PSA Review March April 2014 Pre Election

Review PUBLIC

SECTOR

www.cpsu.asn.au

MARCH/APRIL 2014

VOTE COUNT

It’s now crunch time for the State election.

With just days to go before we all have to head to the polls, this issue of The Review provides some extra insight into how the parties are thinking to help you to decide who will get your vote.

Inside there is an “Election Special� – 5 pages devoted to questions put to the parties about their views and intentions regarding the public sector and services.

The PSA – which is not afďŹ liated with any political entity – has been

EB Claim The PSA has lodged a new Wages and Conditions Claim in accordance with the terms of the current Parity Agreement. The current agreement expires on 30 June 2014, and allows a new claim to be lodged any time after January 1 this year.

No real answers can be determined before the people decide who will lead this State, but in the interim the PSA has been seeking answers to matters of policy from both major parties.

Negotiations will commence in earnest after March 15 – the election date - as matters cannot be formally progressed during the caretaker period.

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 of this election.

The answers contained within this issue will show how forthcoming the parties have been. Members can draw their own conclusions.

These questions were put to both the Liberal and Labor parties, and to the minor parties as the role and importance of the Legislative Council cannot be overlooked.

The PSA has long been a campaigner for a strong and independent upper house as a House of Review.

The PSA has long advocated that it is best that whichever party holds Government should not also have control of the Legislative Council.

The aberrations in the recent Federal Election where some Senators were elected almost by mistake due to unusual preference movements should be noted.

The PSA urges members to pay some extra attention to their voting intentions for the Legislative Council

and to understand how their preferences will be distributed.

This election will make a difference to South Australia and will impact the working lives and future of PSA members.

We know that the public sector is a vital part of our State, providing services to people and business, efďŹ cient governance and employment at a time of uncertainty, together with infrastructure.

Voters – including PSA members – should not accept from any political party the suggestion that they will be told after the election what will be done.

It is vital for us to clearly note what a party’s intentions are before we vote for it and we must not accept being kept in the dark.

With that in mind, the PSA has pushed as hard as we can for the parties to reveal their intentions to members through their responses to our questions as revealed in this issue.

We ask that members consider these answers – or lack of them – and their future implications when they approach the ballot box.

The PSA is seeking an outcome in an Enterprise Agreement which as a total package provides worthwhile beneďŹ ts to members including: s ! FAIR AND REASONABLE SALARY INCREASE for all members; s 0ROTECTION OF EXISTING CONDITIONS s *OB SECURITY s )MPROVEMENTS TO CONDITIONS AND allowances; s !GENCY CLASSIlCATION SPECIlC schedules to deal with particular requirements;

s )MPROVEMENTS TO CLASSIlCATIONS AND increments.

Issues such as the date of effect for payment of the initial and subsequent increase and the life of the Agreement will also be negotiated.

It will be underpinned by extensive detail during the course of negotiations.

The PSA Council agreed to this approach at its January meeting and the claim was lodged.

AUSTERITY

ELECTION

PS FIRE

FAILS

SPECIAL

ASSISTANCE

Page 4

Pages 5-9

Page 10

PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2014

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Secretary’s Column

T

THE MAIN EVENT

THE TIME HAS COME FOR US TO CHOOSE WHO GETS OUR VOTE

By Jan McMahon

By Lindsay Oxlad

he March State Election is almost upon us.

It remains to be seen what the new political landscape will look like.

One thing we know for certain is that the PSA will continue to be the voice of its members.

A strong voice advocating for jobs and services for South Australians whatever the outcome on Election day.

The launch of the Mind the Gap campaign set up a framework for debate about public sector services in this State. The campaign highlighted there are now fewer workers servicing more South Australians than 20 years ago.

This is a significant statistic. Those who criticise the size of the public sector conveniently disregard it.

What cannot be disregarded is the increasing need for skilled, dedicated public sector workers providing invaluable services for the community.

What cannot be disregarded are the longer queues, waiting times, higher caseloads and workloads.

What should not be disregarded are the increasingly complex needs of a growing and ageing population.

These issues need to be addressed.

South Australians deserve better.

The PSA has provided media comment on numerous occasions, exposing public sector myths and highlighting the important work that occurs.

The PSA has continued to commission research and the preparation of a State Budget

Review PUBLIC

President’s Column

submission - Age of Change: Ageing and Public Sector Renewal in the 21st Century, by the University of Adelaide. Last December the PSA organised a Public Sector Conference with key public sector unions to discuss important issues facing the public sector.

These are all efforts to engage in a conversation about the challenges we face, and how we can best overcome them.

In addition to these activities, all political parties have been invited to comment on specific priority issues and have their responses published by the PSA in The Review to help members make an informed decision.

The Premier and Leader of the Opposition have both been invited and attended special meetings of the PSA Council to answer questions from Councillors. The PSA has facilitated members directly providing their concerns to local Members of Parliament and members have been kept up to date with information briefs and worksite representative meetings.

These actions have all been designed to increase the accountability of politicians to Government employees and the South Australian community.

The efforts of the PSA will not cease after 15 March 2014. Voting may be the main event that day, but campaigning for a well-resourced public sector, for terms and conditions to ensure the public sector remains an employer of choice, will continue long after the final vote has been counted.

F

or PSA members the forthcoming State election is more than just an opportunity to decide which of the major parties governs the State for the next four years.

As our employer it is the opportunity for us to decide whom we consider is the best party to lead the State and to effectively deliver the diverse range of services provided by the public sector. It is also the opportunity for the major parties to demonstrate how (exactly) they will deliver on the oftacknowledged truth that “the public sector is the government’s most valuable asset and the principle means by which the government’s agenda, policies and programs are delivered to South Australians”.

In short the policy statements made by both of the major parties about the role and function of the public sector could be judged as responses to job interview questions as part of a merit based selection process.

PSA members not only have the responsibility as citizens to choose candidates and parties who they consider will provide South Australians with stable, effective and trustworthy government that improves the social, environmental, economic and cultural needs of the community but they also have the responsibility as employees to make choices that ensure the government is genuinely committed to being an “employer of choice” that not only nurtures its existing employees but also attracts the best and brightest young people to replace those retiring over the coming years.

Which party demonstrates the clearest understanding of the role and function of the public sector? What do they propose to do to ensure that the public sector under their stewardship is able to operate effectively and efficiently and meet the community demands for the full range of government services that are an integral part of a civil society?

Which party will provide the necessary leadership and clarity of purpose to ensure that the public sector is able to deliver the services that not only meet current

community demands but also those emerging as a result of an ageing society and future social, demographic and economic pressures?

In addition to the range of election policies released by the various candidates and political parties, this edition of The Review contains their responses to a range of important issues identified by PSA members that are designed to assist members to make those choices. Choices that have particular regard to those responses that are unequivocal in their commitment. Those that are vague or ambiguous either suggest that the candidate or party has not formed a firm position or policy or that they are not prepared to provide a frank and honest response, and therefore probably should not be trusted as a prospective employer.

While both the Labor and Liberal Parties are on record as firmly supporting the @Change public sector rejuvenation initiative, at the time of writing only the Labor Party has released its policy for A Modern Public Sector.

A final issue for us as voters is the need to ensure that whoever forms government in the Lower House does not also command a majority in the Legislative Council thereby preserving the Council’s role as a genuine House of Review that ensures that the government is accountable to the community and its employees during its tenure.

The PSA’s experience in having draconian legislation governing the public sector (introduced by both Labor and Liberal administrations) amended to remove unfair and unconscionable provisions highlights the critical role played by the Legislative Council as a House of Review.

As in the past, the PSA looks forward to working closely with whichever party forms Government after March 15 2014 to advocate for our members and advance the role of the public sector in serving the South Australian community, professionally without fear or favour.

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 48, number 1.

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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PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2014 P3

INNOVATION “Most of the discussions around public sector efficiency are about doing more with less, but what you’ll actually find is the focus is on the ‘with less’.�

The true impact of budgetary and employment cuts in the name of “efficiency� was spelt out at a special conference of public sector unions.

In delivering the keynote address the Public Service Research Director at the Centre for Policy Development, Christopher Stone, argued against what he described as the “dumb ideaâ€? that cuts and privatisation create efďŹ ciency.

He told the conference that politicians were increasingly getting

away with misuse of the word “efďŹ ciencyâ€? which is most commonly linked with cuts, privatisations and the public sector. “Most of the discussions around public sector efďŹ ciency are about doing more with less, but what you’ll actually ďŹ nd is the focus is on the “with lessâ€?. “Usually cuts are announced with promises that services won’t be affected but the reality is cutting staff while expecting the same services to be provided is not realistic.â€?

Not Cuts

The more common results of cuts are that: s 7ORK BECOMES LESS ATTRACTIVE AND IT becomes harder to recruit; s 4URN OVER IS LIKELY TO INCREASE WITH associated time and resource waste; s 3KILLS AND EXPERIENCE DIMINISH s 3TAFF PRODUCTIVITY DROPS DUE TO stress-related illnesses. “What’s more, cuts are often inappropriately targeted or more particularly not-targeted leading to inefďŹ ciency, as important areas suffer,â€?

Mr Stone said. “We need to enhance productivity by proposing methods of encouraging

innovation, together with better use of ITC systems and data management.�

PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon welcomed this input to the important community debate about the role of the public sector and the issues it faces. “It’s important these messages are heard and that the community stands up against further cuts to jobs and services,� she said. “Focusing debate on the positive agenda – and by that I mean what we can do to genuinely improve public services – will lead to better outcomes for everyone, particularly the people the public sector helps.�

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PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2014

Austerity Fails

One of many marches against cuts in Britain

The failure of Government austerity measures internationally – and their impacts – are revealed in a study part funded by the PSA. Opposing Austerity: Organising and Action Strategies was created by the Australian Workplace Innovation and Social Research Centre at the University of Adelaide.

It is the second of three reports commissioned addressing various aspects of austerity. The two completed reports are available on the PSA website.

This paper, by Dexter WhitďŹ eld, examined the responses made by union and other labour and student organisations in response to Government austerity measures overseas.

Many of those austerity measures came in response to the global ďŹ nancial crisis and included massive public sector job and service cuts.

It is feared likely that the change in Federal Government in Australia, and the change in most State Governments will result in far greater cost cuttings here.

This is evident already around the country with public sector job and service cuts prominent and painful.

Lessons learned overseas may therefore prove valuable in the ďŹ ght against local austerity measures.

Australia was largely shielded from cuts during the GFC by action based on the belief that spending measures would protect our nation far more than belt tightening during the crisis.

This bigger Government approach was hugely successful in staving off the impact of the GFC here, keeping unemployment low and stimulating economic activity through infrastructure and other projects.

Globally other citizens were not so lucky, and other economies not so

robust. It is now likely that some of the pain felt by them will be visited upon Australians.

In the key ďŹ ndings of the latest report it suggests that “action strategies deployed in the struggle against austerity and neoliberal policies provide lessons for how strategies might be developed in Australiaâ€?. “This brieďŹ ng raises wider and longer-term issues about the way in which unions, community and civil society organisations and social movements mobilise and organise, widen support and build stronger alliances.â€?

The report ďŹ nds: s !LTHOUGH THE lNANCIAL CRISIS WAS caused by banks and market failure, action was targeted against public SPENDING AND WAGE PENSION CUTS JOB losses and privatisation; s $ESPITE THE WORST ECONOMIC CRISIS for 60 years, Labour and Democratic parties internationally failed to

deliver signiďŹ cant alternative policies or legislative change; s 4HE ATTACK ON PUBLIC SECTOR UNIONS

workers’ rights and legislation to reduce the ability to take industrial, civil and community action, ran parallel with public sector cuts and privatisations; s 4RADITIONAL INDUSTRIAL ACTION SUCH as one-day strikes and large national demonstrations had an important role in strengthening solidarity and gaining support, but did not signiďŹ cantly change austerity policies; s #UTS CAMPAIGNS HAD AN IMPORTANT role in challenging the composition and distributional impact of austerity policies, but rarely reduced the scope or scale of public spending cuts; s ! SERIES OF LARGE PUBLIC demonstrations at the Iceland Parliament, culminated in the resignation of the government and two referenda voting against

taxpayers funding repayment of bank debt; s 4HE 1UEBEC STUDENT STRIKE STOPPED tuition fee increases, UK hospital campaigns stopped closures, many foreclosures and evictions were halted in Spain and US - all had active engagement of trade unions, community and social movements and drew wide public support; s $EMOCRATIC ASSEMBLIES GENUINELY involved participants in discussion and decision-making in Spain’s 15M and the Occupy Wall Street movements; s 5+ TRADE UNIONS HAVE NOT DEVELOPED adequate strategies to challenge the acceleration of neoliberal transformation of public services through outsourcing, private ďŹ nance and privatisation; s .EW NATIONAL AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS and alliances created to resist foreclosures and evictions used imaginative direct action tactics, particularly in Spain and US; s 4RADE UNIONS ARE THE STRONGEST working class membership and resourced organisations. There are different types of membership organisations, such as student unions, worker centres and community organisations, plus involvement or afďŹ liation to social movements. They must forge and sustain stronger alliances and coalitions; s 4HE PROCESS OF LEARNING LESSONS and developing future strategies needs to take account of the shifts in power, which the ďŹ nancial crisis and austerity measures have brought about; s $IVISIONS BETWEEN PRO AND ANTI outsourcing strategies in the UK voluntary sector, mirroring a similar division in US non-proďŹ ts, stunt the sector’s opposition to austerity policies; s 4RANSNATIONAL &REE 4RADE !GREEMENTS are being negotiated that will continue austerity measures, embed neoliberal policies and increase corporate power.

A protest in Greece against austerity measures

ELECTION SPECIAL With the State Election countdown clock now rapidly approaching its March 15 deadline, the PSA is pleased to present this Election Special to assist members and their families as they head to the polls.

The public sector is a vital segment of our State’s community, and as such is always a hot topic of discussion and negotiation at election time.

Jobs and services to our community are issues which affect us all.

With this in mind, for more than a year the PSA has been seeking, at every available opportunity, answers to essential questions from both major parties about their views on the public sector and the services it provides.

We also sought the views of key Members of the Legislative Council – the People’s House – because there is some likelihood that a loose coalition

of independents may ultimately hold the balance of power in that chamber.

The answers the PSA has received during that time have not always been satisfactory. Often they have lacked detail or indeed any substance at all.

In recent weeks, the PSA has again provided a core number of important questions to both the Labor and Liberal parties in the House of Assembly – they being the ones who will form Government based upon our votes – and key segments of the Legislative Council.

Their answers – or lack of them – are on the following pages.

We ask members to consider these responses carefully before they vote and heed the concerns the PSA has previously raised about parties who do not provide full and frank details of their intentions ahead of an election.

ELECTIONSPECIAL Will you guarantee job security and that no forced redundancies will occur in the SA public sector for positions and persons covered by the PSA for the full term of the Parliament to be elected in March 2014?

Our policy objective is not to use forced redundancies.

We have been clear that, from 30 June 2014, a public sector employee who has been identified as excess for longer than 12 months will be able to be separated having regard to the applicable legislation and industrial provisions.

However, we believe that in most cases, any reduction in staffing levels should be achievable through appropriate management of temporary contracts, reduced external employment, natural attrition and targeted voluntary separation packages. The Government is currently developing a detailed redeployment policy that will make this process clear and will consult with the PSA during the development of this policy. We will also negotiate the terms of any redundancy entitlements with the PSA as part of the next enterprise bargaining round.

Labor has also sought to improve the job security of a range of public sector employees through a number of other measures.

As neither the current or alternative government, Family First is not in a position to need to provide that guarantee.

We would need to see a clear case from any government to bring in forced redundancies, and only then if the policy was accompanied by genuine and transparent Family Impact Statements.

The Greens stood side by side with the PSA and PSA members against public sector job cuts in 2010, and we will continue to take that stance into the 2014 Parliamentary term. The Greens will not support any legislation that attempts to force public sector workers to lose their job. The Greens Industrial Relations spokesperson Adam Bandt MP initiated an inquiry into protecting State public sector workers after the attacks from conservative state GOVERNMENTS ESPECIALLY IN 1UEENSLAND where Campbell Newman savagely cut jobs for those who serve the community.

The Greens also introduced Fair Work (Job Security and Fairer Bargaining) Amendment Bill 2012 which requires Fair Work Australia to take job security into account when making decisions. The Greens will work with the Public Sector Union in SA to identify what can be done to protect public sector jobs in SA.

Labor has announced that it will remove the no forced redundancy provision and built this into the state budget which is already running deficits of $1 billion a year. However, the State Liberals believe that this measure should only be used after all reasonable attempts have been made to find alternative employment within the public sector. Other such avenues to find alternative public sector employment should include natural attrition, improved management of temporary contracts, reduced external employment and Targeted Voluntary Separation Packages.

No response received by common deadline set for all parties.

Editor.

No response received by common deadline set for all parties.

Editor.

Will your party guarantee that it will not introduce or support privatisation or outsourcing?

Labor is committed to a policy of no privatisation of significant government assets or services. We have maintained this position, despite the Federal Liberal Government seeking to induce states to privatise assets in order to receive Commonwealth support for infrastructure investment. Our commitment stands in stark contrast to the position of the Liberals. Regarding outsourcing, we do not accept the proposition that outsourced services are more efficient than those provided by government. We therefore have no plans for any widespread outsourcing and no current plans for any outsourcing at all. Indeed, we recently made the decision to insource 300 child protection jobs. However, I cannot guarantee that there will not be any occasion in which outsourcing may be considered over the life of the next government. In any instance in which outsourcing is considered, I commit that before any decision regarding outsourcing is made, consultation with the relevant public sector unions will occur.

Family First opposed the privatisation of Forestry SA and SA Lotteries, as both were delivering $40-million-plus-perannum revenue streams to Government badly needed to support the long-term budget position. Any future case for privatisation or outsourcing must be accompanied by a comprehensive, independent and early-released full costbenefit analysis for the State, a regional impact assessment if it affects a local region, and a family impact statement.

None of this happened in the Forestry privatisation.

The Greens want to keep essential services in public hands. The Greens will oppose any move by the State Government to privatise or further outsource public sector jobs, government assets or services. The Greens will work with the PSA to campaign against privatising public sector jobs. The Greens would consider introducing ‘No mandate, no privatisation’ legislation as Greens in NSW have to stop State Government from selling off public assets without a substantial public debate and the approval of both houses of Parliament. Labor has moved to privatise and outsource public services, rather than building them up. We know that a Coalition Government will continue down this path, selling off public assets, outsourcing services and disposing of public land for short term gain. The Greens will oppose the sell-off of our public assets and services because costs for consumers will skyrocket and SA jobs and working conditions will be sacrificed for private profit and inefficient service delivery.

The Labor Government has privatised the forests, the Lotteries Commission, Housing Trust homes, and is now selling Government buildings, all despite its ‘no privatisation’ pledge.

Labor has left the state with a debt increasing by $4m every day for 8 years and very few assets still in state ownership.

Labor has outsourced public services or renewed outsourced contracts including bus services, water and wastewater systems, and custodial services. Where an equivalent or better outcome has been achieved at a lower cost to taxpayers, the State Liberals have supported those reforms and will continue to support similar reforms. We will not actively seek to bring back into the public sector those services being efficiently provided by non government or community organisations.

The State Liberals are committed to reducing the $450 million per annum that Labor spends on contractors and consultants and where possible, ensure this work is undertaken within Government.

No response received by common deadline set for all parties.

Editor.

No response received by common deadline set for all parties.

Editor.

ELECTIONSPECIAL Job losses and new functions have resulted in severe workload increases. What will your party do to deal with this and how will you resource the public sector?

Fundamentally we see the public sector as an asset to be realised not a burden to be minimised.

We accept that because of the financial position of the budget we have had to ask parts of the public sector to do more. This is, in part, why we have established the public sector renewal program Change@ SA. To build a more modern public sector and help relieve the pressures faced by many public sector employees.

In relation to cuts to the public sector, Labor has been clear, through the budget process, about our view of these matters. While we have been open about making some efficiencies, we have ruled out any large-scale reductions in public sector staff.

Our record speaks for itself on these matters. While, the previous Liberal Government cut almost 27,000 public sector jobs, Labor has significantly increased the number of employees working in roles providing services direct to the public.

The next Government needs to consider how new initiatives impact the public sector where they are not accompanied by the means to fund the human resources to deliver those initiatives. The high level of SA public sector mental health claims to Workcover – above the private sector average - indicates too much strain is being put on too few, and mental health is being very poorly handled.

The Government should be a model organisation in managing mental health, which includes assessing the demands put on public servants.

In its 2013-14 Budget, Labor budgeted to reduce public sector numbers by 5,170 full time equivalent staff over the next four years. In its 2013-14 Mid Year Budget Review released two months ago, Labor amended this figure to 3,815. Three weeks ago, Labor revealed a further $380 million black hole in its budget.

Furthermore, in an official briefing, State Treasury advised the State Liberals that a GST revenue update will be released in late February which will further amend the State budget position.

As Labor’s public sector position has changed repeatedly and there is another budget amendment to come, the State Liberals are not yet in a position to confirm an exact figure.

However, we will guarantee that a Marshall Liberal Government will not reduce public sector numbers by more than Labor announced in its 2013-14 Budget.

We will confirm an exact figure prior to the March state election.

The Greens will continue to work with public sector workers and their unions to ensure that our public sector is well resourced.

No response received by common deadline set for all parties.

Editor.

No response received by common deadline set for all parties.

Editor.

What does your party see as the role of the public sector in the economy?

We have been very clear that there is a strong role for the public sector in the economy. In early 2013, I released an Economic Statement that made it clear Labor believes South Australia has always worked best when strong government is working with strong business backed up by a strong community.

While the Liberal Party believes that things just get better when government gets out of the way, Labor is committed to the vital role the public sector plays in the South Australian economy.

The public sector can support the economy where it identifies new opportunities for industry and ways to reduce red tape and unreasonable obstruction of private sector initiatives. At times the public sector can also be empowered by Government to fill a gap in private sector investment in stimulating new economic opportunities – for instance in new industries where other states or countries have a competitive advantage against us, but we want to grow that capability in South Australia.

There can be no doubt that the public sector and public sector workers are the lifeblood of Government and administration. In fact, the Government could not function without them.

The Greens believe that public sector employees deserve an industrial relations system that provides for fair work practices whilst providing the community with efficient and effective service delivery.

The public sector is the major link between the State Government and the people. A strong, customer focused public sector is fundamental to good government. The public sector should deliver frank and fearless advice and should not feel political pressure in doing so. It should deliver high-quality services to the public that it serves. An independent, professional and highly-qualified public sector is crucial to a better South Australia.

The State Liberals strongly support initiatives such as the Public Sector Renewal Program and the 90 day change projects.

No response received by common deadline set for all parties.

Editor.

No response received by common deadline set for all parties.

Editor.

ELECTIONSPECIAL What will your party do to consult genuinely with the PSA about proposals under consideration that impact upon PSA members?

Labor believes that when you involve the people affected by government decisions in the process of making those decisions, you get better outcomes. For this reason, Labor is committed to continuing to improve our consultation efforts.

It is worth remembering that it was Labor who introduced a new Public Sector Act 2009 that made a requirement to consult one of its key principals. The former Act required that consultation only occur in respect of “signiďŹ cant matters’. Public sector agencies are therefore now required to ensure employees and their unions are consulted about all employment matters.

Family First has worked with the PSA on the Public Sector Act issues around mental health claims and on individual public servants’ cases.

We are not in Government or the potential alternate Government, so we feel that as Members of the Legislative Council we have, and will, consult with the PSA on legislative issues that are brought about by the next Government.

The Greens work cooperatively with many stakeholders including unions.

Our commitment to grassroots participatory democracy means that we strive to ensure those affected by decisions are consulted and heard when the decisions are made.

We will continue this approach regardless of the colour of government.

State Liberal Leader Steven Marshall has maintained an open dialogue with the PSA and has held regular meetings with them.

If elected Premier, Steven Marshall will meet with the PSA approximately every six weeks, and Liberal ministers will also conduct meetings with the PSA on a regular basis. This will ensure the PSA can present their members’ views to Government.

No response received by common deadline set for all parties.

Editor.

No response received by common deadline set for all parties.

Editor.

What is your party’s commitment to investing in our State’s future through the employment of trainees and graduates in the public sector?

The South Australian Government is introducing a new program to employ 200 trainees per year across the public sector. Almost 1000 people applied for these 200 positions in this ďŹ rst round.

This initiative will commence in early 2014 and will be in addition to existing agency traineeship programs. Successful trainees under this program will be appointed on an ongoing basis at the end of their traineeship. It is intended that this program be repeated annually over the next four years. Further information about this initiative and our others plans to build A MODERN PUBLIC SERVICE CAN BE FOUND AT WWW STRONGER SA GOV AU A MODERN PUBLIC service.

We can attest to the value of the trainee system, as we have trained 12 over our 8 years through our Legislative Council ofďŹ ces. We have found that a traineeship with us can be a springboard to other employment in the public or private sector. We need to employ public sector university graduates particularly in ďŹ elds that will beneďŹ t the state economically where there is a gap in private investment or where there is a long-term state strategic interest, for instance in agriculture and biosecurity.

The Greens will work with the Government and the PSA to lay out a plan for investing in the employment of trainees and graduates in the public sector. The Greens want an improved minimum employment standard for trainees and apprentices.

Furthermore, the Greens believe that the pay for thousands of apprentices needs to be increased to address the increasing apprentice drop-out rate in Australia.

The State Liberals will ensure the public sector becomes and remains an employer of choice, attractive to the highest calibre candidates, including young people. We will clearly deďŹ ne career paths within the public sector to encourage the recruitment of skilled young people. We will reinvigorate the graduate recruitment program and make the public sector an exciting career option for younger people. We will support trainees and ensure that performance reviews are conducted and feedback provided.

No response received by common deadline set for all parties.

Editor.

No response received by common deadline set for all parties.

Editor.

ELECTIONSPECIAL Is your party committed to maintaining the State industrial jurisdiction? Does your party support the enterprise bargaining process and collective bargaining, which recognises the legitimate right of unions to represent members?

Labor is committed to maintaining the State industrial jurisdiction, as well as the enterprise bargaining process and collective bargaining that recognises the important role of unions in it.

We support retaining a State industrial relations jurisdiction which, in effect, means South Australia regulates industrial affairs for its public sector employees where they are not captured by the broad Federal corporations power. We are, in general, supportive of states retaining their governance powers wherever possible, so that states do not become beholden to the ideology of a Federal Government. We recognise unions’ achievements over the years and right to represent their members, and the achievements of collective bargaining.

The Greens support the continuation of a State industrial relations system for the public sector and other areas not adequately covered by federal law. We believe that everyone has the right to be a member of a union, to collectively bargain, to collectively withhold labour, and to collectively organise in the workplace.

The Greens want an industrial relations system that protects and enhances the rights of employees and workers by facilitating industry-wide collective agreements that are union negotiated and exceed the Award standards. The Greens want an industrial relations system that conforms to international law, especially ILO conventions no. 87 on freedom of association and the right to organise (1948) and no. 98 on the right to organise and collective bargaining (1949).

The State Liberals have no plans to alter the State industrial jurisdiction. The State Liberals support the enterprise bargaining process and collective bargaining, which recognises the legitimate right of unions to represent members.

No response received by common deadline set for all parties.

Editor.

No response received by common deadline set for all parties.

Editor.

The Legislative Council of South Australia – Make sure your vote counts

P10 PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2014

PS Fire Assistance The recent record breaking heatwaves and attendant blast of bushfires brought out the best in members of our community – including public sector workers.

Apart from volunteer efforts from many individuals employed in the public sector, Government agencies were of course also heavily involved in protecting lives and property, and rendering assistance.

Members within the SA Fire and Emergency Services Commission, CFS, MFS, Hospitals and Health Services, SES, DPTI, SAPOL, SA Water, Forestry SA, Domiciliary Care, Disability Services, DEWNR, Housing SA, SafeWork SA

and PIRSA among others all had vital roles to play.

Even Corrections played a role, with many people unaware that low security prisoners often are asked to assist the CFS in rural locations.

In addition, it is recognised that members in many other agencies play valuable, and often unseen roles.

The prolonged heat and threat of fire required members to work beyond the usual working hours and many members were willingly on standby or working additional hours to ensure all possible efforts were made to help those in need.

The PSA thanks each and every person who went above and beyond to help during that crisis – and all those crises that can afflict our community.

Fire threatens at Eden Valley. Courtesy Adelaide Now, Dylan Coker

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.

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

HOLIDAY HOME AVAILABILITY : MARCH – JUNE 2014 Glenelg K. I. Pt Lincoln Pt Vincent Robe Goolwa Wirrina

March

April

May

June

22 - 30 ––– 22 - 28 ––– ––– 8 - 28 ––– 1-7 15 - 31 29 - 31 ––– 8 - 31 –––

1-4 26 - 30 ––– ––– ––– 5 - 11 26 - 30 1 - 11 26 - 30 1 - 11 26 - 30 1 - 11 26 - 30

1 - 31 ––– ––– 3-9 24 - 31 1 - 31 ––– 1 - 31 ––– 1 - 31 ––– 1 - 31 –––

1 - 27 ––– 7 - 27 1 - 27 ––– 1 - 27 ––– 1 - 27 ––– 1 - 27 ––– 1-6 14 - 27

PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2014 P11

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE 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. Reg until July 2014. 79000 kilom. $15,000 ONO. REG ZVR-263 Please call on 0423085933 for inspection.

For Sale - Leather Riding Boots X 2.

RM Williams all leather Riding Boots Size 8 1/2 B, Chocolate Brown colour $125.00.

Knee High (made to measure) all leather RW Williams Boots Size 8 1/2 B, Chocolate Brown colour $425.00 (seldom worn).

Both pairs in excellent condition and half price of new sale price.

Telephone Jennie on 0450 015 415 for further information.

For Sale – MOTOR BIKE Suzuki Boulevard 208, VL 800 Black Low Kms 3,300, Includes Saddle Bags, Back Rest etc $7,500 ONO Call Trevor: 0408863531 For Sale - Billiard table, 8 x 4 ft, walnut, 6 turned legs, Italian slate, English cloth. Very good condition.

Cues, balls, score board, cover and other accessories included.

Please call Mike on 0417 805 972 REAL ESTATE LUXURY/CORPORATE RENTAL AVAILABLE FOR SHORT OR LONG TERM RENTAL IN ENCOUNTER BAY SA @$600/week Fully furnished 2 storey/3 bed/2 bath in quiet location with panoramic ocean views over granite island and the bluff. Upstairs kitchen and living/dining with sliding doors which open out onto large deck. 5 min walk to the beach. A/C/security entry/no pets/contact Sue mobile 0499 637 360 TIMESHARE FOR SALE - 1 b/r apartment Gold Coast - $1500.00 o.n.o. Call Trevor on 0408863531 or Sue on 0408 867 573 for further enquiries TIMESHARE FOR SALE - 2 b/r, 6 person, 1 week @ Goolwa. Holiday Concepts system - 9250 pts.

Exchange Australia/worldwide. $1,000 o.n.o.

Please call Ian on 82841338 or 0402781573 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.

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

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

PSA DISCOUNT SERVICES WHATEVER THE SEASON IT’S ALWAYS A GOOD TIME TO USE YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD INCORPORATING THE AMBASSADOR CARD. Your 2014 PSA/CPSU Member Handbook is a great savings companion and offers an exciting range of benefits. You can easily save your annual Membership fee. Active members’ average savings are in excess of $1,000 per year, even more when using their card on holiday.

AMBASSADOR CARD UPDATE

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ADDITIONS

NATIONAL ADDITIONS

61 The Broadway, Glenelg South 5045 Ph: (08) 8295 2175 www.broadwayhotel.com.au Valid Lunch & Dinner: Monday thru Friday. Save up to $20 off one main course with the payment of a main course of equal or greater value.

Valid only in Bistro. Not available on any other promotions.

Gift Cards Dymocks & Priceline

Whenever you dine at selected, top quality participating restaurants around Australia the second main course is free. Fine dining and casual restaurants are waiting to welcome you in country and metropolitan South Australia.

A popular benefit is the ability to save on almost everything using pre-purchased gift cards. The Westfield Gift Card is valid at most stores within Westfield Shopping Centres including Bunnings at Marion. When replacing electrical items The Good Guys gift card saves 5%.

Buy online or call 1300 724 477.

It’s 2for1 at Carrick Hill, SA Aviation, Maritime, Motor, Tramway and Railway Museums, Adelaide Gaol, all National Trust properties and more.

Skydiving, Hahndorf Farm Barn, Gorge/Cleland Wildlife Parks give 25% off the advertised price..

Use the Andersen’s Ice cream, Subway, Domino’s and KFC vouchers in the back of the 2014 Member’s Handbook.

And that’s not all - save on wine, family photos, jewellery, skin care, hairdressing, dry cleaning, car wash/service, flowers etc. Campbell’s Cash and Carry welcomes PSA members and only require you to show your membership card at the checkout before paying.

We recommend you visit website www.cpsu.asn.au regularly to check new benefits as they become available.

Broadway Hotel

Have you taken the opportunity to purchase gift cards and save 5% on almost everything?

What Gift Cards are currently available to purchase?

Westfield, Kmart, Liquorland. The Good Guys, BCF, Supercheap Auto, Allmart, All Sports, Adrenalin, JB Hi-Fi, Ray’s Outdoors, Rebel Sport, Amart All Sports can be purchased by calling The Ambassador Card on 1300 724 477.

Contact PSA for Coles Supermarkets, Woolworths Ltd and Harris Scarfe Gift Cards.

For what amounts can I purchase a Gift Card?

You can buy listed Gift Cards in denominations of $100-$500 (even hundreds). Maximum order for each type of card is $1,000 /order.

Postage and Handling: $2.00 Normal mail, $5.00 Registered Post Post (all orders $500 or more).

How do I pay for the Gift Cards order?

Purchases can be made in person from the PSA, by phone or by downloading an order form from the “Membership” icon on the PSA web site (www.cpsu.asn.au).

How do I use a Gift Card?

When making a purchase, show your Card to the register operator. The value of your purchase will be deducted from the balance of your Gift Card; the remaining balance can be used until the value reaches zero. If your purchase exceeds the amount on your Gift Card you will need to pay the difference. Treat your Gift Card as if it were cash.

DELETIONS Cafe Blu, Pantai Thai Malay, Jolleys Boathouse Restaurant, Pakwan Indian & Nepalese Restaurant, Rickshaws, Regattas, Swiss on Terrace, TG’s Restaurant, Village Indian, The Promenade Restaurant

P12 PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2014

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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 PSA subscriptions are 0.95% of your substantive base salary (plus GST) to a maximum of the AS05 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 _______________________________________________________________________________________

.AME OF #REDIT 5NION &INANCIAL )NSTITUTION ____________________________________________________________

Home phone_______________________________ Gender _________________ Date of birth______________

!DDRESS OF #REDIT 5NION &INANCIAL )NSTITUTION __________________________________________________________ ) 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 "RANCH 303& 'ROUP MAY DEBIT OR CHARGE ME US THROUGH THE DIRECT DEBIT SYSTEM

Employment details Dept/agency _________________________________________________________________________________________ Work address

) WE UNDERSTAND AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE #REDIT 5NION &INANCIAL )NSTITUTION 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. !T 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.

03! #035 MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS MAY ALSO BE PAID BY CHEQUE MONEY ORDER OR CASH )F PAYING VIA THIS METHOD PLEASE MAKE CHEQUES AND MONEY ORDERS PAYABLE TO THE 03! #035 I wish to pay quarterly

Signature ______________________________________________________________ Date ___________________

I wish to pay half yearly

I wish to pay annually

Credit Card

) 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

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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 2014 www.cpsu.asn.au/training 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.

s 0UBLISHED SIX TIMES A YEAR

[[[ 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.

ReviewReview Review Review Election Co un PUBLIC

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s &ULL COLOUR PAGES s $IRECT MAILED

s 2EGULAR FEATURES

SEPTEMBE

Fight For Th

again under threat.

s 4RAVEL AND ENTERTAINMENT

Moves by the State Governm ent to change the method by which

TRUE COST OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CUTS

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s .EWS AND VIEWS

e People’s Ho

voters elect their representatives is a potential problem from attempts to abolish it. for the minor parties and indepen That ďŹ ght dents who have included media always played campaigning, a vital role in rallying, our vocal democracy. demonstrations of support and creation of a video.

The PSA has fought hard before to save the This latest propose Legislative Council d change will be monitored closely.

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

South East Meeting s PUBLIC SECTOR

PSA General McMahon met Secretary Jan and issues were canvassed and Worksite with members a general and Reps during concern was recent visit to noted the South-East. a about a decline in services.

Scheduled meetings “Workloads are were increasing, held in Mt Gambier and and passionate staff told us how Naracoorte with informal they are pushing themselves meetings held harder and harder on behalf members in other with other of their community to local centres. provide A wide variety vital services,� of concerns PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon said.

Forestry EB

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REVIEW JUNE/JULY

2013

eir Case

is on for major parties plan the next State for jobs and electio n, services. and the use of Social which is now Impact Bonds. less than four With the clock Direct question months away. s will be placed PSA is now seeking, ticking, the to both sides and concrete answers as a matter While both parties expected. A failure are meeting of priority, concrete answers regularly with to respond, to on the PSA and the issues it consider delivering message s critical to provide the required transpar ency s they hope both its members or to give adequat will provide some and the wider e detail, will comfort, neither community. be communicated is yet to commit broadly in the to anything of The leadPSA is speciďŹ ca real substance. lly seeking up to the election, so that pre-election all South Australians can commitments Over recent from make an informe months, the PSA Government d and Opposition has been seeking choice when they that go to the polls. assurances and they will: answers from The PSA ďŹ rmly believes the highest level of 1. Invest in our state’s Government and these Opposition. future issues must be addresse by employi d The leaders to ng trainees of both sides and ensure the public sector graduates, retains the have met with while the PSA Council making expertise and experien no further cuts .

Conciliatory statemen ce required to jobs and to meet the ts have been challenges of services. delivered, but service as yet neither delivery into the future. party 2. As SA’s biggest has delivered a ďŹ rm policy position employer lead We all need on a broad range the way for other to know how of employers by growing our the Public Sector. topics vital to maintaining job and ageing population security. will have its needs 3. Provide fair The tens of thousan met. and reasonab ds of hard le working, skilled, After all, cuts wages outcome to jobs are cuts s and protectio public sector n to services, workers deserve of existing conditio and the gap between better. ns. those needing 4. Rule They deserve out to know what help, privatisa and those the tion, receivin including through g it, continue outsourcing s to grow ever wider.

The role and impartiality of the Legislative Council – the People’s House – is once

ouncil

JUNE/ A JULY 2013

tdown Leaders Meet PSA C th Parties To State Th DECEMBER

Time For Bo

The countdown

Budget O ptimism Liberal

2011 R 2013 August R/OCTOBE

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use

The State Governm ent is using the outcome of the Senate election at a Federal level as a reason to change voting methods at a State level.

The PSA believes this potentially diminishes the role of minor parties .........continued on page 8

u n au asn.a

www.cpsu.

programs, not job cuts. “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 condition of employment it. which In his Budge is protected by Jan McMahon Enterprise t Reply speech , Premier Jay Agreements Weatherill Parliament, or Industrial and Lindsay in Awards.

Mr Marshall, Oxlad said the in brief, 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 ity Program that and the econom Job Secur would have announced need, and that services to people in measures y; resulted in the previously The Govern loss of 300 savings 3. Making South this would . sing the Full ment’s forward 2014, Budget Addres Time 6 continu suppor g June decisio Australia a Equivalent t our society bringin e to services for the 2015-1 n to put after 30 School Service (FTE) more than a attractive place South Austra through difďŹ cul intended for end tenure decrease only ďŹ nancial times. ised, rather s originally policy to lian familie and busines signiďŹ cant to live. t that this could to be maxim the These 300 positio OfďŹ cer positions. s s ahead noted the rill advised is an asset highlighted He also sed. “The Treasu ns equate to cuts was welcom of further direct job Mr Weathe While little be minimi revenue but es in place. tough his role rer understands met with up to 600 staff, many burden to ed. ed that in detail was in public ment during good process are already part time, who Weatherill people rill explain the key empha occur with provided, option, “In our ongoin struggling role of govern government’s will now be Mr Weathe Premier Jay cil in late August, retained, beneďŹ t important to make ends declined the 4... that the sis was the meet and g dialogu er he had further Government ing Oppos times. need more focus on small He advised continued on page as Treasur that it was the PSA Coun ise he’d made economic , of making since the Global e with the State, includi employment across help through services from business develo ition the Budget rill advised achieve Crisis hit, we a prom Financial in ng regional Government, The Oppos things, not in framing pment. means to Mr Weathe keepi ng have empha meeti ng centres. how to do not less. ition Leade cuts as a “He is also of “Public Sector sised the States. “to look at Coun cil for responsible r ruled out major job peopleâ€?. massive job d in other the view that return important workers are durin g a ďŹ nancial manag need with fewer has occurre unemploymen many cuts in the Public increasing people, doing PSA Genera real savings as that he would ed that doing things ement,â€? t just ary and but identiďŹ real jobs and Sector, l Secretary r did not quanti reducing service ng Febru delivery by Jan McMahon adding real The Premie said.

Budget. made, includi fy this. value to the slashin his community,� ns had been after his first He said the about is counter-produ g Public Sector jobs spoke Ms McMahon tough decisio previously said. “We have ctive..�

Sector Premier announced Audit Comm The made it clear, the Public Over the past ission would research and view that through two decade be replaced reports, that Government’s 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, ďŹ nanci y, The al decisio PSA was less need to contem and job securit ns, receptive of plate the impact Government’s on job cuts and the people who Questioned on the tion cuts rely on them.â€? dividend announ increased efďŹ ciency that Opposi Steve n to the ced in the Budget In deliver he advised Lead er be similar ing his Ms McMa s would .

Oppo sition Budget, Mr Weatherill hon, said: tenure policie the September made ssed “Impor for PSA membe it clear that understood no rs and the commutantly Marshall addre he Government’s. this. cil. any efďŹ cien that he had nity, ll advised PSA Coun cy dividen ed in Mr Marsha d savings meeting of ation come from as is propos can his present reductions e prisons, ll introduced wrong or delays plans to privatis Opposition Mr Marsha work in saw nothing to Leader if elected, but that he

PREMIER

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LEADER

that he will, and by stating public sector, with the partnership the PSA. work with continue to

2013 P9

24/7 CARE NEEDED FOR YOUTHS

NEW SA UNIONS’ GOALS

Queensland, assets. with selling

SSO WEEK IONS CELEBRAT

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NEW RAH UPDATE

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Win

Prolonged negotiations have resulted the PSA worked in a positive EB with other unions win for Forestry members. Over to negotiate a The PSA steadfastly good faith agreement the past 14 months, sought an outcome with Forestry SA no less than management.

Enterprise Agreement the agreement achieved Earlier this year in the parity Public achieved last year. management delivered Sector It was unanimously a draft agreement decried by unions and the PSA campaignedwhich fell far short of this At that ballot goal.

91% did vote actively for members “NO� and that management-driven Negotiation resumed to vote “NO�. agreement was and subsequently A revised agreement defeated. all disputed matters was submitted to staff for ballot were resolved.

PSA urging members and it received overwhelming This was a good support, with to vote “YES�. outcome for members the who should be They had the congratulated courage to say for their persistence. no, and stood up for their rights.

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Response to Budget

BUDGET SUBMISSIO NS

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Steven Marshall

PSA WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

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meets with

PSA

SOUTH EAST MEETINGS

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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

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

being in the black or in the red.

These decisions impact on lives and future circumstances of the people of South Australia.

The PSA demands to know what each party intends to do with job numbers, job security and retention of vital services.

The parties must advise which services they intend to cut.

If they refuse, if they obfuscate, if they defer to a commission or committee or review panel which will make a decision after the election, this will be challenged.

The people of this State deserve to know what is planned for their future – before they vote, not after.

The PSA will demand that they are made aware, and will ďŹ ght for the best outcome for our community and our members.

Review NEW HOLIDAY PENALTY RATES DESERVED

HOSPITAL SECURITY GAINS TRACTION

BEST LEGAL/ INDUSTRIAL WIN FOR WORKERS AWARD

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