG FXWV EUXQW RI XQMXVW cuts are “If job and serviceyour life already making why at us tell harder up.com.auâ€? www.doesntadd

JOBS WATCH

Jan McMahon, PSA

PSA General

Secretary Jan

McMahon addressin

its actions.

PSA has to account for actions the further Some of the of which are detailed undertaken, many included: the Review, have in this issue of VE MEETINGS ORKSITE 2EPRESENTATI s 2EGULAR 7 and updates; E WEBSITE n A NEW INTERACTIV s #REATION OF doesntaddup.com.au THE EXPOSURE REGARDING s 2EGULAR MEDIA

s .EWS AND VIEWS

Budget; impact of the

RALLIES AND MARCHES s .UMEROUS %LECTORAL /FFICES s 5NION DELEGATIONS TO URT CHALLENGE G (IGH #O s !N ONGOIN AL PARTIES s ,OBBYING OF POLITIC ORKSITES s 5NION MEETINGS AT W G SHOWING THE CUTS TO out .EW RADIO ADVERTISIN ts was rolled entitlemen and jobs, services during February.

vel Talks

High Le

Rau, General John

Attorney Premier and Minister for Industrial for have met with Treasurer Jack Snelling, and Minister Senior PSA Officials s in recent Relations Bernard Finnigan nt Gail Gago. new Minister a number of Cabinet Public Sector Manageme of wake of the channels of weeks, in the opening step, The as a positive ation is seen are re-shuffle. ry, as

policies communic g that until have been prelimina briefs Discussio ns while recognisin cuts to jobs, services and individual PSA see changed which advised in previous will continue. the campaign to members.

Deputy conditions been held with Meetings have

HOLD THIS GOVERNMENT TO ACCOUNT continued

Page 4

g rally/media.

Page 6&7

General Secretar

by Former The cuts outlined included: Foley Treasurer Kevin 3XEOLF 6HFWRU ‡ $ FXW RI jobs over 4 years; HP RI 7DUJHWHG ‡ $ WZR WLHU V\VW NDJHV WLRQ 3DF 9ROXQWDU\ 6HSDUD U QW ZLOO UHFRQVLGH ‡ 7KH *RYHUQPH redundancy� ary its “no involunt ent year if insuffici policy after one , ns are achieved staff reductio HU VH E\ WKH 3UHPL GHVSLWH D SURPL not happen; that this would HDYH DFFUXDO HUYLFH / ‡ /RQJ 6 P GD\V WR WR EH UHGXFHG IUR after July 1 9 days per annum with this year for workers \HDUV VHUYLFH H DYH /RDGLQJ WR E ‡ 5HFUHDWLRQ /H t workers removed for non-shif from July 2012

AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS

Treasurer Snelling’s first Budget has been remarkable in many respects.

Admitting that the Government had got it wrong in respect to some matters in its 2010 Budget was in itself signiďŹ cant.

Being willing to restore Leave Loading and recommit to job security was important.

These decisions highlight just how successful the PSA led campaign by unions and the community has been.

Thousands of members have constantly participated in public rallies, visits to MPs, community protests and numerous other activities.

AT A GLANCE

s 2,, TO BE RETURNED V ALUE IS MORE THAN ANNU AL 03! SUBSCRIPTIONS s 4HREAT TO *OB 3ECURIT Y REMOVED s 0ROCESS TO REPLACE , 3, PROPOSED 'OVERNM 03! WANTS EQUIVALENT V ENT WANTS CHEAPER OUTC ALUE 3TILL TO BE NEGOTIA OME

OPERATIVE DATE OF *UL TED BUT 03! HAS SECU Y RED s 03! HAS DEMANDED B ETTER WHOLE OF GOVERNM PROCESSES TO FORCE AGE ENT REDEPLOYMENT NCIES WITH VACANCIES TO TO BE NEGOTIATED NOW TAKE SURPLUS STAFF n DE TAILS s 4HREAT TO JOB SECURITY AFTER ELECTION IS 03! ALWAYS GOES TO EA SAME AS BEFORE NOT NE CH MAJOR POLITICAL PARTY W SEEKING A COMMITMEN PRIOR TO EACH ELECTION T OF NO FORCED REDUNDA NCIES s -EMBERS PARTICIPATIO N IN CAMPAIGN HAS ACH IEVED THIS RESULT s 03! STRATEGY HAS WO RKED WHEREAS SHORT TER GROUPS WOULD HAVE HAD M INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY LESS IMPACT SOME

n.au

www.cpsu.as

June 2011

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nt and on that agreeme to turn its back the rules.

he Budget, when In his last loading and leave, cut leave drastically long service

PSA Case to Proce ed in High Court

its

Two Judges of the High Court have referred the PSA case for a full hearing by the Full Court (7 Judges) on a date to be fixed.

Following the decision of the Industrial

MORE JOBS TO GO

Relations Commission of SA that it did not have jurisdiction to hear PSA’s case in relation to the loss of protected conditions in last year's Budget, PSA sought a judicial review by the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court ruled that only the

MAY DAY MARCH

Page 6

High Court could determine the matter.

PSA lodged an application with the High Court accordingly.

The Full Court will now hear and determine both the question of granting leave

for the case to be heard, and the substantive case itself simultaneousl y.

If the High Court rules in the PSA's favour the High Court will refer the matter back to the Full Supreme Court of South Australia for determination.

REGIONAL ANGER GROWS Page 7

PSA Genera

l Secretary

ip ent leadersh in Governm l “The change and potentia impact on relations may have an negotiations.�

ians have a South Austral ed by A majority of of the work perform positive view shows. new research taxes the Public Sector, happier to see

be And many would jobs cut. services and rise, rather than d by Dr James was conducte The research Director of Service Research Whelan, Public ment.

Policy Develop the Centre for

Page 5

politicians despite many servants�

He found that of kicking public making “a sport “positive attitudes towards a ity has like to see the commun and would the public service sustained service�. and 20 strong, healthy looked at s research found that, Dr Whelan’ al surveys and people time, years of attitudin that throughout consistently funded. services well wanted to see

NO SHIPPING CONTAINERS

Page 7

Jan McMah

on being

interviewed

Retentio n Vital

ip have the ent’s new leadersh forward The Governm Retention and move of Public to restore trust Sector employ opportunity shaping up ees is to be a big positively. issue in coming months and years.

later, decided a few months

EXPERIENCE MUST BE REWARDED

actual issue PSA argued dealt with by imposition that the health system the Court, the of parking members fees on at metropo to deal with will now have litan health facilities was related issues it wants to a if be an employ and breache pay cut by stealth, choice. d the clause er of Agreement of the which protecte Retention existing conditio of d be even more staff is going to ns. critical in PSA argued as hospital future, it was a in staff existing cut a pay reductio not only suffer conditions employment. n, but many of workers walk shift dark streets “However, travel to and as they car parking the Court held that from their vehicles parked off was not a site to avoid condition of employ ment, charges. the new beneďŹ t membe rather it was a rs enjoyed The .â€?

Chief The decision Executive, Department will mean that this, and other advised that of Health, has arrangements, working no taken at present steps would be need to addressed be to introduc in future increase fees wages and conditions pending the e or negotiations. outcome Health appeal Whether it right to change has reserved its was a conditio this if the n can not be heard expedit appeal iously.

The working away agreed chose to legislate of a PSA High is the subject entitlements

The PSA has already Government agged with that more must be done a looming to avert crisis amidst conditions altered econom and demand ic s.

During wages d and conditio meetings with Sector containe ns negotia tions, Ministers on the Public and in the the nt, commentary next State of Parliame lead up to Budget, the ofďŹ cial record the , or to highligh PSA will in Hansard was negative continue t this vital issue. that three quarters

ctor Public Se pport for Public Su “What

Government,

Febru A gary 2012

Decision

The Suprem granted permis e Court has or beneďŹ t of employ sion for ment really appeal to be an doesn’t change heard, follow the fact the Industr ing members are that now out ial Relatio Court determ ns because of the actionsof pocket ining parkin of their fees g employer. and arrangements That clearly are not a is against employment condition of the spirit of negotiations agreements. protected by and Enterprise an Agreement.

Apart from the The

Foley literally change employer employees and er, Kevin ent as an tions Former Treasur “Only a Governm very serious faith� in negotia and it raises destroyed “good ise agreements the and worth can do this, the validity any for future enterpr agreed rights and questions about made with to cut agreements day he moved than through of any future by law rather ent . entitlements Government.� process ing which the Governm bargain manner in slashed rights the enterprise

The actions of former also and security, he e. and the Rann GovernmentTreasurer Foley e will threatened job of good faith Court challeng in removing of that challeng the whole basis negotiated conditions undermined The outcome of employment that how future were protected by a bearing on legislation, Awards negotiations. – by stripping inevitably have and Enterprise Agreements d. that process are conducte to by was unprecedente By destroying Enterprise d.

No other employer negotiations ents agreed could have acted and entitlem to the previous n in that before, and manner and got away away rights Alternatives involve arbitratio with it. Cutting 3750 ent only months that process may jobs added to the pain. to the Governm Agreement se Agreement Commission s l Relations in an Enterpri The strategic response Relation Industria l ďŹ nalised and to the s, by by campaign, a longer by the Industria unions was also unprecedente PSA and other binding outcome of lost term strategy was was certiďŹ ed developed. d. signiďŹ cant problem achieve legally as February 2010 value he created a to no forced redundancies Recognising that ation of the Commission, the underpinning for the duration of The allow for consider strategy political decision ions. its next term? included of the Government extensive involvement of members and for future negotiat the next EB are due to was not How could 3750 likely to be reversed entitlements. consuming about its proposal. and the community jobs be cut when ions for by a quick industrial In any discussions, be a time due to and recognised the the nt Negotiat population a would in PSA of agreeme South This is sense of betrayal Australia was growing demanding that any would result year with an felt by many. such scheme must and the need for public approach, but start early next be of services was increasing? equal value for those adversarial 2012. who have lost LSL. How could conditions The 2011 Budget Award. commence during ation to how agreed to by decision to restore It has been a long legally binding a means of Government and giving consider some conditions goes and difďŹ cult campaign, and n may be protected in an Enterprise The PSA is some way to address and one which is negotiations, Also, arbitratio Agreement that entitlements conditions issues, not over, but the any future had only been by restoring Leave success value to speciďŹ c to date demonstrates certiďŹ ed to approach is, Loading in January 2010 and Job Security, applying a the success of options. a value – that be suddenly removed a but has not resolved the PSA strategy. in proven to have examining future September of the same the Long Service Leave situation, where package and can be year? concerns. you have a has overall agreed s an “Once There of How could Long is member are A senior level negotiating aspects of the Budget its if elements Service Leave , compensation behalf of group proposed PSA disagrees with, and entitlements protected signed

by Government, are removed union on which will be the in the Public Sector nt which is however, will examine (e.g. tenure) subject Act an agreeme only passed in 2009 all of ongoing campaigns, a mechanism to retain negotiated suddenly be removed? faith, under but the new Treasurer experienced workers.

Enterprise required. sides, in good recognises our How could job to PSA, while continuing unlike an right to disagree security be threatened off by both expect that of to pursue full Arbitration, with when the Premier Government. Due the consent restoration of LSL law, you would require le had committed as recognition not through applicab its does must be paid campaign and recently High Court case, to Treasurer Snelling Agreement, . the will talk with Government for his willingness stand.� r to the outcome d is that to genuinely listen and the employe has happene to act.

Page 3

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Hospital P arking

www.cpsu.asn.au

Major Win, But Mor e To

SECTO R

www.cpsu. asn.au

August 2011

ng ďŹ ndings of the interesti “In fact, one asked if they people were was that when order to increase more tax in , like wanted to pay public services available for the funding the majority n and so on, health and educatio he said in a supported that,â€? ans of Australi . of media interview examination said that an Dr Whelan

revealed derogatory. contrast the curious to “It’s really ns towards the d by politicia attitudes expresse of the general and attitudes public service, community.�

SA GOVERNMENT SUPERANNUATION FEDERATION AGM

HIGH COURT BATTLE

valuable staff from the Public private sector Sector into or retirem the ent. “We are already Regular public attacks struggling to work to attract people segments for by partisan of the busines attacks against Government. Regular s community Any employ PS job number media Public Sector against er, plannin s completely as budget must make workers as g for the and conditio miss the point. sure that well future, The reality n cutting, to reverse there will people to is our PS is not helping that.â€? be enough cope with ageing, as employees change and is our entire In defence are Wise employ expansion. population, of the Public the same ers have a string of while at time there policies in proper retentio media reports Sector following is a projecte place. growth in n Those who a slashing d massive the Govern population. of jobs, Ms calling, again, for now urge ment to cut column for McMahon Competition be among its workfo The Adverti wrote a the ďŹ rst the for staff is rce will ser. already very It will increase cry out when of adequat Prominently brisk. e retentio dramatically a lack placed, with n policy from recent inability of as major in coming results in photographs infrastructure protest actions, Government years an out where and mining and infrastr to the article come on stream. the true ucture in future. provide services projects pointed crisis in employment “Without Public Sector lies. taking some continue to rapid steps “There is see a drain we will employment. a crisis in Public of profess ional and Sector column stated. In fact there are two,â€? the

FRONTLINE MEETING FOR MINISTER

Continued

PSA MEMBER IN AUSTRA LIA DAY HONOUR

on page 3.....

Review

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PUBLIC Page 6

S LIST SECTOR

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