PSA Review Magazine October-November 2014

Review PUBLIC

SECTOR

www.cpsu.asn.au

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

EB 2014 Parity Agreement – Member feedback provided A draft Parity Enterprise Agreement was presented to the PSA on 21 October 2014.

The draft Agreement will be subject to a ballot from Wednesday 29 October Wednesday 12 November 2014.

The current Agreement has a nominal expiry date of 30 June 2014, but continues to remain in force until the new Agreement is certiďŹ ed.

On 10 September 2014, PSA Worksite Representatives in metropolitan and regional South Australia, endorsed the

Government’s offer as a suitable basis for developing an Enterprise Agreement. It acknowledged at the time that the offer was provided in the context of a challenging economic environment and the removal of signiďŹ cant funding through Federal budget cuts.

Key elements of the offer included: s A TWO YEAR !GREEMENT s ANNUAL INCREASES OF FROM ďŹ rst full pay period after 1 /CTOBER AND s INTRODUCTION OF A NEW REDEPLOYMENT and training policy s PROTECTION OF EXISTING !WARD conditions

A unanimous vote by metropolitan worksite representatives

s CONTINUATION OF hSAVED CLAUSESv schedules.

The draft Agreement reecting the offer can be found on the PSA website.

The PSA remains committed to a Public Sector that provides meaningful services to those most in need and acknowledges members have identiďŹ ed the seeking of additional wage increases must not be at the cost of further job losses.

Another key element for members is the achievement of a provision for security of employment.

This was a threshold issue.

PSA did not negotiate away tenure.

Unrelated to EB negotiations, the Government and the Opposition went to the election saying that they would not continue their previous ‘no forced redundancy’ policies.

This followed an earlier Government announcement in mid 2013, which was mirrored by the Opposition.

PSA has negotiated a robust redeployment process to make sure that agencies cannot get rid of

permanent employees by stating they are redundant while they continue to employ thousands of contract workers.

The PSA strongly opposed any such change in policy and secured a commitment that the no forced redundancy policy will continue until the certiďŹ cation of a new Enterprise Agreement.

Furthermore, the PSA has been, and continues to be, committed to the establishment of a robust, whole of Government process which ensures that ongoing employees who become excess are afforded every opportunity to be placed. Put simply, the PSA is steadfastly focused on keeping members in ongoing employment.

Following preliminary discussions with the new Commissioner for Public Sector Employment, a binding Determination will be introduced, which will include extensive consultation with the PSA. The PSA will ensure that any Determination will address retraining, appropriate career transitioning and case management throughout the redeployment process. It remains the PSA’s position that any excess employees who want to remain in the Public Sector ought to be placed within ongoing employment.

Mid Year Budget review on its way The PSA convened a meeting of key public sector unions in late September, attended by Premier Jay Weatherill.

The meeting covered a range of issues including Enterprise Bargaining, Federal Budget impacts, Workcover Review, and the upcoming Mid Year Budget Review.

The Premier spoke broadly to the attending union leaders, addressing HIS VISION FOR THE 3TATE AND HIS hTEN

PSA AGM

POINT PLANv FOR OUR ECONOMIC FUTURE Importantly, the PSA sought and was provided a commitment from the Premier for discussions in the lead up to the release of the Mid Year Budget Review.

The opportunity for the PSA to have preliminary discussions with the Premier and Treasurer on any proposals that potentially impact on the Public Sector and the services it provides to those most in need in the community and their families is vital.

SAVAGE FEDERAL BUDGET CUTS

Jan McMahon, Lindsay Oxlad and Premier Jay Weatherill

NEW POSTER COMPETITION

10 Good Reasons To Join The PSA 1.

Better Wages and Conditions. People who belong to unions have better wages and

2.

Protect Your Entitlements. Unions fought for and maintained - overtime rates, annual leave, sick leave, long service leave payments, maternity 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. When long service leave entitlements were cut and recreational leave loading abolished in 2010, the PSA campaigned and won reinstatement of leave loading and a new retention provision, and won its case in the High Court.

3.

Better Workplace Health and Safety. Unionised workplaces have better health and

4.

Comprehensive Industrial Advice. Members can access expert industrial advice and

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 S.A. 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

7.

Stay Informed. PSA members are provided with up to date information about their

8.

Legal Advice & Assistance. PSA members have access to seek legal advice, assistance

conditions than non-union members. Union members on average earn 15% more than non-union members.

safety conditions. The PSA works to ensure that employers protect their employees from risks to their health and safety. representation from specialist PSA staff including Workplace Health and Safety matters.

Our Member Rights Hotline is a dedicated phone line for member enquiries, available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

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of employment. PSA members have the opportunity to contribute and influence issues at a workplace, agency or political level through industrial forums and meetings with Ministers.

The PSA commissions research on public sector policy issues and makes Budget submissions in order to promote and protect the role of the public sector. working environment. Stay informed with our regular website updates, network of Workplace Reps and contacts, quarterly ‘Review’ magazine and agency specific communications on topics that are important to you. and family mediation services through our free Legal Services Scheme. Legal representation covers a number of non work related areas.

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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PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Secretary’s Column A NEW WAY FORWARD

ENTERPRISE BARGAINING AND REJUVENATION OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR

By Jan McMahon

By Lindsay Oxlad

The Public Service Association has always been supportive of positive reform. To that end, we are very encouraged by the willingness of the new Commissioner for Public Sector Employment (CPSE) Erma Ranieri to work with the PSA and the Government’s genuine desire for positive change.

PSA members may already know the Commissioner from previous roles in the Public Sector where she has already had a long and successful career. This includes her role as head of the Office of Public Sector Renewal and also prior to that as an Executive Director (People and Culture) in PIRSA. In announcing her appointment earlier this year, Premier Weatherill acknowledged her work in change management and in addressing critical public sector employment issues.

The PSA sees this as a strong statement about the future of the Public Sector.

The PSA has for years experienced frustration from entrenched attitudes within the public sector that agencies were only accountable to their own hierarchies.

The PSA has always promoted a view of One Government, One Employer.

A whole of Government approach will be vital in ensuring proper redeployment arrangements across government.

More uniformity of conditions and policies across the Government is a sentiment the new CPSE shares with the PSA. The existence of a silo mentality by many Agencies has long been a source of concern for PSA members.

Conditions of employment need to be consistent across Government, no matter the agency you work in.

Gone are the days where public sector workers in different agencies negotiated separate agreements which reflected

Review PUBLIC

President’s Column

different outcomes. This was inherently unfair to those groups who did not have a strong bargaining base to work from and made mobility within the public sector difficult. There was no incentive to stay in areas with inferior conditions and positions in agencies with enhanced conditions were in high demand.

This created artificial barriers and impacted on services, opportunities for mentoring, efficiencies and the loss of experience and corporate knowledge.

The negotiation of the first Wages Parity Agreement by the PSA was an important, historic step towards consistency of conditions and wages. It meant whether you were an ASO, PSO, OPS, TGO or other classification working across Government, you received the same salary as others in your classification.

The PSA has since continued to push for consistency whenever anomalies are discovered in policies and application of conditions.

The work of the CPSE in developing policies, determinations and ensuring the accountability of agencies to proper standards is critical to addressing this.

The Commissioner has indicated a number of priorities including; delivering better human resources and industrial relations outcomes, the Government becoming an employer of choice, promoting values and behaviours, improving the wellbeing of the public sector workforce and improving planning through better workforce information.

Ensuring these remain a focus will also be on the PSA’s agenda in future discussions with the Premier.

The PSA welcomes the commitment to these important priorities and the opportunity to continue to engage with the Government on these and other issues members value as we strive to be the best public sector we can be.

The current Enterprise Bargaining negotiations coupled with the Government’s A Modern Public Sector policy provides the opportunity for the Government to deliver on its promise to achieve worthwhile rejuvenation of the public sector instead of the slash and burn policies adopted by both

The

policy

places

additional

responsibilities on agencies to reduce the employment of contractors and labour hire staff to accommodate the placement of excess employees with oversight by the Commissioner for Public Employment and employee associations (like the PSA)

sides of politics in the past.

to ensure that the process that they adopt

While this may not please the business commentators who constantly call for cuts to jobs in the public sector, without acknowledging the consequences of such actions for the community, it is the only way to ensure that the public sector remains relevant to the needs of the community and able to deliver on the Government’s policy agenda.

complies with the spirit and requirements

Because the Government’s decision, announced during the last election, to not renew its No Forced Redundancy policy and thereby remove tenure from the public sector was not and is not supported by the Public Service Association we have actively engaged with the Commissioner for Public Employment to develop the Redeployment, Retraining and Redundancy Policy with the aim of ensuring that employees deemed excess are found a job and only declared redundant when all other avenues to secure a job have been exhausted.

to be an employer of choice and its

While such employees are free to choose to opt for a Targeted Voluntary Separation Package it is recognized that such an option is not suitable for those who wish to continue their career in the public sector.

of the policy.

The policy is still being refined to include additional safeguards and the requirement for the Commissioner for Public Employment to be ultimately responsible for placing excess employees.

Given the desire of the Government recognition that public sector employees are high performing and adaptive to the evolving requirements of government and the public our focus will continue to be on improving on the Government’s Redeployment Policy so that it is something that the PSA is prepared to place before our members for endorsement.

The enterprise bargaining process highlights the fact that Public Service Association members are (again) the ones doing the heavy lifting, a point that should be made to those non-members who benefit from our efforts without contributing to the enterprise bargaining process.

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: pgc@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 47, number 5.

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.

I JJIGXMZI QEREKIQIRX WYTTSVXIH F] XVEMRIH TVSJIWWMSREP WXEJJ G SRXMRYEP MQTVSZIQIRX SJ MXW STIVEXMSRW M QTVSZIQIRX SJ QIQFIVW´ [EKIW ERH [SVOMRK GSRHMXMSRW T VSZMWMSR SJ MRHYWXVMEP WYTTSVX ERH SXLIV ZEPYIH FIRIJMXW XS QIQFIVW T VSQSXMSR SJ XLI ZMXEP VSPI SJ XLI TYFPMG WIGXSV MR XLI IGSRSQ] ERH GSQQYRMX]

PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 P3

PSA AGM The PSA’s annual general meeting was held in August.

In the Annual Report, presented at the meeting by PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon, a summary was provided on the union’s highlights over the past year.

In what has been another busy year for PSA members, results of campaign efforts have been realised at a Government level and at individual worksites.

The past year has seen a Federal election, a State election, as well as negotiations commence for a new Parity Enterprise Agreement and several other agreements.

The PSA is particularly proud of helping create hundreds of new trainee positions over four years as part of the Government’s Public Sector Renewal initiative.

The ďŹ rst 200 trainees have started their careers and we look forward to their contributions to the public sector in the coming years.

PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon addresses the AGM

In what has sometimes been a heated public debate, the PSA continues to advocate for a well-resourced public sector as lobby groups continue to call for cuts. The PSA has been vocal in challenging these opposing views, particularly through our h-IND 4HE 'APv CAMPAIGN The Association has continued its contribution to public debate by commissioning research and providing submissions and comments on major policy and

legislative changes. These have received wide spread media coverage and were useful in shining a spotlight on issues affecting the public sector and community services.

Recruiting new members and the training and development of Worksite Representatives continues to be an important component of the PSA’s ability to successfully deliver on outcomes.

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PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

SAVAGE FEDERAL BUDGET CUTS Spending cuts and tax hikes are starting to bite on ordinary South Australians and their families.

The slashing of billions of dollars from health, education, and welfare will have a direct impact on those most in need in our community, whether it be families, the disabled, the aged, the unemployed, youth and the frail. The implications for services are real, particularly the SAVAGE CUTS OF MILLION OVER four years to the health budget.

As a result of the Federal Budget, the State Government has been forced to review a number of its services. For example, prior to the Federal Budget, SA Health had commenced examination of its service delivery model, however, this transformation has been accelerated as a result of the Federal Budget.

The Transforming Health process, being project managed

by SA Health, will shortly deliver a discussion paper, based on the analysis and reections of the three clinical groups (Medical, Nursing/Midwifery and and ScientiďŹ c and Allied Health). The PSA has been advised that the guiding pillar behind this project IS TO hDESCRIBE PRINCIPLES FOR CARE FOR ALL OF THE 3TATE v Notwithstanding, the Federal Budgets cuts, in their present form, will result in a reduction of services to the community and further job cuts. The gap between a growing and ageing population and the services that need to be provided in a civilised society is growing.

Make no mistake, job cuts will equal service cuts. Real people, doing real jobs, and providing real value are under threat. This will have devastating results for those who can least afford the abolition

of such services and programs.

The implications to South Australia are huge, not just today, but for future generations.

It is for this reason that the PSA has commissioned research from the Australian Workplace Innovation and Social Research Centre of the University of Adelaide.

The research, in part, will examine, the current and future impact on a typical family – and how the reduction to educational opportunities and appropriate health care services will hit.

PSA members have, and will, always continue to strive to provide the best services for those most in need. Federal Budget 2014 has virtually made it impossible for this outcome to be achieved, not only for the present, but for decades to come.

State Government Fights Federal Cuts The State Government has launched its campaign to f ight the Federal Government’s Budget cuts to South Australia.

The PSA is also concerned about the impact of these cuts on jobs and services and has taken part in union and community rallies protesting against the Budget.

The State Government’s campaign includes THE h&EDERAL #UTS (URTv WEBSITE WHICH DETAILS THE impact the cuts will have on our communities.

4HE &EDERAL 'OVERNMENT WILL CUT BILLION from South Australia’s public hospitals and schools over the next ten years.

These cuts are the largest cuts ever made to health and education in this State and will impact on all South Australians – with fewer hospital beds, increased waiting times in emergency departments and for elective surgery, and less nurses and teachers.

The South Australian Government has increased investment in healthcare, honoured its YEAR COMMITMENT TO THE 'ONSKI FUNDING FOR better schools and continues the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The State Government argues that South Australia cannot make up the difference by itself

as these cuts continue to grow year on year, and is committed to ďŹ ghting the cuts and is campaigning to have them reversed.

In terms of health funding, the future is particularly bleak.

4HE &EDERAL 'OVERNMENT WILL CUT MILLION from South Australian hospitals over the next four years – by tearing up the signed National Health Reform Agreement with the states.

4HIS IS EQUIVALENT TO REMOVING HOSPITAL beds, closing an entire hospital, the cost of employing 3,000 nurses, or doubling elective surgery waiting lists.

It will signiďŹ cantly increase waiting times in emergency departments.

South Australia will also have difďŹ culty adopting new and more expensive life-saving technology.

It is bad policy that will mostly hurt those less well off, the old, the young and the sick.

The State Government has committed to make up for half of these cuts with the removal of the emergency services rebate and other income measures.

But a shortfall of $332 million still remains.

Our State can’t afford these cuts. The PSA will continue to ďŹ ght them and seek members’ support.

Research On Family Impact of Fed Cuts The generational impact – how families will suffer for decades – of the Federal Budget is the subject of research commissioned by the PSA. This signiďŹ cant research is being carried out now by a team led by Associate Professor John Spoehr, the

Executive Director of the Australian Workplace Innovation and Social Research (WISeR) Centre of the University of Adelaide.

The PSA is concerned about how these cuts will continue to hurt, not just over the next decade, but in years to come.

The research will examine, in part, the impact on families and how the reduction in educational opportunities and health care services will affect them.

Full details of this research and its outcomes will be available later this year.

PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 P5

SSO CONFERENCE Premier’s Taskforce Research

The PSA’s tenth annual School Services Officers’ (SSO) Conference held in August was another successful event for members.

The theme this year was h!CTION FOR 2ECOGNITIONv Topics discussed at the conference included SSO recruitment and selection policy, SSO increments,

Jan McMahon opens the SSO Conference

PSA Councillors Monte Leverington and Margaret Tonkin (left)

training and development, and legal rights and obligations.

The event was opened by PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon.

What started as an idea by the PSA has evolved into a well-known event on the education sector calendar that actively promotes and recognises the valuable work SSOs do.

The PSA has worked on a number of issues over the past year and achieved some great outcomes for members.

As of February this year, 278 SSO positions have been converted to permanent – a great win in a sector renowned for part-time, contract and casual work.

Many members have received pay increases through new increments and classiďŹ cation levels. Up to 700 applications have been processed and paid the new top pay increment of SSO1 and SSO2.

In addition to negotiating the new level, the PSA has assisted many individual members with their successful submissions.

South Australian families face significant impacts from cuts to funding proposed in the Federal Budget.

Following the Federal Budget, the Premier established a special a Federal Budget Response Strategy Taskforce Group to look at issues speciďŹ cally affecting our State.

The PSA is represented on the Premier’s Taskforce by the General Secretary Jan McMahon.

The

Taskforce

Group

was

recently provided with a brieďŹ ng of the report commissioned by the 0REMIER )MPACTS OF THE Federal Budget measures on South Australia.

It is the most extensive academic analysis on the Federal Budget to date and identiďŹ es signiďŹ cant CONCERNS -ORE THAN OF 3OUTH

Prison Jobs Win The Depar tment for Cor rectional Ser vices’ intention to cut 49 Correctional O ff i c e r positions to fund a State Government savings target OF MILLION WILL NOT BE pursued following PSA intervention.

In a historic agreement between the PSA and DCS, following key member feedback, the threat to cut 49 jobs was removed and replaced with a commitment to genuinely consult on future strategies to ensure a cost effective prison service, without placing the safety of OfďŹ cers and the public at risk.

This positive outcome follows months of signiďŹ cant increases in prisoner numbers and the subsequent massive pressure placed on Correctional OfďŹ cers.

The intervention of the PSA occurred as a direct result of grave concerns resulting from increasing prison populations at a time of budget shrinkage.

Prison occupancy is at an all-time high with overow prisoners from already doubled up cells being stored in temporary locations including metropolitan police station holding cells.

The overcrowding, and originally planned job cuts, created a dangerous working environment for Correctional

OfďŹ cers which needed urgent attention.

The Department’s initial decision to cut 49 jobs failed to address the chronic overcrowding that continues to be prevalent within the State’s prisons.

The agreement reached between the PSA and DCS enables positive discussions to occur regarding a safe and secure environment, without the threat of job losses.

The PSA is continuing to advocate the urgent need to address current prison facilities and infrastructure to ensure the safety and security of our prisons, both now and into the future.

Australian families will be worse off, affecting the most the socioeconomic disadvantaged areas of the State.

The research, conducted by WISeR

(Australian

Workplace

Innovation and Social Research Centre) for the State Government, found that couples with children would be $2780 a year worse off due to the Federal Budget and single parents will be $3700 worse off each year.

It found that 7000 jobs would be lost throughout the State.

The report also has information about the impact on families interstate and can be found at http:// www.adelaide.edu.au/wiser/pubs.

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PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

The Return to Work Legislation - A Brief Summary

By Kevin Purse

In August the State Labor government introduced its Return to Work Bill in State parliament. It was arguably the most far reaching policy statement on workers’ compensation since the enactment of the Bannon government’s WorkCover legislation back in 1986 The Bill is currently in the Legislative Council but is expected to pass with bipartisan support from the Liberal opposition.

The new legislation will replace WorkCover with a new organisation, Return to WorkSA, and is expected to come into operation on 1 July 2015. As it has more than 200 clauses and runs to more than 180 pages, this review is necessarily limited and focuses on a few key issues.

While the government’s legislative package contains a number of benef icial measures, its overarching objective is to tighten eligibility for compensation for all injured workers and terminate weekly income maintenance payments for the vast majority of those unable to return to work within 24 months.

This agenda is designed to deliver extraordinarily generous reductions in premium rates for the state’s employers, of at least $180 million a year.

Among the few positives for injured workers is the easing of step downs for weekly payments. Prior to 2008 WorkCover changes by the Rann government weekly payments WERE SET AT OF A WORKER S PRE injury earnings for 12 months and THEREAFTER WHERE THE SEVERITY of the injury prevented a return to work. The Bill reinstates this arrangement.

It also contains provisions that restore weekly payments during claims disputes and a oor, based on the federal minimum wage, below which weekly payments are not to fall. The package also includes a modest but important improvement in entitlements for dependents of workers who suffer fatal injuries.

Stricter Eligibility for Compensation One of the hallmarks of the new legislation is that it will be more difďŹ cult for workers with employment related injuries to obtain compensation.

In the case of physical injuries - such as lower back disorders, fractures, cuts and abrasions claims for compensation will only be accepted where employment is a signiďŹ cant contributing factor.

For psychological injuries there will be an even more stringent eligibility test. For these injuries, work will need to be the signiďŹ cant contributing factor. This will make claiming for psychological injuries even more stressful than what it already is.

Rather than facilitating a streamlined return to work process the new eligibility tests will create perverse incentive effects with the potential to do exactly the opposite.

Two Year Caps and 30% Impairment Ratings The new legislation speciďŹ es that weekly payments will automatically cease after two years, other than for workers who are deemed ‘seriously injured’ and those with existing claims which continue under the new legislation. In the case of this

latter group, it is understood that the countdown for the two year cap WILL RESTART FROM *ULY The two year limit on weekly payments is pivotal to the government’s objective of providing substantial premium reductions for employers.

The underlying problem is that the legislation’s deďŹ nition of ‘seriously injured’ means most workers with serious injuries will be excluded! In order to qualify a WORKER NEEDS AT LEAST A 7HOLE Person Impairment rating.

In 2011, 1070 workers had injuries which resulted in permanent impairment. However, only 18 - a PALTRY WOULD HAVE MET THE ELIGIBILITY TEST !NY WORKER with an impairment rating lower THAN IS BY DElNITION NOT seriously injured. A worker with a chronic back injury would not be viewed as seriously injured under this legal ďŹ ction.

The take home message is that vast majority of seriously injured workers unable to return to work within two years will be denied any further entitlement to income maintenance payments.

Medical Expenses Previously workers have been entitled to medical and associated

Coober Pedy Visit Chief Industrial OfďŹ cer Peter Christopher and Senior Industrial OfďŹ cer Josie Barbaro visited members in Coober Pedy during October. These photos show Families SA, Housing SA, Community Corrections and the Hospital.

expenses for work related injuries if they were reasonably incurred.

The new provisions specify that these expenses must be ‘reasonable, necessary and reasonably incurred’.

This is likely to give rise to increased claims disputes for medical and associated expenses as the scheme’s claims agents pursue new opportunities by which to reduce payments to injured workers.

A further problem is that coverage for medical related expenses will generally end 12 months after injured workers have returned to work unless they have sought prior approval during this 12 month window. Without a crystal ball to anticipate all their future surgery or other medical services needed, before the window closes, this is a huge ask.

The Bottom Line Tighter eligibility, a two year cap on weekly payments and less access to medical services are deďŹ ning features of South Australia’s new workers’ compensation legislation.

These measures will only be partially offset by the easing of step downs and other beneďŹ cial changes.

The big winners will be employers.

PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 P7

Changing Times – PSA Women’s Conference This year’s PSA Women’s Conference attracted a high number of participants showing that women’s issues in the workplace continue to be relevant.

4HE THEME WAS h7OMEN MAKING THE MOST OF CHANGING TIMESv It was an appropriate theme given the changes public sector workers have faced over many years.

Whilst change can present challenges, it can also present opportunities. What can provide certainty during times of change is the support going forward with the strength of other union members alongside you.

As women workers, this support can be crucial.

A 2011 ACTU Working Australian’s Census survey found balancing work and family was the second biggest issue, behind a wage rise, for both men and women.

The conference was opened by the Minister for the Public Sector, the Hon. Dr Susan Close MP. Members were welcomed by PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon who gave a presentation providing a snapshot of women in the public sector and how they are employed, providing some insight into what issues need to drive policy.

PSA Councillors with Jan McMahon and Minister Close

Former Chief Executive OfďŹ cer for Public Sector Renewal, Erma Ranieri, now the Commissioner for Public 3ECTOR %MPLOYMENT SPOKE OF h!DAPTIVE ,EADERSHIPv AND the role it played in leading Change@SA. Professor Rhonda Sharp, from the University of South Australia was another guest speaker.

Professor Sharp’s work on gender, and government policies and budgets began in the mid 1980s when she developed the framework for Australia’s ďŹ rst State government level ‘gender-responsive budget’ initiative in South Australia.

The conference attracted participants from across a broad spectrum of the public sector, ensuring interesting and stimulating discussion and debate throughout the day.

Win for Lyell McEwin Hospital Members Action by PSA members has ended unsafe work practices in the Emergency Department of the Lyell McEwin Hospital.

Management had attempted to reduce administrative staff one night a week in the department, which is a 24/7 operation.

This led to unreasonable workloads and fears about members’ work health and safety.

Meetings and communication with management failed to bring about a satisfactory outcome and members advised they could not sustain the work and shift patterns they were expected to perform.

As a result, it was agreed by members that work bans be put in place to ensure reasonable and safe working conditions.

Members took this action in support of their campaign for proper stafďŹ ng and reasonable workloads.

As a result, stafďŹ ng levels which existed prior to the dispute were reinstated. h4HIS WAS A DISPUTE WHICH SHOULD NEVER HAVE GONE THIS FAR v 03! 'ENERAL 3ECRETARY *AN McMahon said.

Members were quite right to have concerns.

Members were resolved that this dangerous practice should not continue, and worked together to ensure their safety and proper services to the community.

This is a good result which members can be proud of and demonstrates the successful outcomes that members can achieve.

PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon with Public Sector Minister Susan Close

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PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

CHILD PROTECTION The Public Service Association has, for many years, consistently and professionally advocated for proper resourcing for Families SA. This has involved Senior PSA ofďŹ cers and staff, worksite representatives and members meeting with various levels of Government to ensure the protection of our most vulnerable citizens South Australian children.

These meetings have been regularly reported to members through PSA Briefs and various campaign activities.

In 2013 the PSA campaigned for additional staff to be directly employed by Families SA, and for external contract employment to cease.

This successful campaign, within residential care, resulted in the Government agreeing to employ several hundred new qualiďŹ ed staff to care for children in need.

This provides further resourcing for those children who are located within residential care as well as the services provided from within Families SA programs.

About half of the 300 to be recruited are now in place.

The PSA has been at the forefront of the push for better resources, better management, and better care for children.

It will again be closely monitoring the current Royal Commission headed by former Supreme Court Justice Margaret Nyland.

This commission will investigate THE h3AFETY AND 7ELFARE OF h!T 2ISKv #HILDRENv The Government has stated that THE 2OYAL #OMMISSION SHOULD hFOCUS on the safety and welfare of children within the scope of the State’s child protection system, including that they are, as far as practicable, cared

for in a way that allows them to REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIALv The PSA, as a long-standing advocate for these children, will play its part as it has consistently and compassionately in the past to ensure proper resources are ultimately made available to those areas most in need to do this important job properly.

Actions of individuals who are reported to have harmed children must not be allowed to detract from the campaign for proper resourcing of this area, and the vital work of other caring and dedicated staff.

PSA Building Work Nearing Completion Work on your union headquarters on Pirie Street has been running to schedule and is nearing completion.

Renovations should be largely complete by the end of the year.

The major make-over of the 122 Pirie Street site, owned by the PSA and a valuable member asset, was much needed.

It has been business as usual for our reception, membership beneďŹ ts, and industrial services and any inconveniences have been kept to a minimum.

Members can look forward to a new Ground Floor entrance, creating a modern member contact area and improved tenancy opportunities.

We look forward to unveiling the PSA’s new look soon.

NEW POSTER Competition PSA members know the many benefits that come with PSA membership.

For those that are yet to join, here is a timely reminder that there is no better time to join than now.

Put the 10 Good Reasons to Join the PSA poster from this issue of The Review up in your worksite and send us a picture at enquiries@cpsu.asn.au 9OU WILL GO INTO THE DRAW TO WIN A DISCOUNT VOUCHER FROM OUR MEMBER SERVICES AREA Be in it to win it, and encourage your colleagues to join the largest and most effective union that represents public sector workers.

PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 P9

10 Good Reasons To Join The PSA 1.

Better Wages and Conditions. People who belong to unions have better wages and conditions than non-union members. Union members on average earn 15% more than non-union members.

2.

Protect Your Entitlements. Unions fought for and maintained - overtime rates, annual leave, sick leave, long service leave payments, maternity 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. When long service leave entitlements were cut and recreational leave loading abolished in 2010, the PSA campaigned and won reinstatement of leave loading and a new retention provision, and won its case in the High Court.

3.

Better Workplace Health and Safety. Unionised workplaces have better health and safety conditions. 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 including Workplace Health and Safety matters.

Our Member 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 S.A. 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 or political level through industrial forums and meetings with Ministers.

The PSA commissions research on public sector policy issues and makes Budget submissions in order to promote and protect the role of the public sector.

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 and contacts, quarterly ‘Review’ magazine and agency specific communications on topics that are 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 areas.

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.

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! Authorised by Jan McMahon, General Secretary, Public Service Association of SA Inc. 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide SA 5000 www.cpsu.asn.au

P10 PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

Life Members Honoured

Award winner Stephen Callaghan

New Life Member Chris Hall

The Award for Life Members

New Life Member Jo Martin receives her award from PSA President Lindsay Oxlad

Three PSA members were awarded Life Membership at the recent AGM. The awards recognise their outstanding service over many years of union involvement.

The PSA thanks them for their efforts on behalf of all members.

Stephen Callaghan

Jo Martin

Chris Hall

(Housing SA) Steve is the PSA Councillor representing the Administrative Services electorate.

(E HAS BEEN A 03! MEMBER FOR YEARS AND ON Council for 10.

His roles have included Vice President of Council, a member of Executive, chairing meetings of both and representing the PSA at Ministerial meetings.

(Adelaide Festival Centre Trust) Jo is the PSA Councillor representing the Statutory Authorities electorate.

Jo has been a PSA member for more than a decade and a Councillor for ten years.

She has been involved with senior PSA officials in negotiations regarding Statutory Authority matters, particularly with the Adelaide Festival Centre Trust.

(Women’s & Children’s Hospital) Chris is the PSA Councillor representing the Health electorate.

He has been a PSA member for almost 20 years and on the Council for a decade.

He is a past Treasurer and member of Executive.

Enjoy a PSA holiday home!

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 - OCTOBER 2014

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

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 CONTACT holidayhomes@cpsu.asn.au

November December January Glenelg

February

8-11

1-12

24-31

1-13

15-30

–––

–––

–––

K.I.

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Pt Lincoln

8-14

6-26

31

1-13

Pt Vincent

1-21

1-19

17-31

1-27

29-30

–––

–––

–––

Robe

1-30

1-26

24-31

1-27

Wirrina

1-30

1-5

31

1-27

Goolwa

3-7

6-19

24-31

1-20

PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 P11

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE HEAVY DUTY TREADMILL ENDURO 318 modern look with computer display. Has various programs, comes with a manual for instructions etc. Can be folded to store away. Cost price when purchased $3,195.00.

Has had little use, in as new condition. Need to sell as not used for a long time. $950.00 ONO. Please call 0423 085 933 for enquiries.

HOUSEBOAT 4 double bedrooms (1 Queen converts to 2 singles), 1 bathroom, separate toilet, carpeted top deck with large storage box.17.3 x 7.1 metres, low maintenance aluminium hulls, Volvo Penta diesel 136 Hp motor, new Yamaha 2400IS generator, new 4 burner BBQ. Spacious kitchen, dining, living area. Many extras, including new Rinnai gas hot water, new evaporative cooling, inverter, battery charger, 6 deep cycle batteries, depth sounder, 12V & 240V lighting, LCD TV, DVD player, extension dining table seats 6 extends to 10, gas/ electric fridge, microwave, swim deck, carpeted top deck, boat hitch. Fully furnished including quilts, pillows, crockery, cutlery, safety equipment - everything you need. Electrical and gas compliant. Grey water compliant. 330 litre fuel tank, 180 litre rain water tank, 700 litre black water tank, 240 litre ice box. Large front and back decks under cover provide plenty of room to relax and socialise and throw your fishing rods in all year round. Everything has been done. Regretful sale, family has multiplied and need a bigger boat!!

You won’t get a better price for a 4 bedroom boat of this size.

PRICE REDUCTION - $160,000 Check out “SUNSET LADY” at www.houseboatsales.com.au

FORD FALCON FG XR6, first registered on October 2010.

6 Speed automatic Sedan. Grey flawless paintwork, black interior, tinted windows, Bluetooth, Air cond, has all the luxury fittings. Registered. 81,000 kilom. $13,500 ONO. REG ZVR-263 Please call on 0423085933 for inspection.

For Sale - Leather Riding Boots X 2.

RM Williams leather Riding Boots - made to measure, knee high. Size 7.5B. Chocolate Brown colour $200.00. ONO Doc Martens Walking Books - Size 8B, Dark Brown $75 Both pairs in excellent condition.

Telephone Jennie on 0422 235 340 for further information.

REAL ESTATE HOLIDAY HOUSE FOR SALE – MOONTA BAY $249,500 Brick home close to the beach has 3 bedroom + study or 4th bedroom. Main with built in robe. Tiled living area with slow combustion heater and reverse cycle air conditioning and has roller shutters throughout the home. Secure back yard with carport and single car garage. This home is within walking distance to the beach and would be an ideal retirement home or perfect holiday getaway. It is currently rented for $245 week and can be viewed on realestate.com.au – Property No: 11333729 – 43 Coast Road, Moonta Bay Enquiries to Kevin on 0422 002 482

THE AMBASSADOR CARD UPDATES 2014 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.

ADDITIONS SKYLINE RESTAURANT BAR Positioned on the top floor of Rydges South Park Adelaide offering patrons fabulous views over the City and Adelaide Hills.

1 South Terrace, Adelaide 5000 Ph. (08) 8212 1277 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.

When ordering a seafood platter $35.00 will be deducted.

OYSTA LA VISTA HOLIDAY HOMES Just over 2 hours’ drive (200kms) from Adelaide, Stansbury is located on Oyster

LAND AT STRATHALBYN (LOT 200) 64 acres of rolling country side only 5 minutes from Strathalbyn with main road frontage, fenced into 6 paddocks.

Water connected and power runs through the property.

Unequipped bore. Magnificent views to Lake Alexandrina.

Choose your own house site!! $475,000. Check it out at www.realestate.com.au 560 Alexandrina Road.

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 KINGFISHER LODGE, EDITHBURGH, YORKE PENINSULA

HOUSE AND LAND AT STRATHALBYN (LOT 201) Looking for a change? Here’s your chance to escape to the country! Check out this lovely house with self-contained studio and land only 5 kms from Strathalbyn. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, plenty of space!! The main house has been fully renovated. Large country kitchen, lounge, family room, office, 3 bedrooms, 2 sparkling bathrooms and large laundry. Builtins in all rooms, including the en-suite toilet! The house has slow combustion heating, ducted cooling, as well as reverse cycle air conditioning and ceiling fans. All rooms are good size. The country kitchen is well equipped including Fisher & Paykel 2 drawer dishwasher. The studio has large fully tiled ensuite, kitchen facilities, built in robe & reverse cycle air conditioning and looks out over the large all weather entertaining area, complete with fish pond and built in bird aviary (or shadehouse). There is also a 4 car garage and easy to look after gardens. The land is 64 acres of lovely countryside with amazing uninterrupted all round views to Lake Alexandrina and the rolling hills behind – imagine the kangaroos quietly grazing! There is an 8 bay hay/implement shed and great stock yards. The land is fenced into 7 paddocks of different sizes for your horses, sheep, cattle, goats – whatever you desire! Live your dream! REDUCED PRICE - $599,000. Check us out at www.realestate.com.au 560 Alexandrina Road, Strathalbyn, SA, 5255 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 HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION “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.

Property available after December 2014. email oceanbreak@dodo.com.au

Bay and nestled between Port Vincent and Edithburgh on the eastern coast of Yorke Peninsula.

13 & 15 Seaview Court, Stansbury 5582 Ph. (08) 8377 0257 www.oystalavista.com Mention your Membership Card when booking to receive 20% rebate on normal advertised rate. 10% long weekends and school holidays. Minimum stay 2 nights.

STUDIO FLAMENCO Adelaide’s foremost flamenco school offering classes in dance, percussion, guitar, flamenco singing and castanets for children and adults from beginners to advanced.

318 Goodwood Road, Clarence Park 5034 Ph. (08) 8272 7633 www.studioflamenco.com.au Mention your Membership Card at time of booking to receive your first lesson free and then a further 10% saving on dance lessons.

Mention your Membership Card and receive special rates on booking fees when hiring Studio Flamenco for your event or function.

BOND BACK CLEANING Get an end of lease cleaning package.

Ph. 1300 737 231 www.bondbackcleaning.com Valid for end of lease special cleaning rate packages on one - two bedroom apartments and houses.

Booking Procedure 1) Please call 1300 737 231 or book on line at our website www.bondbackcleaning.com or email admin@bondbackcleaning.com 2) Be sure to mention your Membership Card when booking.

GOLF2DAY As a Member of Golf2Day you will have access to great offers and savings on green fees at great clubs around the country.

Ph. 1300 351 461 www.golf2day.com.au Access private courses and save on green fees at great golf clubs around Australia.

Sign up today using your exclusive Invitation Code AMBASSADOR and save also another $99.00 on the one-off joining fee.

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

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 who have been involved in this for one hundred and twenty years (not 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 come in and experience a practice night, please ring one of the following phone numbers: 8270 2628 or 8332 1895 – www.amvc.org.au

P12 PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

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 _________________________________________________________________________________________ Work address

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.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Work phone _______________________________________ Work fax ______________________________________ 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 ____________________________________________________________________________________________

PSA Training Program www.cpsu.asn.au/training-programs INFO BY EMAIL

FEDERAL WEBSITE CPSU

Review

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.

[[[ GTWY WTWJ EWR EY

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.

Review ReviewReview

s 0UBLISHED SIX TIMES A YEAR

PUBLIC

SECTOR

PUBLIC

PUBLIC

SECTOR

SECTOR

www.cpsu.as n.au

s &ULL COLOUR PAGES s $IRECT MAILED

s 2EGULAR FEATURES s 4RAVEL AND ENTERTAINMENT

Budget O ptimism Liberal

JUNE/ A JULY 2013

programs, not

BUDGET SUBMISSIO NS

Page 4

s .EWS AND VIEWS

job cuts.

Response to Budget

“Agencies will be require reduce their d to capital program s, or defer introducing new system s, in order achieve savings to in each ďŹ nanci al year.

In respect to the Govern decision to ment reduce the value of separation The PSA packages, has met the PSA always argued has with Opposition for jobs to Leader, the be retained, not for incenti Hon. Steven Mars ves for people hall, to leave.

An incentive of the Budg in the wake by an employ er for staff to leave volunta et and his response to rily is not a conditi it. of employment which is protect on In his Budge Jan McMahon Enterprise ed by t Reply speech , Premier Jay Agreements Weatherill Parliam or and Lindsay in ent, Mr Marsh Industrial Awards.

Oxlad all, in brief, said the The first Budge Oppos The PSA welcom t by Premier economic concer ition’s three key ed the decisio Treas urer and schools not He said he ns were: n for Jay Weath to proceed with believed his erill was met with 1: Returning Government was making a previously announced “cautious the Budget a choice to Financial optimismâ€? to surplus; continue to provide jobs by the PSA. Management 2. Growing Program that and service the econom would have s to people need, y; resulted and in The Govern that this would loss of 300 in the 3. Making South Full Time Equiva ment’s decisio continue to support our Australia a services for n to put lent (FTE) society through School Service more attractive place South Austra ďŹ nancial times. difďŹ cult s lian familie and busines to live.

These 300 positio OfďŹ cer positions. s s ahead “The Treasu ns equate to cuts was welcom of further direct job While little rer understands up to 600 staff, many ed. detail was are already part time, who people the key empha provided, “In our ongoin struggling will now be retained, beneďŹ t to make ends sis was the meet and g dialogu Government ing Oppos need more focus on small since the Global e with the State, includi employment across help through services from business develo ition Crisis hit, we Financial ng regional Government, The Oppos pment. have empha centres. not less. ition Leade “He is also of “Public Sector sised the for responsible r ruled out massive job the view that worker ďŹ nancial manag need unemploymen cuts in the Public s are real increasing people, doing PSA Genera ement,â€? t and reducin but did not real jobs and Sector, l Secretary delivery by g service quantify this.

Jan McMahon adding real said. value to the slashin community,�

He said the is counter-produ g Public Sector jobs Ms McMahon previously said. “We have ctive..â€? announced Audit Comm made it clear, Over the past ission would research and through two decade be replaced reports, that population s responsible ďŹ nancial manag has risen from the State’s continued page ement needs to 1.6 million 1.4 million encompass 5 to also people, yet social capital Sector has the Public . been reduce “This means d over the same time. that Govern when making ments, The PSA was need to contem ďŹ nancial decisions, less recepti plate the impact Government’s ve of the people who on the rely on them.â€? dividend announ increased efďŹ ciency In deliver ced in the Budget ing his Ms .

McMahon, Budget, Mr Weatherill said: “Impor made it for PSA membe clear that understood rs and the commutantly he this. any efďŹ cien nity, cy dividen d savings come from can reductions or delays Opposition to Leader Steven Marshall

PSA WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

Page 7

meets with

PSA

www.cpsu.asn.a u

www.cpsu.asn.au

February 2013

Ministerial Changes The Public Service Association welcomes the high prof ile afforded the public sector by Premier Weatherill’s recent cabinet reshuffle.

The public sector has been placed front and centre by the Premier’s decision to take on both the Treasury role and Minister for the Public Sector. “The PSA forged a good relationship with former Treasurer and now Health Minister Jack Snelling and we would expect that to continue under the watch of Premier Weatherill,� said PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon.

“We were particularly delighted with the Premier’s commitment, given on the day of the reshufe, to respond to the challenges that threaten South Australian jobs. “Many of those jobs are in the public sector and we expect, in the lead up to the 2014 election, to engage in detailed discussions with the Premier, and indeed all parties, about policies of relevance to the public sector,â€? Ms McMahon said. “The PSA is committed to protecting the public sector’s critical role in servicing the South Australian community, and protecting those workers who deliver the services.â€?

Jan McMahon with Premier Jay Weatherill

Page 9

2014

pushing all sides hard to ensure they clearly state their plans on issues including their vision for the public sector, job shedding , service cuts and industrial relations philosophy ahead this election. of

and to understan d how their preferenc will be distribute es d.

This election will make a difference to South Australia and will impact the working lives and future of The answers contained PSA members. within this issue will show We know that how forthcom the public sector ing the parties have been. a vital part of is Members can our State, providing draw their own conclusio services to ns. people and business, These questions efďŹ cient governan were put to both ce and employm the Liberal and ent at a time of uncertain Labor parties, ty, together with and to the minor infrastructure. parties as the role and importance of Voters – including the Legislative Council PSA members cannot be overlooke should not accept – d. from any political The PSA has long party the suggestio been a campaign n that they will for a strong er be told after the and independent election what upper house as a House will be done. of Review.

The PSA has It is vital for us long advocated to clearly note that it is best that what a party’s intentions whichever party are before we holds Government vote for it and we must should It’s now crunch not accept being control of the Legislativnot also have time for the kept in the dark.

State election.

Inside there is e Council. an “Election Special�

The aberration With that in – 5 pages devoted s in the recent mind, the PSA With just days Federal Election to questions put has to go before we pushed as hard where some Senators to the parties as we can for the all have to head to about their views were elected almost parties the polls, this to reveal their issue of and by mistake due intentions to members intentions regarding The Review provides unusual preferenc to through their responses the public sector some extra insight e movements and services. into how the parties to our questions should be noted. as revealed in are thinking to this issue. help you to decide who The PSA – which The PSA urges will get your vote.

We ask that members is not afďŹ liated being in the black or in the red. members to pay with any political consider these some extra attention answers – or lack entity – has been These decisions impact on lives and to of their them – and their voting intentions for future implicatio future circumstances of the people of South the Legislative ns when they approach Council the ballot box.

Australia.

The PSA demands to know what each The PSA is seeking an outcome party intends to do with job numbers, job in an Enterpris s )MPROVEMENTS TO CL e Agreement which security and retention of vital services.

ASSIlCATIONS AND The PSA has lodged a total package as increments. provides worthwhi a new Wages The parties must advise which services beneďŹ ts to members and Conditi le No real answers ons Claim they intend to cut. can be determine including: Issues such as the date of effect before the people d in s ! FAIR AND REASONAB accordance with for decide who will If they refuse, if they obfuscate, if they payment of the LE SALARY INCREASE the terms of the lead this State, but initial and subseque for all members current in the interim defer to a commission or committee or review ; nt Parity Agreem increase and the the PSA has been seeking s 0ROTECTION OF EXI ent. The life of the Agreeme panel which will make a decision afteragreeme the current answers to matters STING CONDITIONS nt will also be negotiate policy nt of expires from s *OB SEC election, this will be challenged. d. both major parties. on 30 URITY June 2014, It will be underpinn Negotiations s )MPROVEMENTS TO CO The people of this State deserve to know and allows a new ed by extensive will commenc claim to be lodged NDITIONS A detail e earnest in ND during what is planned for their future – before they allowances; after March 15 the course of negotiatio any time after – the election January 1 this ns. date - as matters vote, not after.

The PSA Council s !GENCY CLASSIlCATION year. cannot be formally agreed SPECIlC to progresse this The PSA will demand that they are made approach at its schedules to deal d during the caretaker January meeting with particular period. aware, and will ďŹ ght for the best outcome for and the claim was lodged. requirements;

THE RIGHT TO KNOW PSA demands Parties to detail job and service cuts

The PSA has laid down a simple challenge to both major parties as the countdown to the next State election looms ever closer.

It’s simple, yet seldom achieved by our political leaders – although it sometimes slips out by accident.

The PSA is demanding that both Government and Opposition advise what they intend to do about job cuts, and which services they plan to cut.

PSA members and the community will not accept an Audit Commission which would, conveniently, after the election advise on service cuts.

The 1994 Audit Commission cut 5,500 jobs, closed the Lump Sum Superannuation Scheme, privitised and outsourced and brought in a wage freeze.

It is time for both sides of the conversation to be had – the reality that cutting costs, slashing jobs, will cut services. That is the truth.

The Opposition seems understanding that truth.

far

from

In an apparent momentary accident of honesty, the Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond threatened last year to slash 2535,000 jobs from the Public Sector workforce.

While quickly retracted – once the obvious polling day reality of such an act sunk in – many fear this is indeed her intention, and the intention of her party.

They are now stating that no decision has been made – and will not be until after the election. If elected, they say, they will create an “Audit Commission� to examine where cuts must be made.

There can be little doubt of the composition of such a commission or the desired outcome of the Opposition should it gain ofďŹ ce.

It is time both parties came clean and told the people of this State what they intend to do.

The PSA would welcome the opportunity for some real debate about the provision of services and how they can be sustained or modiďŹ ed into the future for the beneďŹ t of us all.

As a population we are ageing. This includes our public sector workforce. There are fewer people providing services amidst growing demand.

How we will face this challenge requires planning. It requires debate. It needs understanding. It needs action.

The economic rationalist approach – the bottom line approach – to politics is not all that matters. It is not as simple as the State

EB Claim

AUSTERITY

our community and our members.

FAILS

SOUTH EAST MEETINGS

MARCH/APRIL

VOTE COUN T

NEW HOLIDAY PENALTY RATES DESERVED

Page 3

HOSPITAL SECURITY GAINS TRACTION

Page 7

BEST LEGAL/ INDUSTRIAL WIN FOR WORKERS AWARD

Page 9

ELECTION SPECIAL

PS FIRE ASSISTANCE

Page 4

Pages 5-9

Page 10

Review PUBLIC

SECTOR