Public Sector Review - July 2017

Review Public Sector

Public Sector Review Magazine • July 2017

6

Don’t buy it The big lies about privatisation

www.cpsu.asn.au

8

Enterprise Bargaining

12

Know Your Rights TOIL and Flexitime

19

Asbestos in Indonesia

CONTENTS From the General Secretary: 132 Years of Success

3

From the President: Together we are the Union

4

From the Assistant General Secretary: SA Not For Sale

5

INDUSTRIAL NEWS Don’t Buy it: The Big Lies about Privatisation

6

Enterprise Bargaining

8

Know Super Budget Changes at a Glance

9

Regional News

10

State Budget

11

Know Your Rights TOIL and Flexitime

12

Worksite Representative Forum

13

Restorative Engagement Program for SAPOL

14

SSO Reclassification

15

Transforming Health Update

16

WELCOME TO THE NEW REVIEW Welcome to your new look Public Sector Review magazine.

After more than two decades in the newspaper style - the Public Sector Review magazine has been reinvigorated with a modern design and A4 format that we hope you will find easier to read, more informative and also interactive with the introduction of our new online version.

As we move forward we also want to hear stories about you and your colleagues. If you know of a member with a great story to tell, contact us and send your photos to enquiries@cpsu.asn.au.

We thank you for your ongoing support and hope that you enjoy your new Public Sector Review.

As you leaf through your latest edition, you will see more photos of fellow members than ever before.

MEMBER NEWS Q&A With Perry Dean

18

Asbestos in Indonesia

19

Anna Stewart Memorial Project 20 Q&A With Christian Hagivassilis 21 Out and About With PSA Members

22

MEMBER BENEFITS Heart Disease

It’s not just a man’s problem

24

PSA Holiday Home: Robe

25

Competition News

26

Training Calendar

27

FEDERAL WEBSITE The website has general interest, a links page and specific sections for women, schools , higher education and corrective services

www.cpsu-spsf.asn.au

2

Public Sector Review Magazine | July 2017

Review Public Sector

The Public Sector Review is an official publication of the Public Service Association of SA Inc and the Community and 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: enquiries@cpsu.asn.au

Designed and Printed on Recycled and Sustainably sourced paper by Created 2 Print, 107 Sturt Street, Adelaide SA. www.created2print.com The Public Sector Review’s official publication number is PP565001/0010.

Volume 1, Number 1.

Responsibility for political content in this publication is taken by Nev Kitchin.

Cover Image: Worksite Representatives

A message from the General Secretary

132 YEARS OF SUCCESS by

Nev Kitchin

The PSA has achieved a great deal over the past 132 years.

We’ve recovered millions of dollars in underpaid wages and entitlements, helped thousands of members with workers compensation claims, overseen a complete transformation of classification and salary levels, and worked to maintain some of the best working conditions in the world.

Despite this success, our greatest challenge today is to maintain the ability to keep up the fight. A union is only as strong as its membership base.

This is increasingly evident as we encounter a new generation of public sector employees who are unsure about joining. The importance of being a union member has become obscure for many.

That may seem strange when you consider what is going on around us.

Unemployment and underemployment is unacceptably high, particularly for young people; our jails are at capacity and the home detention system may buckle under the strain; services for vulnerable children are tragically understaffed; and thousands of Housing Trust properties are being taken over and managed by NGOs, or sold off as part of an ongoing stock reduction program.

However, the reality is that to win people’s support we first must get their attention. In an increasingly busy world, with multiple competing priorities, the people we are trying to reach are

www.cpsu.asn.au

overloaded with options. Unions are not alone; the magnitude of choice is a major challenge confronting most organisations. We need to work hard to ensure that people see belonging to their union as synonymous with fair working and employment conditions.

This is particularly important as we see more and more public sector positions under attack through privatisation.

“ Our members

have consistently negotiated and received real pay rises

”

Already a significant government ICT service contract has been awarded to a multinational company, affecting hundreds of public sector positions, and hundreds more will be affected by changes to the NDIS. The Government also seems determined to privatise the Lands Titles and State Valuation Office and there are genuine concerns about other public services including Medical Imaging.

governments and private businesses alike is to employ a “global” worker at the lowest cost. Put simply, this is an “Uber” worker available for hire at the lowest cost with no ongoing employment status.

The challenges are great, but we will overcome them by working together.

It is critical that we maintain and continue to build the PSA as a force to be reckoned with when we, our fellow members, friends and family are under siege.

Our members have consistently negotiated and received real pay rises and have access to world class conditions of employment. We must fight to maintain and improve conditions of employment in all our enterprise agreements.

We must encourage and nurture the members of tomorrow to ensure that the things previous generations worked for are not lost, that our future generations have the best working protections, and that we retain a world class public sector.

As the world becomes an even smaller global village, the temptation for all

3

A message from the President

TOGETHER WE ARE THE UNION

by Michael Griffiths

If a non-member asks you what your union has done for you, you could start with a little bit of history about the union movement. Tell them about the decades of work and commitment needed to achieve the eight-hour day or the many benefits we now take for granted, such as superannuation, maternity leave and annual leave.

Of course, they are likely to say something like “that’s great, but that was then, this is now, what’s in it for me and why should I join the PSA?” But the history provides the context that sets up the modern story. It is the proven ability to fight for workers and the established place that unions have in Australia’s way of life that equips us to continue the fight.

conditions. And we stand up for those in unsafe working environments so, at the end of the working day, families remain whole.

People join unions so that together they can fight to retain and improve everyday working conditions. Unions stand up to social injustices. We work in unison to improve living standards. We strive to achieve world-class employment

After engaging with members through meetings and surveys, the PSA has completely reviewed the Salaried Enterprise Agreement from start to finish – every clause – and redrafted relevant parts to ensure these

To continue to achieve and retain these protections in an environment where we are seeing a dimunution and attack on such conditions, we need a strong Enterprise Agreement.

protections are strong for members and to continue to improve our working experiences into the future.

Become familiar with your EB proposals, discuss them with your colleagues and demonstrate your support. In this way, we will continue to stand together in a modern public service where the work unions and their members do continues to be important.

Together we can continue improving our working conditions. With the strength of each other we are the union.

Above: PSA and CPSU SPSF Group (South Australian Branch) Council. www.cpsu.asn.au/about-the-psacpsu/ psaspsf-council

4

Public Sector Review Magazine | July 2017

A message from the Assistant General Secretary

SA NOT FOR SALE

by Natasha Brown

When will this Government understand that the South Australian public will not tolerate having our public services and assets sold out from underneath us?

All PSA members should be very concerned about privatisation, whether or not their own agencies are currently in the firing line. It is not a question of if, but when, the next agency will be targeted.

Privatisation is a lazy, short-term and rather desperate attempt to find a solution by an administration that doesn’t want to be accountable for what it was elected to do - serve the people.

By targeting one department or function at a time, it thinks the public either won’t notice or won’t understand the gravity of what is happening.

When the Government sells off our assets for a quick budget cash injection, it comes at the expense of our entire community, leaving us with poorer quality services at a higher cost.

PSA VISION STATEMENT 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.

www.cpsu.asn.au

It will not stop here unless we are prepared to stand up and fight to keep South Australian services in South Australian hands.

The Government’s current strategy appears to be an attempt to “divide and conquer”.

Such vital services as the Land Services Group, the Courts Administration Authority, Return to Work SA (Injury Management) and now ICT services across government are already under threat.

The PSA will achieve this by: • ensuring job security for members

• improvement of members’ wages and working conditions

• member involvement

• provision of industrial support and other valued benefits to members

• effective management supported by trained professional staff • continual improvement of its operations

• promotion of the vital role of the public sector in the economy and community.

5

DON’T BUY IT:

THE BIG LIES ABOUT

PRIVATISATION The privatisation agenda implemented over the past 30 years has been disastrous for workers and our communities.

Governments of both political persuasions have privatised – and continue to privatise - our public services and assets, despite public opinion being firmly opposed.

Politicians have wised-up though and stopped using the word ‘privatisation’, and instead we hear about outsourcing, voucher systems, ‘user choice’ models, public-private-partnerships (PPPs), social impact bonds, and the commercialisation of public services.

Despite the rhetoric of privateers, all forms of privatisation have resulted in declining service quality, less accountability, and higher costs.

Ultimately, the privatisation agenda has meant that maximising private profit has become the driving force in public policy - rather than the public interest.

The first step in challenging the privatisation agenda is debunking the lies the privateers are trying to sell us.

Here are a few of the big lies we are told:

6

1. Privatisation is cheaper Governments justify privatisation by saying that it is cheaper, and therefore a more efficient use of taxpayer dollars than government-run services. There are often hidden costs which are not taken into account when assessing the case for privatisation, eg. the cost of scoping privatisation proposals and monitoring the private provider. Companies ensure contracts are carefully written to maximise their profits, and will charge government a premium for any services over and above what is stipulated in the contract.

Privateers also claim that privatisation will not result in price rises for the public, and will actually be cheaper because competition will drive down prices. In practice, we know this isn’t the case – one look at our electricity bills tells us that privatisation does nothing to make essential services more affordable. The privatisation of monopolies can also lead to price gouging of the public: in the first year of privatisated Compulsory Third Party insurance, fees rose by four times the

Public Sector Review Magazine | July 2017

By Clare Middlemas Top: Clare Middlemas, Clare is the National Campaigns Officer at our federal union, the CPSU (Community and Public Sector Union) Right: Lands Titles Office Building in Grenfell Street

rate of Adelaide’s inflation. There are fears that the privatisation of the lands titles registry will lead to similar price rises for homebuyers. Since the lands titles registry in Canada was privatised, there has been a dramatic increase in the cost of title surveys and the added cost of homebuyers needing to take out title insurance.

“Politicians have

wised-up and stopped using the word ‘privatisation’

”

2. Not-for-profits (NFPs) are better at running public services The public is skeptical about for-profit companies running public services, so handing over services to NFPs is increasingly attractive for governments.

The NFP sector has a vital role to play in our society, but politicians are using NFPs as tools for privatisation. The privatisation agenda is also negatively impacting the NFPs themselves, forcing them to corporatise and prioritise

winning government contracts in order to survive, which can distract from their core mission. The tender process favours larger organisations at the expense of smaller NFPs, as government contracts are often too big for smaller organisations to bid on.

The advent of individualised funding arrangements (another clever form of privatisation) like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), could also negatively impact the service NFPs provide.

With NDIS allocating funding to individuals, the funding of disability organisations will be less certain, and many may receive a reduced income. This funding pressure is likely to lead to negative impacts on workers, as well as have a detrimental impact on service quality.

3. Privatisation is the only way governments can finance services and infrastructure The term ‘asset recycling’ is often used by politicians as a way of creating an artificial link between the privatisation of assets and the funding of new infrastructure. Promising to build new roads or stadiums if a state owned asset is ‘recycled’ is about making privatisation more palatable to voters – and making it harder for people to say ‘no’ to privatisation. For revenuegenerating services such as lands titles registries, it makes no economic sense to sell these in order to fund other infrastructure that will not generate revenue for government. Privatisation is also an easy fix for governments to avoid going into debt, which is seen as too politically risky. This is also the

www.cpsu.asn.au

motivation for entering into PPPs to build infrastructure – despite the fact that governments can borrow money at a lower rate of interest than private companies.

While it might be better politics to privatise for a short-term sugar fix of cash and to avoid going into debt, it is short-sighted. The more sensible, longterm solution would be ensuring that corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share of tax to fund public services.

To win the fight against privatisation we must expose the truth: that privatisation does not benefit our community.

Our union is working to debunk these lies and examine the real impact of privatisation through our initiative The People’s Inquiry into Privatisation. For more information visit: peoplesinquiry.org.au and like our facebook page at www.facebook.com/ peoplesinquiryintoprivatisation

7

ENTERPRISE BARGAINING The PSA has undertaken a comprehensive review and redraft of the enterprise agreement covering most PSA members for the first time in nearly 20 years as part of this round of enterprise bargaining.

The predecessor to the South Australian Public Sector Wages Parity Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2014 was first struck in 1999.

“The PSA is determined to ensure that the new agreement meets members’ current needs and expectations to the extent possible, and provides the maximum protections for members,” says PSA General Secretary Nev Kitchin.

“I am determined to ensure that this enterprise bargaining process is driven by members, and by matters members have identified as being important to them.”

The PSA formed an expert enterprise bargaining team to undertake the extensive work of reviewing and redrafting the current agreement as well as drafting new proposals for a new agreement.

This team has worked closely with PSA Industrial Officers to ensure that the PSA’s proposals reflect the needs and feedback of members which has been derived from extensive membership engagement and is summarised in the document “What You Have Told Us”. http://www.cpsu.asn.au/enterprisebargaining/documents

Now, when members seek industrial advice – even on basic matters such as leave or hours of work - it is sometimes difficult to determine where the source of the particular condition or entitlement is found.

Commissioner’s Determinations and Guidelines do not require agreement and can be unilaterally changed at any time.

Conditions in an enterprise agreement are locked in for the life of the agreement and cannot be unilaterally changed.

“Having conditions and entitlements contained in the enterprise agreement will provide the protections members need,” says Nev Kitchin.

The key word in the term “Enterprise Agreement” is “agreement”.

“There is no agreement unless people – in this case PSA members – agree”, says Nev Kitchin.

Enterprise Agreements can cover most employment conditions, how much say members have about what happens in their workplace, and how they are treated at work.

Our proposed new agreement brings most conditions together into one document, with the protections of an enterprise agreement.

8

Public Sector Review Magazine | July 2017

PSA members have determined which matters are the subject of negotiations for their new agreement – and will ultimately determine what is eventually contained in their new enterprise agreement.

Nev Kitchin says, “Enterprise agreements are fundamental to establishing the level of respect and dignity with which members are treated at work.”

With negotiations now well underway for a new agreement, the PSA is confident our proposals - expertly drafted and thoroughly considered – form a robust basis for negotiating a new agreement that will contain the protections members need and expect, in both the immediate and longer term.

“It is now important for members to get to know the proposals, continue to engage with colleagues and the PSA, and to demonstrate their commitment to achieving a strong agreement of which we can all be proud,” Nev Kitchin says.

Want to know your proposals? The full PSA draft Salaried Enterprise Agreement and an overview are available to download from the PSA website at: www.cpsu.asn.au/enterprisebargaining Have questions or feedback?

Email the PSA at youragreement@cpsu.asn.au

KNOW SUPER –

BUDGET CHANGES AT A GLANCE The superannuation reforms announced in the 2016 Federal Budget were some of the most significant changes in a decade.

Here are some of the key changes that may impact you, when introduced on 1 July 2017.

Non-Concessional contributions (After-tax contributions) • The Non-concessional contribution cap will be reduced from $180,000 to $100,000 per year. Members under age 65 can bring forward two years to contribute up to $300,000 in one year.

• Individuals with a total super balance of $1.6 million or above on 30 June 2017 will have a non-concessional contribution cap of zero. Where the total super balance is over $1.4 million, there are restrictions to the bring forward of future years. The total super balance includes all super accounts, including those in retirement phase.

Concessional contributions (Employer and Salary Sacrifice contributions) • The concessional contributions cap will be reduced to $25,000 per year for all ages.

• This change affects all taxed super funds.

• The change does not affect the Triple S, Lump Sum and Pension schemes.

However, the amount of concessional contributions made to these schemes will be counted towards the cap, if a member also contributes concessional contributions to a taxed super fund.

Transition to Retirement (TTR and EATS) Investment income supporting Transition to Retirement (including Early Access to Super - EATS) Income Streams will be taxed up to 15% (previously it was tax exempt) from 1 July 2017. This change will apply, irrespective of when the transition to retirement income stream commenced.

www.cpsu.asn.au

Transfer Balance Cap • A $1.6 million cap will apply on the total amount of superannuation that can be transferred into Retirement Phase accounts. Transition to Retirement income streams do not count towards the Transfer Balance Cap. • Those already retired with more than $1.6 million in retirement phase accounts will need to either transfer the excess back into pre-retirement accounts or withdraw the excess amount from super.

• Lifetime Pensions (including the Super SA Pension Scheme) also count towards the $1.6 million transfer balance cap. They will be valued at 16 times the total annual pension. Those over the $1.6 million cap will not be required to commute a lifetime pension, however they will need to reduce the excess amount from any other retirement phase accounts.

Tax Rebate for Untaxed Lifetime Pensions • Where the sum of lifetime pensions is over $100,000, additional tax will be payable.

• For Untaxed Lifetime Pensions (including the Super SA Pension Scheme), the 10% tax offset will not apply to income over $100,000. For Taxed Lifetime Pensions, 50% of the excess will be included as assessable income and taxed at marginal tax rates.

Low Income contributions The new low income superannuation tax offset (LISTO) will replace the existing low income superannuation contribution (LISC).

Only concessional contributions to taxed super funds (eg Super SA Select) count towards eligibility for the LISTO. Spouse tax offset The tax offset of up to $540 remains for individuals contributing to their spouse’s super account however the income threshold has increased to $40,000.

It gradually reduces once the spouse’s income reaches $37,000 and cuts out entirely when incomes reach $40,000.

Removal of anti-detriment payments (Taxed Funds Only) The provision for anti-detriment payments is being removed. These payments, added to certain lump sum death benefits, refund the 15% contributions tax paid within taxed super funds.

For more information on the above changes, visit www.supersa.sa.gov.au and www.ato.gov.au. For specific guidance in relation to your own personal financial situation and needs, you should talk to a financial planner.

Disclaimer The information in this article is of a general nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Super SA recommends that before making any decisions about your scheme/product, you consider the appropriateness of this information in the context of your own objectives, financial situation and needs and seek financial advice from a licensed financial adviser in relation to your financial position and requirements.

9

REGIONAL NEWS The PSA visited 102 regional worksites during the last six months after reinstating regular regional visits as part of a renewed PSA focus to support our regionally based members.

To ensure that the voice and strength of our regional members continues to be heard, the PSA visited various regional sites including Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Clare, Naracoorte, Millicent, Mount Gambier and Berri.

High workloads was identified as the number one issue across all regions,

contributed to by a number of factors, including a failure to fill positions. Members have reported that some managers have used this as a money saving tactic, with existing employees expected to deliver a service that is not possible with the current staffing levels.

In some cases, ongoing positions have been advertised as 12 month contracts with an indicated promise that the position will be ongoing. Such a practice generates an understandable anxiety with country based members and is a further reason why the PSA has attempted the strengthen the current provisions within the PSA Enterprise Agreement proposals.

Empowering regional members by discussing ways to address some of these issues and to ensure that members know their rights at work is at the forefront of future regional visits.

PSA Regional Co-ordinator Alan Wheeldon will be visiting regional worksites again in August. If you would like the PSA to visit your workplace, contact the PSA on (08) 8205 3200 or email enquiries@cpsu.asn.au to arrange a future visit.

PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING – DEPARTMENT FOR CHILD PROTECTION The Department for Child Protection Chief Executive decision to require existing employees to undergo intrusive psychological testing has been in contention for six months now.

The Department initially refused to consult with members or the PSA about its decision.

Following a formal dispute process in the Industrial Relations Commission some consultation has now occurred. However many questions remain unanswered, and members retain serious concerns about the proposed testing and the potential implications arising from it.

10

These outstanding issues include concerns about the relevance of the highly intrusive tests, which could have long-standing effects on future employment and personal relationships, and concerns about the purposes for which any recommendations arising from the tests may be used.

The PSA has been made aware that the psychological testing process involves extremely personal questions about sexual experiences and preferences, fidelity, IVF, why couples may be childless, use of dating websites,

Public Sector Review Magazine | July 2017

fantasies and even history of ‘one night stands’.

These questions are extremely intrusive, embarrassing, stressful, incredibly private, and probably irrelevant. There is also a lack of clarity and commitment about how the information may used, as well as the security of the storage of the information. This raises extremely serious questions about the impact on members’ personal and family lives and future employment.

Under the current proposals, such extremely personal and sensitive information could well be accessible within the public sector across agencies, with a potential to be accessed outside.

2017 - 2018 STATE BUDGET The 2017-18 State Budget released in June included a significant win for the SA community with funding announced to continue for the Statewide Gambling Therapy Service until at least 2018.

“This is a major win for PSA members, achieved by strong ongoing campaigning and lobbying,” says PSA General Secretary Nev Kitchin.

The service was proposed to close earlier this year. But thanks to the sustained efforts of PSA members and the community, this important service will continue into the future with a government commitment to fund the service through additional revenue raised by the Wagering Tax. The PSA also welcomes infrastructure projects and community initiatives in the Budget which should generate jobs and investment for South Australia. However, the PSA warns that the improvements and

The PSA is recommending that no employee submit themselves to psychological testing until their concerns are resolved.

PSA members see the decision to require them to submit to this psychological testing as being unjust, unfair and unreasonable. The PSA is assisting members lodge applications for reviews of this employment decision. All members are being encouraged to consider lodging an application for review.

initiatives must not come at the cost of losing valuable public assets or a strong public sector.

“The PSA expects there to be sufficient resources in the Budget to ensure that our public services are able to operate safely and efficiently,” says PSA Assistant General Secretary Natasha Brown.

“There is a lack of new investment in the 2017-18 State Budget for the public sector.”

“Adequate resourcing is critical as public servants staff our hospitals; they keep our community safe; they look after vulnerable children; and they assist to build our children’s education.”

The PSA also continues to actively oppose the privatisation of public assets such as the Lands Titles Office (LTO), announced in last year’s Budget - and other public services such as ICT. There are genuine concerns about increased costs and the protection and security of information arising from the “commercialisation” of the LTO. “Commercialisation and outsourcing is just privatisation by another name,” says Nev Kitchin.

“All (privatisation) results in less accountability and higher costs that will be worn in future by the South Australian community, and declining service quality.”

The Budget also does not appear to include any additional funding for the implementation of key Nyland Royal Commission recommendations, for example abandoning the use of commercial carers and single-handed shifts in residential care.

While there is a boost of $86.5m for child protection - the majority of the funding is to be provided to non-government organisations.

The PSA will continue to campaign for protections for children and young people and the PSA members who dedicate their lives to providing care and services for them.

PSA members are encouraged to provide feedback and information to the PSA at enquiries@cpsu.asn.au regarding Budget implications, particularly on how members, South Australian families and the community will be affected.

PSA members’ highest priority is the protection of children – but they also require that basic principles of natural justice be honoured in their employment relationships.

www.cpsu.asn.au

11

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Confused about TOIL and Flexitime?

During membership meetings the issue of TOIL and Flexitime often arises. The wording in the South Australian Public Sector Wages Parity Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2014 does not help as the two topics are mixed together into one section. The PSA’s Draft Salaried Enterprise Agreement proposal clarifies the key differences between the two topics.

The following Q and A may help explain the differences in these entitlements: Q What is TOIL? A Time Off In Lieu OF PAYMENT OF OVERTIME. The last few words are often dropped off the acronym, but TOIL is simply an alternative to receiving payment for working overtime.

Q Why would I take TOIL if I could just get paid overtime?

A The flexibility of extra time off that TOIL provides can be more beneficial for some employees, depending on their preference. In most circumstances TOIL is only available at the request of the employee and the subsequent agreement of the employer.

Q What happens if I am asked to work overtime – but only on the basis of taking TOIL? A Confirm with your manager that there was no agreement for TOIL and that you seek payment of overtime for the additional hours worked.

Q Can I be denied access to a flexitime arrangement?

A Yes, a flexitime arrangement is by agreement between you and your employer. Your employer would have to explain why you were not allowed access to a flexitime arrangement and, if this appears unfair, you could initiate a grievance.

Q My current flexitime rules say I can’t accrue more than 15 hours in each flexitime period. What happens if I do?

A Speak to your manager in the first instance. If the hours slowly build up and you do not get the chance to take those hours you could request that the hours are carried over, or in exceptional cases that the hours are converted to a payment.

Q What is Flexitime?

A Flexitime is a flexible arrangement of working time agreed between an employee and their employer at the workplace. Flexitime allows employees to negotiate how, and when hours will be worked within agreed limits and conditions. Flexitime arrangements do not increase or reduce the total number of ordinary hours that must be worked by an employee.

12

Public Sector Review Magazine | July 2017

There are times where agreement is needed or requests have to be made. The current PSA Draft Salaried Enterprise Agreement proposals have attempted to tighten up and make simpler the whole issue of TOIL and Flexitime to ensure employees’ entitlements are clear.

The answers in this Q and A are general and do not cover every workplace circumstance.

For clarification and assistance on Flexitime and TOIL matters contact the PSA Members’ Rights Hotline on (08) 8205 3227 for guidance.

PSA MEMBERS’ RIGHTS HOTLINE For information and advice on your working and employment conditions, contact the PSA Members’ Rights Hotline between 8:45am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

Phone: (08) 8205 3227 Email: enquiries@cpsu.asn.au

www.cpsu.asn.au

SAVE THE DATE

PSA WORKSITE REPRESENTATIVE FORUM

A Forum date for 2018 has already been set so if you missed out attending in 2017 – save 4 May 2018 in your calendar to ensure that you don’t miss out next year. Details will be released early in the New Year.

PSA Worksite Representatives committed to continue building our union to ensure that we have a strong position to protect the public sector from attacks, at the first PSA Worksite Representative Forum.

Held in April, nearly 100 PSA Worksite Representatives gathered together to strategise on the Forum theme: Campaigning to Win. With a diverse range of agencies and departments represented, Worksite Representatives addressed issues facing public sector workers today, including unpacking the myths of the public service and discussing strategies to overcome challenges.

In a keynote address from ACTU Associate Director of Field Organising, Emma Kingdon, Worksite Representatives heard about her broad campaign experience, especially the

www.cpsu.asn.au

lessons from the Build a Better Future (National) and the Save Our Services (WA) Campaigns. Emma discussed the competing workplace interests between workers and management and what we can do to get our issues on the agenda and how to resolve them favourably.

Interested in becoming a PSA Worksite Representative? Contact your PSA Industrial Officer/ Organiser or the PSA Members’ Rights Hotline on (08) 8205 3227 for more information.

As a Forum outcome, the PSA has also started work on creating a new Worksite Representatives Handbook to assist our Worksite Representatives in the great work they do.

If you are a PSA Worksite Representative with content ideas that would help support you in your union role, email us at enquiries@cpsu.asn.au.

13

Features of the program include;

RESTORATIVE ENGAGEMENT

PROGRAM FOR SAPOL The Restorative Engagement Program – an initiative from the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) – is now accessible for current and former employees of SAPOL who have experienced sexual harassment or sex discrimination in the workplace.

The development of the Restorative Engagement Program was one of the recommendations from the EOC’s Independent Review into Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Predatory Behaviour in South Australia Police that was released in December 2016.

the stories of sexual harassment and sex discrimination that their current and past employees have endured while working at SAPOL. The purpose of this process is to allow people to tell their story, voice their concerns and the impact of their experience and identify any areas they see for potential change with SAPOL.

• That no further harm is done to people who come forward to share their story.

• The alleged perpetrator of harassment and discrimination does not take part in the restorative engagement process.

• Confidential practices are in place.

• People can still access complaint mechanisms and participating in the program does not prevent these processes being accessed.

• The program is staffed by experienced and independent mediators.

It is envisaged the program will also contribute to positive cultural change due to greater insights from such stories being shared with senior leaders.

Top Left: The PSA met with Belinda (left) and Kate (right) from Restorative Engagement Program in May to discuss the initiative. Pictured with PSA Assistant General Secretary Natasha Brown (centre).

Restorative Engagement Program For South Australia Police

This unique program provides an opportunity for current and former sworn and unsworn employees who have worked at SAPOL over the last 10 years and who have experienced sex discrimination and/or sexual harassment within SAPOL, to come forward and tell their story. The program is safe, voluntary, confidential and independent.

Have you experienced sex discrimination or sexual harassment while working at the South Australia Police?

The program has trained senior, selected SAPOL leaders to participate in a conference process to directly hear

For more information on the criteria and for a safe and confidential enquiry contact the Restorative Engagement Program Team on Ph: 8226 0350 or www.eoc.sa.gov.au/REP

14

Public Sector Review Magazine | July 2017

Do you want an opportunity to share your story and the impact this has had for you in a safe and confidential environment?

Would you like the opportunity to contribute to organisational change?

This Equal Opportunity Commission initiative invites you to tell your story and have your voice heard.

SSO

RECLASSIFICATION A number of School Services Officer (SSO) PSA members have successfully been reclassified after the PSA SSO1-SSO2 reclassification initiative was launched late last year.

With input from SSOs, the PSA has developed a new Work Level Diary that enables applicants to clearly define the work they do, the duties they are responsible for, and the level of direction under which they complete their work.

Following the Government’s decision that SSOs be covered under the Public Sector Act 2009 Part 7, SSOs now

www.cpsu.asn.au

have their reclassification applications reviewed under the Commissioner’s Determination 5, Classification and Remuneration for Employees Attachment 3 Classification Standards: Classification Rules and Requirements.

Some of the benefits of these changes include shorter time frames for DECD to decide their review, the ability to request a DECD internal review of their decision, and if an employee is still not satisfied, SSOs have access to an external review process as outlined in the Public Sector Act 2009, Subdivision 2 Review of Employment Decisions Section 62 External Review.

The PSA has been visiting SSOs in schools across Adelaide over the last few months to provide workshops and information on the new reclassification approach.

More workshops are on the way.

The first will be held during the July school holidays on Thursday 20 July at Tanunda Primary School. The threehour workshop will commence at 9:00am and is open to all SSOs.

For more information or to host a workshop at your worksite, contact the PSA on (08) 8205 3200.

Pictured: The PSA visited SSOs in the Riverland in June for a partnership development day. PSA Councillor Marg Tonkin with Ali, Jenny and Stella.

15

TRANSFORMING HEALTH UPDATE The new Royal Adelaide Hospital (nRAH) has finally reached the Commercial Acceptance project milestone and is on track for the opening on Tuesday 5 September 2017.

Inpatients will be shifted into the state-of-the-art facility over a three day clinical period on 4, 5, 6 September.

The Emergency Department (ED) at the new hospital will start taking new patients at 7:00am on 5 September with the old ED officially closing at the same time. Ramp down will commence six weeks prior to the move.

Ramp Down Pathways have been drafted to enable transfer of patients from the RAH ED that would mean direct admissions where the beds are situated. This will also include nearby country hospitals.

The PSA and management have commenced meetings to work through issues in relation to administrative resources and functions with the nRAH. This will include the Roma Mitchell Building where administrative and corporate services will be situated.

The PSA has continued to visit members affected by Transforming Health at a series of meet and greet coffee events around the Local Health Networks.

High numbers of members have attended to discuss changes and concerns, particularly in relation to high workloads and a lack of resources.

The PSA will continue to work with members affected by Transforming Health. Contact the PSA Transforming Health Officer, Sue Cummins at transforming.health@cpsu.asn.au with your concerns or for information on future events.

See the PSA Transforming Health website at www.cpsu.asn.au/ transforming-health for additional information.

16

Public Sector Review Magazine | July 2017

SA PATHOLOGY PSA members in SA Pathology continue to be faced with significant job reductions and hold serious concerns about increased risks to the community - emerging from the updated Operational Configuration and Supporting Workforce Model which was released on 31 May 2017.

The job reductions essentially come from increased automation and a reliance on technical and IT systems which, as Review goes to print, have either not been implemented or are not working as expected.

PSA members are increasingly concerned about potential risks to the community.

be providing detailed, considered and intelligent feedback to SA Pathology about their proposed Model.

The PSA is in the process of consulting with members about the proposed Model.

On the PSA’s analysis, around 84% of union members in SA Pathology are members of the PSA.

As with previous iterations of the reviews which led to the latest Model, the PSA expects to have a significant influence on the eventual outcome.

The PSA is taking a considered and strategic approach to the Model and will

REVIEW OF MANAGEMENT OF INVESTIGATIONS The PSA has proposed establishing a working party for the management of investigations as part of our proposals for a new enterprise agreement.

This has been driven by the PSA seeing too many members being treated unfairly and suffering unnecessarily when subject to investigations.

While the PSA obviously expects all members to take responsibility for their conduct and actions, we also expect that, where members’ conduct or performance are subject to investigation, the appropriate processes will be conducted fairly, and that the outcomes are fair and proportionate.

www.cpsu.asn.au

Too many members are being treated unfairly and disrespectfully and are suffering serious consequences as a result.

The PSA has seen relatively minor matters elevated out of all proportion.

Time frames of investigations have blown out so that members, who are sometimes excluded from the workplace, are subject to investigation processes for periods extending from many months into years.

The PSA is proposing that a Working Party comprising representatives respectively from the PSA, the Office of the Public Sector, the Crown Solicitor’s Office, public sector agencies and authorities which may have in interest, be formed to draft, develop and set out a whole of public sector policy dealing with the management of investigations.

Under the PSA enterprise agreement proposals, areas of consideration for the working party would include management protocols for cases likely to result in findings which would warrant counselling (including managerial caution), non-punitive managerial response or no disciplinary action; protocols for considering alternatives to suspension from duty; and timeliness and responsiveness in the conduct of investigations.

17

PERRY DEAN

PSA WORKSITE REPRESENTATIVE, DEPARTMENT FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

How long have you been a member of the PSA? I joined the PSA during the training school some 15 years ago.

What sparked your interest to become involved with the union?

CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR PERSONAL DETAILS If you have changed residential address, updated your email address or even your employment details, let us know at membership@cpsu.asn.au or update them yourself online at www.cpsu.asn.au/contact-us/ update-your-contact-details The PSA provides information to members on industrial matters and other member benefits via email.

So to ensure that you receive the very latest information, please let us know when your details change.

18

It has always been my view that perhaps the employer does not always have the interests of employees in mind when introducing change in the workplace.

We work in a difficult environment in Corrections and staff need to ensure that their workplace is safe and secure.

The PSA works not only to ensure that our working conditions are safe and secure but that our enterprise agreement protects us from exploitation and works to ensure our level of remuneration keeps pace with the cost of living. I have always believed that the employee (via a collective – the PSA) and employer can work together through a consultative framework to achieve outcomes that both can live with.

How has your workplace changed over your working career?

We have seen an explosion in the numbers of prisoners in prisons. For many years now we have had to work in Police watchhouses to house this increased volume. We have also seen a big increase in new officers in the workplace. These factors along with many changes in reporting structures has changed how we work and how we manage prisoners.

Public Sector Review Magazine | July 2017

What has been the most significant union campaign that you have been involved in and why?

Without doubt the fight that members of the PSA fought to save our long service leave entitlements demonstrated how when workers have a passion for a condition of employment that has been stripped from them, we can overturn that decision and retain our entitlements albeit in a slightly different form.

Do you have a message/vision for the future generation working in the public sector?

More than ever public servants will need to be conscious of changes in the work place and how it impacts on them. It is my view that the biggest enemy for future generations is IT. So many jobs are being lost due to different forms of IT taking over from workers in the workplace. For example, driverless vehicles. What then do taxi drivers do, or delivery drivers? Internet banking and ATMs have seen the closure of retail bank branches and subsequent loss of jobs. Scanning and self-serve checkouts will see the loss of jobs for supermarket employees as the process become more sophisticated - more lost jobs. Airlines now get passengers to self-check baggage and get their seat allocation – more lost jobs. We are seeing the introduction of self-serve computers for prisoners for their services such as buys etc. This is the tip of the iceberg, in my opinion.

ASBESTOS IN INDONESIA Siti Kristina is a victim of the global asbestos trade. In early May 2017, Siti flew from her home country of Indonesia to address the Rotterdam Convention meeting in Geneva. Siti was a powerful voice representing the millions of asbestos related diseases sufferers globally.

Siti’s Story Siti worked for 23 years in a textile factory in Jakarta which used chrysotile asbestos for its materials. Siti says that when workers were interacting with the asbestos, some wore gloves and others didn’t. When asbestos fibres pierced the skin, it was difficult to remove and it hurt.

Workers were given one simple cloth mask to use each week and they took their work clothes home to wash. Siti and her fellow workers ate, drank and rested in a room where asbestos products were produced.

In the early years, Siti felt okay. But after 10 years, she started coughing. Her company performed medical exams for workers and held onto the results. The company said they were okay. In 2010, results from an independent medical examination were sent to Korea and Siti was diagnosed with asbestosis.

Speaking in Geneva, Siti stated that it is her hope that no more people suffer from asbestos.

Asbestos in Indonesia Asbestos is a persistent problem in Indonesia with a thriving industry. The asbestos importation, manufacture and trades are still massive and legal and without providing any information of its hazard to the people. Indonesia is ranked 10th in the world for asbestos consumption.

Union Aid Abroad’s work in Indonesia Building on our existing work to ban asbestos in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, Union Aid Abroad extended its asbestosrelated disease work into Indonesia, working in partnership with an OHS organisation

called LION (Local Initiative OHS Network) – www.lionindonesia.org. Since then LION has been working to help organise workers in 26 asbestos factories in conjunction with local union, FSERBUK (People Workers Federation). Our key strategies include: working to provide an alternative to asbestos as a raw material; worker and union organising in supply chains; asbestos removal; victim organising.

We ask you to JOIN US TODAY in supporting our asbestos campaign and international solidarity work. You can join for $15 per month or more (tax deductible). Over 80% of your contribution goes directly to our project partners incountry.

For more information on APHEDA and the important work they do visit: www.apheda.org.au *Article as supplied by Union Aid Abroad APHEDA http://apheda.org.au/

Above and top: Siti Kristina

www.cpsu.asn.au

19

Pictured: Linda Lai (left), Assistant General Secretary Natasha Brown (middle) and Fiona Sheehan (right).

ANNA STEWART MEMORIAL PROJECT

By Fiona Sheehan

As a member of the PSA and a Worksite Representative from SA Health, I was invited to participate in the Anna Stewart Memorial Project 2017 in May this year.

The project is an annual training program aimed at increasing women’s involvement in unions and promoting and understanding the needs of women in the workforce.

By Linda Lai

Hi, my name is Linda and I work as a dental therapist for the SA Dental Service.

I am also a PSA Worksite Representative and was recently lucky enough to be selected to participate in the Anna Stewart Memorial Project (ASMP).

20

Anna Stewart was involved in the union movement at a time when the jobs women were offered were generally poorly paid and lacked job security and recognition of skills. One of her primary motivations was to highlight the important contribution that women make in the workforce and to the union movement. Her ability to combine motherhood and a career and her successful campaign for maternity leave provisions in the industrial awards underlined her influence in achieving better conditions for working women in Australia.

I have to say the first half of the ASMP has been an amazing, eye-opening experience. I was able to meet a lovely group of like-minded, strong women also working in the public sector, from different industries across South Australia.

The week started with learning about strong women in union history and what it takes to run successful campaigns.

We attended member meetings at different locations, met with chief executives at Consultative Forums to represent and give members a voice,

Public Sector Review Magazine | July 2017

The project enabled me to meet with other women from a variety of unions and discuss issues of common interest in work related matters and their experiences in dealing with these. It also gave me a better understanding of how the PSA assists it’s members by work - shadowing union Organisers/Officers at worksite meetings and a brief visit to the Industrial Relations Commission.

I encourage other women PSA members to take the opportunity and apply for next year’s program if they are able as it will prove to be very educational and inspirational.

attended the Industrial Relations Court and sat on the other side of the PSA Hotline providing immediate support and advice to members in need.

The week ended on a high, learning about Muriel Matters and meeting Frances Bedford MP, Katrine Hildyard MP and Jennifer Rankine MP for lunch at Parliament House.

Overall, the experiences and insights I have had so far on the ASMP journey have been invaluable and I would highly recommend it to all union women.

CHRISTIAN HAGIVASSILIS PSA COUNCILLOR AND WORKSITE RESPRESENTATIVE SOUTH AUSTRALIA POLICE

How long have you been a member of PSA? About nine years. It’s gone quickly!

I stepped up to become a Worksite Representative in November 2015 and became a Councillor in 2016.

What sparked your interest to become involved with the union?

I never used to consider myself a “union person”. I mean, don’t unions have those awful chants at rallies and demand more than they really should? I didn’t want to be part of that and I didn’t think I needed a union. What I didn’t realise was that I was actually just lucky and had a boss who was a decent guy. After a bad experience when I came across to the SA public service I realised that this was a workplace where union membership was important. Since then I have seen capable and hardworking public servants disregarded, mistreated and disrespected countless times. I also realised that the PSA was a union representing people who just wanted to help their communities. That drove me to become a Worksite Representative and, more recently, to stand for Council.

How has your workplace changed over your working career?

There has unfortunately been a real decrease in respect for people in my profession. It’s the usual story; we’re not “front-line”. That has been frustrating but everyone here is dedicated to helping the South Australian public regardless.

www.cpsu.asn.au

There is also increasing instability, with more people on contracts and the loss of some of our best staff and colleagues to workplaces with better conditions. Like many departments, we are also going through the restructure process. That has caused a lot of fear and uncertainty.

There has been one really good thing to come out of all of this; we have become more unionised! People are realising that simple respect is not too much to ask for and they’ve had enough. They’re standing up and standing together, which is really good to see.

What has been the most significant union campaign that you have been involved in and why?

As a Councillor and EB Ambassador I am finding the current enterprise bargaining process to be really exciting. We’re doing something totally different with this one.

It’s partly the unprecedented level of member consultation, but it’s more than that. The PSA is trying to fix so many problems with the current agreement and the EB team have reviewed every clause of the current agreement. Every. Single.

Clause. I am completely in awe of the work they’re doing. There is some really good stuff in the proposed agreement important stuff. This could be a landmark agreement for decades to come if we can get it. When the time comes for everyone to stand up and campaign, people really need to realise that it’s worth campaigning for.

Do you have a message/vision for the future generation working in the public sector?

The message is simple: stand together. I see so much hostility directed towards us.

The public are cynical of us. The media loves to demonise us. Both major political parties will use every opportunity, take every cheap shot, to divide and vilify us.

What’s worse is the divisiveness within the public service. Thanks to widespread use of casual and non-permanent staff, we now have a generation of workers with no real expectation of having the sort of permanent and stable careers that previous generations have enjoyed. I am sick of hearing the misconception that so-called “millennials” are only looking out for themselves. The research is in – Gen Y wants to be part of something bigger far more than they want personal gain. So let’s get them on board. We need them to stand with us and with each other – and we need to stand by them.

I want to see a community of good people working together to achieve something great – and being respected for it. I think it’s very achievable but you can’t get it by standing alone.

21

OUT AND ABOUT WITH PSA MEMBERS

22

Public Sector Review Magazine | July 2017

www.cpsu.asn.au

23

Other risk factors, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, also expose younger women to the dangers of heart disease.

HEALTH PARTNERS

HEART DISEASE – IT’S NOT JUST A MAN’S PROBLEM In partnership with the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Health Partners presented a public lecture on heart disease. An alarming learning from this lecture was the low level of awareness around women’s risk of heart disease.

There’s a strong perception that it’s mostly men who suffer from heart disease as we predominately see images of middle-aged men clutching at their chests on television, in brochures and online.

Do a quick google image search for ‘heart attack’ and the vast majority of the images shown are men.

But did you know that 24 women die from the disease every day? In fact, heart disease is the biggest killer of women in Australia.

SAHMRI researcher Peta King states: “Heart disease doesn’t just target men – even though most of the advertising around it does.”

“Women are three times more likely to die from heart disease than from breast cancer, and yet few are aware of the dangers until it is too late.”

But, Ms King said it was crucial for both men and women to be aware of the risks posed by the disease.

“Yes, men are more likely to die from a heart attack than women between the ages of 40 and 60, but women very rapidly catch up around menopause,’’ she said. The rate of heart disease rises dramatically among women after menopause, when production of oestrogen protecting the heart drops off.

PSA OFFERING MEMBERS BETTER BENEFITS

LEGAL SERVICES SCHEME The PSA Legal Services Scheme has expanded through a new partnership with Johnston Withers Lawyers offering PSA members more access to powers of attorney, advanced care directives and a 30% discount on wills.

As the most extensive legal advice service run by any employee association or union in Australia, financial PSA members can access discounted conveyancing, free 24 hour telephone advice, motor vehicle claims, support through some criminal matters, and discounted family mediation.

24

Public Sector Review Magazine | July 2017

In 2016 alone, 325 female Health Partners members were hospitalised with heart related problems.

So it’s important to get regular blood pressure and cholesterol check-ups with your GP to catch early warning signs which can include nausea, dizzy spells, back and arm pain, and shortness of breath.

Make sure you and your loved ones are covered for cardiac on your hospital cover. Here at Health Partners, we believe all cover should be proper cover – just in case. That’s why all our Hospital policies cover you for heart surgery, once waiting periods have been served.

Let’s work together to raise awareness of the risk of heart disease among women – ensure the women in your life know the early warning signs and get regular checkups.

With over 70 years experience, Johnston Withers have offices around the State including Adelaide, Clare, Port Augusta, Whyalla and Roxby Downs. As a member of the PSA, you can access a free 30 minute interview either via phone or face-to-face at an office location with a lawyer.

Access to justice is a fundamental right – this scheme helps guarantee this right for PSA members.

For full details of what the scheme covers, visit the PSA website at www.cpsu.asn.au/membership/legal-advice or visit Johnston Withers at www.johnstonwithers.com.au

PSA HOLIDAY HOME: ROBE

ENJOY A PSA HOLIDAY HOME As a PSA member, you can take advantage of your member benefits and book a stay at one of our PSA holiday home units.

Considering a break over winter? Our Robe holiday units are in the perfect location for you to explore the best of the beautiful Limestone Coast, a perfect yearround holiday destination.

Featuring modern appliances including dishwasher, oven and cooktop, our Robe units are some of our most popular holiday homes. Our units are within easy walking distance of Robe’s best eateries and beaches. Each of our Robe units sleeps four people, making them ideal for families, friends and couples wanting a relaxing getaway.

If family activities are what you are seeking, local fishing in and around Robe is fantastic year-round. While in Robe, you are also ideally placed to visit nearby Naracoorte to take advantage of your PSA member benefit Ambassador card rates at the Naracoorte Caves

PSA MEMBER BENEFITS CARD www.cpsu.asn.au

National Park - South Australia’s only World-Heritage listed area. The worldrenowned Coonawarra wine region is also close by for wine connoisseurs.

Looking for a holiday destination during school holidays? Robe has vacancies available during July/August 2017.

For more information on PSA Holiday Homes, check out www.cpsu.asn.au/holidayhomes or contact the PSA at holidayhomes@cpsu.asn.au to make a booking.

Don’t forget, as a PSA member, you are entitled to year-round discounts of 5% off Coles, Foodland and Woolworths gift cards, and 10% off Harris Scarfe gift cards. By taking advantage of your member benefits, over the course of a year, your PSA membership can provide you with substantial financial savings.

Our holiday units are located in some of South Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, giving you the chance to explore more regional experiences: Glenelg / Goolwa / Kangaroo Island / Port Lincoln / Robe / Port Vincent / Wirrina Take advantage of great prices, from $335 for a weekly stay, or $90 per night when travelling in the same month as booking. Our units are perfect for families, couples and friends. Don’t forget that you can also use your regional Ambassador Card offers as part of your holiday home stays. PSA holiday home units are a great way to enjoy a brilliant South Australian holiday year-round, at unbeatable value.

Please see our website: www.cpsu.asn.au/holiday-homes for full pricing details and booking condition. Alternatively, give our friendly membership team a call on (08) 8205 3200.

BOOK YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY WITH US 25

MEMBER CLASSIFIEDS If you are a financial member of the PSA and would like to advertise with us, you can place a classified in the Review free of charge. Classifieds are printed at the discretion of the Public Sector Review Editor and will only be printed for two editions unless item is sold earlier.

Classifieds must be supplied in text format with a maximum of 70 words. Classifieds can be emailed to the PSA at enquiries@cpsu.asn.au. Please note that classifieds are only available to financial PSA members.

AMBASSADOR CARD BENEFITS

COMPETITION NEWS Stay-up-to-date with union news, campaigns and competitions by “liking” the PSA Facebook page.

Simply search the Public Service Association of SA and “like” our page to access PSA Facebook run only competitions and giveaways. www.facebook.com/ PublicServiceAssociationSA

Winners Congratulations to Sue Russell and Paula Reid who won tickets to the ACTU NexGen17 Conference held in Sydney in June; Pauline Randall and Robyn Holthouse for seats at the May Day Dinner; and Sue Wilson who won the APHEDA tickets for the Teri Daktyl Dinner.

Save 5% off all Virgin Australia flights and selected Virgin Australia Holiday packages when you purchase Virgin gift vouchers online through Ambassador.

For more great offers and recent additions, visit www.psa.ambassadorcard.com.au/ recent-additions.php See www.ambassadorcard.com.au for terms and conditions.

If you would like to go in the running to win great tickets like those above, like our Facebook page to stay connected for new competitions.

26

Public Sector Review Magazine | July 2017

Join a Friend Competition Winners for January were Esther Roberts (DSD) recruiting Carl Schnuetgen (DSD); February was David Williams (Electoral Commission of SA) recruiting Andrew Jones from the same agency; March winners were Krystian Garstka (SA Water) recruiting Gahan Agalawatta also from SA Water.

Recruiters won a $100 gift card and their new member received a $50 gift card.

Congratulations to all of our competition winners.

Please note that whilst we encourage our members to ask questions and interact with one another, as public sector employees, members are bound by their employer’s applicable Code of Conduct policy, Code of Ethics and any such applicable policies at all times. If you are unsure about what comments are appropriate to post, check out the PSA comment guidelines that you can find on our Facebook page to assist you with navigating social media.

PSA

TRAINING CALENDAR WORKSITE REPRESENTATIVES COURSE 1 The training will be delivered over a threeday course program. This will be structured to ensure worksite representatives get the maximum benefit from this training and put into practice their new skills and knowledge. Learn what your rights and responsibilities are, how to interpret industrial provisions and expand your advocacy and negotiation skills.

Whether you are a long-serving worksite representative or are new to the role, this course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to undertake your role confidently and effectively.

Dates

12, 13 & 14 September 2017 14, 15 & 16 November 2017

Time:

9:00am – 5:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

WORKSITE REPRESENTATIVES COURSE 2 This course is available to those Worksite Representatives who have completed the Worksite Representatives Course 1. The training will be delivered over a two-day course program.

This course will expand on what your rights and responsibilities are, how to interpret industrial provisions and expand your advocacy and negotiation skills.

Dates

19 and 20 September 2017

Time:

9:00am – 5:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

NEGOTIATION SKILLS 1 This one day course is for PSA Worksite Representatives who have already completed the three day Worksite Representatives course to help build on negotiation skills. Negotiation skills are an invaluable and practical skill to have in all roles.

Dates

26 July 2017

Time:

9:00am – 5:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

www.cpsu.asn.au

NEGOTIATION SKILLS 2 This one day course is for PSA Worksite Representatives who have already completed the three day Worksite Representatives course and the Negotiation Skills 1 course. This course inclludes a refresher of negotiation theory, problem solving processes and interviewing skills and also includes a practice negotiation for an individual member issue.

Dates

6 September 2017

Time:

9:00am – 5:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

IMPROVING YOUR EFFECTIVENESS AS A WORKSITE REPRESENTATIVE This half-day training course will provide Worksite Representatives with an enhanced set of skills to participate in consultative forums, industrial liaison forums and restructure committees. These are important skills workplace representatives need to perform their role effectively.

Details of the course are as follows: Date

1 August 2017

Time:

9:00am – 12:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

RECLASSIFICATION 1 & 2 The PSA is excited to announce that we have repackaged our reclassification courses in response to members’ feedback about how they would like to see these courses run.

The courses are in two parts with the first part a one hour lunch and learn. This part will cover the fundamentals of the reclassification process focusing on how to best outline your case.

The second part is a half day workshop for members who have already attended the first session to work through their application with support and peer feedback.

Members do not need to attend these sessions consecutively, that is, after you have attended the lunch and learn you can attend any future workshop which suits your calendar.

Registration is essential.

Part 1 Date

19 July 2017 20 July 2017 (Video Conference) 26 September 2017

Time:

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Part 2 Date

7 September 2017 21 Sept 2017 (Video Conference) 13 November 2017

Time:

9:00am – 12:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

Leave for part 2 of this course is covered under trade union training leave. Members are entitled to 10 days paid trade union training leave every two years.

If you are in a regional area and would like to attend these courses contact the PSA at enquiries@cpsu.asn.au

LUNCH’N’LEARN INFORMATION SEMINARS My Retirement Pension Scheme Members By the end of this session you’ll have a better understanding of: – how much you will need to retire – your possible Centrelink entitlements – estate planning – financial planning.

A financial planner will also present at this session on the things you might want to think about to get in the best financial shape for retirement.

Date

4 September 2017

Time:

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

Suitable for

Pension Scheme members only

Public Trustee - Wills We’ve all heard how important it is to have a Will drawn up but did you know that you can organise this through the Public Trustee? And that’s not all they can help you with. At this session a Public Trustee spokesperson will talk about some of the services they provide and will cover topics such as: – Wills – Enduring Power of Attorney, and – The consequences of dying without a will.

Date

25 October 2017

Time:

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

Suitable for

All Scheme Members

27

YOU CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO

JOIN THE PSA

Authorised by Nev Kitchin, General Secretary, Public Service Association of SA Inc. 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide SA 5000.

28

Public Sector Review Magazine | July 2017

www.cpsu.asn.au