Public Sector Review - March 2019

Review Public Sector

Public Sector Review Magazine • April 2019

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The Devolution of Public Health

www.cpsu.asn.au

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Nature for Sale?

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Privatisation of Prisons

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Wellbeing at Work

WELCOME

CONTENTS From the General Secretary: 3 What does it mean to be Union From the President: 4 Strength is essential From the Assistant General 5 Secretary: Active. Strong. Resilient.

INDUSTRIAL NEWS Yamba Roadblock

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Experienced Staff Should be Valued The Devolution of Public Health Super SA Got Money Elsewhere?

Bring it Home I AM ESSENTIAL Service SA I AM ESSENTIAL Nature For Sale?

I AM ESSENTIAL It’s in their Blood I AM ESSENTIAL Privatisation of Prisons

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This first issue of the PSA Review for 2019 comes to you after a busy start to the year. Our Union is campaigning strongly to stop the privatisation of essential services and to stop budget cuts that will negatively impact on their provision.

Let them know we are campaigning strongly to protect the public service from state government cuts and that we are again fighting to protect what we have won and for improved pay and conditions as we head into enterprise bargaining again this year.

To be successful in our campaigning we need to build our membership further. While the PSA is maintaining a strong membership base, we can increase our industrial strength by increasing our numbers.

Suggest they visit our website to become a member: www.cpsu.asn.au/membership/join-now

As a PSA member, you can help build our membership just by having conversations with your colleagues who are yet to join the PSA. Ask them if they know about the PSA and tell them what we are about.

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MEMBER NEWS Out and About With PSA Members Wellbeing at Work

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MEMBER BENEFITS Health Partners:

7 Steps to a Healthier Brain

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Secure Jobs in the Public Service

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PSA Holiday Home Training Calendar

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

www.cpsu-spsf.asn.au

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Public Sector Review Magazine | APRIL 2019

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 3, Number 1.

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

Cover Image: Service SA Rally, February 2019

A message from the General Secretary

With some big challenges ahead, it’s a good time to reflect on the values we hold as members of a union.

One word that encompasses what it means to be union is “unity”. Uniting in struggle to win improved working conditions, uniting to fight for better wages, uniting to improve the essential services we provide, and at times like these, uniting to protect them from cuts and privatisation.

The challenges we face today are little different in nature from those that have led to some of the biggest union campaigns in our country’s history. And at the centre of all of them has been the question of fairness.

The shearer’s strike of 1891 saw thousands unite in opposition to massive wage cuts by pastoralists resisting collective agreements. A year later, miners in Broken Hill united to fight against, among other things, individual performance pay contracts.

In the 1990s, waterside workers stood united on picket lines when Patrick Corporation sacked the entire workforce in an attempt to break the union and casualise its workforce.

www.cpsu.asn.au

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE UNION

by Nev Kitchin

In our own history, public sector unions united back in 2010 when we defeated the Rann Government’s attempt to remove legislated long service leave conditions. And more recently, our Enterprise Agreement success came on the back of PSA members taking action, including activities in their workplace and attending our all member rally outside Parliament House in November 2017.

“There is absolutely no doubt we can win campaigns when we unite together.

”

There is absolutely no doubt we can win campaigns when we unite together, using our collective strength to defend the public service and protect and improve our workplace rights. This year will be no different.

In fact, we have already begun. On February 2 2019, PSA members working in Service SA offices joined with members of affected communities to rally in opposition to the state government decision to close Service

SA centres at Mitcham, Modbury and Prospect. Our campaign against these cuts, along with community opposition, is growing.

But the Service SA cuts are just the tip of the iceberg. Assistant General Secretary Natasha Brown has outlined the breadth of the cuts in her column on page 5 so I won’t recount them all here. Suffice to say, we have a task in front of us to simply protect the services our community expects, not to mention retaining jobs required to provide those services and the conditions we have all fought so hard for.

But if history has taught us anything, it is that the union movement is based on values that provide us with the capacity to win. Unity is key, but solidarity, fairness, equality, and social and economic justice are all driving forces behind why we do what we do.

So let’s activate these values in 2019, and make the future brighter for everyone who relies on the essential public services we provide.

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A message from the President

STRENGTH IS ESSENTIAL

by Michael Griffiths

It has been a busy and active start to the year at the PSA. Our campaign to protect the public service from wide-ranging budget cuts and privatisations is gaining momentum, and to win we will need continued strong member engagement.

No matter where you work within the public sector it is likely budget cuts will impact on your work or the work of your colleagues. In fact, these cuts may well be putting the essential services you provide in jeopardy.

Union campaigns are successful when we come together as a collective and resist changes we know are

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detrimental to the provision of services to our community and, of course, to our employment conditions. We need the power of the collective to maintain our hard-won conditions. If we lose them, we are unlikely to win them back.

The PSA does not just fight for improved conditions so members can have a better working life. Sure, that is a big part of it, but improved conditions for members are directly linked to the quality of the work we do. We cannot perform at our best if we are burnt out from unreasonable workloads. We cannot deliver fast,

efficient service to the public if we do not have the available staff. Where I work, in Corrections, we cannot do our jobs safely if we do not have experienced, highly trained staff in our prisons.

So, this year, I am calling on all PSA members to get behind our campaigns – help make sure we have the numbers and the energy to protect and improve our essential public services.

OUR VISION

OUR MISSION

A South Australian Public Sector in which PSA members are highly valued and well-resourced, with fair and secure working conditions and entitlements.

To grow, engage and empower our membership by working collectively to effectively represent, protect and actively advance PSA members’ interests.

Public Sector Review Magazine | APRIL 2019

A message from the Assistant General Secretary

ACTIVE. STRONG. RESILIENT.

by Natasha Brown

With 2019 now well underway, it is important that all PSA members are aware of the challenges as well as the opportunities that lay ahead.

We are not only continuing to fight against the fallout from the 2018 State Budget, we must also prepare for any new threats that may arise in this year’s Budget. We must continue to fight prison privatisation and prepare against the privatisation threats to essential public health services. We must continue to campaign against cuts to essential public services and programs such as the DCP Financial Wellbeing Program and closure of Service SA centres and TAFE SA campuses.

Major structural reforms, such as the introduction of governing boards in agencies including Housing, Health and DEW, will also pose significant challenges for members.

The South Australian Modern Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2017 will be renogotiated later this year. Treasurer Rob Lucas has made it clear that the Liberal government will be taking a rigid approach to public sector enterprise bargaining, requiring “significant cost savings” to justify any improvements to wages and conditions.

We can expect the government to attack crucial EA clauses, including protections against unreasonable workloads, redeployment, retraining and redundancy provisions, and our rights to consultation.

www.cpsu.asn.au

Although we have a lot of clear challenges ahead, we must also recognise and capitalise on our strengths.

We have a strong network of committed Worksite Representatives who play an essential role in our union’s capacity to build strength and achieve wins for members.

Active member engagement in our I Am Essential campaign over the last year has helped us raise the profile of the public sector and highlight the importance of the work our members do for the South Australian community.

Community engagement and support for our campaigns continues to grow, enabling us to put even greater pressure on government to commit to a wellresourced, accessible, high quality public sector.

The current South Australian Modern Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2017 provides strong protections and includes many significant member-won improvements to working conditions and entitlements. We must remember that this last bargaining result didn’t happen by accident, and it wasn’t easy – then too we were faced with strong opposition to the PSA’s proposals from a seemingly inflexible government.

Members united, fought and stood strong to achieve an excellent outcome. We have demonstrated our collective strength in bargaining before, and we will do it again.

Every day we continue to achieve individual and collective wins across agencies which couldn’t have been achieved without the engagement and commitment of PSA members.

There is huge potential for further growth in our union this year, and for opportunities to build our collective spirit and strength; these are our greatest assets.

We know that our state government has a clear privatisation and defunding agenda. But our union has a clear agenda as well: high quality, accessible public services for all South Australians, delivered by PSA members who are wellresourced, respected and valued.

We must remain active, strong and resilient to face the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead with confidence.

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NO CONSULTATION ON YAMBA ROADBLOCK CHANGES

An overnight decree by government to issue on-the-spot fines puts staff at risk.

What happens when government ministers try to make policy and decisions without taking advice or consulting with public servants on the ground or the community? Short answer… a huge mess!

In the middle of the Christmas period last December, while many departmental staff were on leave, the Minister for Primary Industries, in response to a fruit fly outbreak, held a press conference announcing a “zero tolerance” policy for bringing fruit over the border at Yamba in the Riverland.

It may have seemed like a good idea at the time but came as a surprise to the hard-working PSA members who check the cars at the border. They first saw it on Facebook!

Quarantine officers take their responsibilities very seriously because they truly care about protecting our fruit industry. They have no problem with toughening up the policy, but this sudden, ill-considered announcement caused serious problems.

There was no public education about the fact that if travellers forgot or didn’t place their fruit in the bin prior to reaching the

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roadblock, they were up for a $375 fine.

New signs were put in place but they were small, poorly placed, unclear and difficult to read. Bins were placed off the road before the station but weren’t clearly visible.

Before the new decree, when cars got to the quarantine station, PSA members would check vehicles, confiscate fruit and use it as an opportunity to educate the public. Suddenly, they were required to issue an infringement notice to everyone.

With no extra staff provided to assist, traffic started banking up, meaning people were stopped in the hot conditions for up to 20 minutes. Many were angry and frustrated, especially when they realised they may be up for a large fine, and they took this out on PSA members. The safety risk to staff was such that security was required 24/7 for two weeks.

Public Sector Review Magazine | APRIL 2019

In response, members at the roadblock contacted the PSA and we took this matter directly to Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA), seeking proper consultation. Although some measures were agreed, the issues continued to be a problem and when the Minister refused to budge, the case ended up in the SA Employment Tribunal.

As a result of PSA support, PSA members at Yamba are now being listened to. The situation still isn’t ideal but with the creation of 15 new FTE positions, signage is being improved and systems are being implemented to continue protection of our fruit industry without undermining the relationship with the travelling public.

This is just one more example of the work being done in our communities by our essential public servants.

EXPERIENCED STAFF SHOULD BE VALUED As the budget axe swings, many older workers are feeling pressure to take a package

Since the September 2018 budget cuts were announced, the PSA has held member meetings in many departments across government, and a consistent message is emerging:

“They want to get rid of us if we are over 50, and forget about it if you are over 60 ... then you are a big target!”

The PSA receives regular calls to our Members Rights Hotline along the same theme. One member reported their experience:

“Every time I talk to my manager/supervisor I am asked when I will retire.”

An ageing population equals an ageing workforce Discussion about the ageing workforce has been around for ages, but as we approach a new decade, it is hitting crisis point. It is the reality – we are an older population and we have more older workers.

The SA Public Sector Workforce Information Report at June 2018 tells us there are 41,100 employees over 50 in the SA public sector.

This means that over 38% of the total public sector workers in SA are over 50 years of age. Women over 50 make up 26% of the total and men over 50 represent 12.2%.

www.cpsu.asn.au

This makes it essential to support long-term employees, to transfer their knowledge and skills and support them to gain new ones.

Discrimination is real Research conducted by the University of South Australia in 2016-17 found several forms of perceived age discrimination are prevalent in the Australian workforce.

These include: • Negative assumptions about older workers’ skills, learning abilities or cognition • Limited or no opportunities for promotion or further training • Feeling undervalued in the organisation in which they work • Pressure from management to stop working to make space for younger workers • Difficulty securing work due to age.

The message from PSA members is the same, and there is little or no action from government to prevent this behaviour across the public sector.

Employer of Choice?

This growing apparent discrimination against older, experienced workers is totally inconsistent with the Public Sector Act 2009, which has a core principle of being an ‘Employer of Choice’. Nor does it demonstrate leadership in sound

employment practices, as a large employer like the state government should.

There are many policy actions that can encourage, support and retain older workers. Policies and employment provisions that accommodate the needs of older workers like grandparent leave, or actions to make intergenerational teams function effectively are key to the future.

Succession planning We also need to prepare for the time when the experienced worker does retire to ensure valuable knowledge does not walk out the door with them. Formal knowledge transfer programs are needed. Some older workers may wish to reduce hours in the lead up to retirement. This is a perfect opportunity for job sharing programs to transfer corporate knowledge – engaging workers who have decided to retire in coaching and mentoring programs.

Instead of these positive strategies we are seeing a trend to undervalue and, in some cases, to actively discriminate against the older worker.

Take Action If you you and/or your colleagues are being unfairly treated due to age, contact your PSA Worksite Rep or Organiser for support.

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THE DEVOLUTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH

BUDGET CUTS AND PRIVATISATION

THE MAIN FEATURE OF STATE GOVERNMENT REFORMS After years implementing Labor’s controversial Transforming Health reform, PSA members in Health are now facing yet another grand plan. The Marshall Liberal government is in the process of rapidly rolling out a devolved health system managed by ten local health network boards. The timeline for implementation is said to be July this year.

It is understandable that members are highly cynical about yet another change and it is vital that we examine the implications for the public health system, members’ jobs and working conditions. The state government’s intention is to shift the whole health system to local control by July this year.

• making the boards directly accountable to the Minister, rather than the Chief Executive • delegating the responsibility of planning health services delivery to local boards.

“ How will a devolved

system ensure consistency of health care across all communities and groups?

In June 2018, the Health Act was amended to incorporate a number of significant changes.

These include: • shifting the powers of the Chief Executive of Health to board level, enabling them to select their own Chief Executives, control their own budgets and negotiate their own annual service agreements with Treasury: • opening up the possibility for boards to directly employ staff

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”

KordaMentha, a global accountancy firm renowned for winding down failing businesses, has been given a lucrative $43m contract to cut the budget at the QEH, RAH and Hampstead.

The state budget last year cut the health budget by $381m over the next four years. One in ten jobs were targeted to go in the SA Health Central Office, and both SA Pathology and SA Medical Imaging were threatened with cuts and privatisation.

Millions being paid to corporate razor gang

KordaMentha publicly stated that Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) is “... the most broken organisation (they) have seen in 40 years both financially and clinically…”.

On the surface, some of these changes seem innocuous. However, in the context of a government agenda of privatisation and public sector budget cuts there are real dangers.

This statement insults every staff member who is striving each day to deliver the best care to patients. It is also interesting to note that KordaMentha have never

Public Sector Review Magazine | APRIL 2019

PSA MEMBERS’ RIGHTS HOTLINE

Shifting the costs onto the community Public Pathology Services are being threatened with privatisation if cuts of nearly 30 per cent are not found over the next four years. Public pathology is crucial to the health of South Australians.

This area of science is constantly evolving, making diagnosis more and more accurate. The private sector is focussed on profit so will not invest in training future pathology staff or conduct the research needed to develop better preventative and responsive health treatments.

A concerning line in the state budget states that “efficiencies” will be created in Pathology because “...it will be open to.. Boards to procure services from alternate providers.”

Cutting and privatising pathology and medical imaging will exacerbate inequality in health services, shifting the costs of blood tests, X-rays and scans to the individual.

www.cpsu.asn.au

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

Left: PSA Worksite Reps in Public Health display ‘I Am Essential’ messages at their meeting in February.

reviewed a public hospital so have no right to make such a statement. It is an age-old trick – you create a major crisis where there isn’t one to justify savage cuts and privatisation of services. And it will not stop at CALHN.

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

Questions unanswered The proposed new devolved health system has many unanswered questions. SA Health, has been a central policy-making organisation that ensures consistency of practice, addresses inequality and targets programs to groups with specific health needs. How will a devolved system ensure consistency of health care across all communities and groups?

“ The state budget last

year cut the health budget by $381m over the next four years.

”

Local Health Boards will have the ability under the Act to employ staff directly.

This has the potential to create different conditions and wages across Health and raises questions about whether or not staff will remain covered under the Enterprise Agreement and if selection processes will be fair and transparent.

There are also taxation and salary sacrificing issues that need to be clarified for staff. These changes could impact negatively on members’ take-home pay.

The changes will lead to the disbanding of the Country Health office in Adelaide, raising questions about redeployment rights for staff.

Because individual boards will be receiving their funding directly from Treasury, there is a real danger they will seek to cut back on staff and services, creating inequality between communities.

A centralised budget system ensures that wherever people live, they can access the best quality health care through the public health system.

PSA Active Campaigning to protect essential health services is a priority for the PSA this year.

PSA Worksite Reps across Health are meeting regularly to share information, build unity and plan strategies.

The PSA has a number of Health organisers who work together visiting sites and working with reps and members to action our whole of Health union plan.

Keep an eye out for PSA email updates for the latest developments in our campaign and if you haven’t already done so, sign our petition at www.sanotforsale.com.au/sign-thepetition

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d e v e i h c a s r e b m e m a s p T WHA

clause Violence Leave stic and Family d me an t Do d en ve lem pro entit An im • d 15 days leave vides clarity aroun ct on performance and conduct pro country. c Sector for the impa the bli in ion Pu e nit n siv og er en rec od reh M e the most comp South Australian from making this claus AGREEMENT laried 2017 returning to work Sa t: en em re Ag ns for members time tio rttec pa pro to d Enterprise ss an ce ty Ac Clari • part-time basis.

(Jan 2018 - Jan a l the va on til e pro un av ap Le up of y nt te nit Mater agreeme ent from da d requirement for Two year agreem • arrangements an e. ag 2020). lated at child is of school d clauses. ave will be calcu 0 new or amende 35 n tha the ds of Maternity Le d of leave. re of rio Mo life pe nt • ue g the eq rin bs du Su w rio vie pe • t re r prior to the firs es to go unde the FTE fraction ployees Another 100 claus • titlements for em in nt nt. me me g clause with en ree din Ag Agree ee se stf pri ea ter br En w the Ne • ns protected by nt eding.

Essential conditio political and industrial environme who are breastfe • in rta ons for pregnant ce un an of light safe job provisi ere a New transfer to ve entitlement wh lea • al ion es including addit ye plo S em SE EA found.

SALARY INCR safe job cannot be up to 10 increases of ll receive annual titlements (access wi ers mb me A partner leave en of PS id % pa 90 t ed os nc ha Alm En • • salaries 2% or more. days sick leave). on to 0 per annum for 50 of HSR informati $1 of y lar sa se ba requires provision the o int es Increas New clause which • • up to $75,000. the PSA. id at public num which ever of $1800 per an holidays will be pa o the base salary worked on public int e es tim as All re .

• Inc 00 • laries above $75,0 holiday rates is greater, for sa y period on or to the first full pa e after the ted da ck ba be to ibl Increases on as poss • WORKLOADS and payable as so from 1 Oct 2017 tions against nt. me ree ag e stronger protec certification of the d clauses provid de en .

Am 19 20 t • Oc d rkloads. ses Oct 2018 an unreasonable wo ifically for Subsequent increa • mechanism spec co of a nsultation n tio uc el. rod lev Int al • N oad issues at a loc JOB PROTECTIO addressing workl spute ongoing ing rm Grievance and Di nfi ific co ec e sp us d oa w cla es stronger workl time there is a ne rm of employment in the Public • lud t Inc firs the r Fo • the primary fo mechanisms. employment as r.

Secto aduates N ployment for gr CLASSIFICATIO vides ongoing em mpletion of their program. co A new clause pro y cation. tor • fac tis sa to ct bje from date of appli su and trainees ) has a ssification to apply RR cla (R Re cy an • nd to progression du yees with a view retraining and re proved case management ASO1 level emplo mpeted by August 2018.

Redeployment, im all th of • wi dit ix Au nd pe • ap w priate to be co comprehensive ne nt. to ASO2 as appro TGO/ y for redeployme OPS, PO, CFS, and accountabilit on t ian rel for the review of t n, and no ing tio es tra vid us nis pro cla s mi se of Ad t au Cl • nd-alone se rvices Commission re during life of Se l ga Le RRR now has sta A, AH • re Ca MeS, Determination. ture of AYTC Secu Commissioner ’s s of being classification struc first three month the n thi wi t.

SP en TV ym pt a e pa agreement. eam for Allied Those who acce $15,000 incentiv • , AHP and new str will be receive a rements for ASO4 nths inc mo w declared excess 12 Ne t firs • the 0% for e will remain at 10 eployment Health Assistants.

The TVSP packag ly to 75% after the 12 month red • on Y p D CONSISTENC and then will dro DARDISATION AN AN ST d. rio pe se Agreement in cy of the Enterpri S ation of the prima matters.

ON ns firm ITI itio Co ND nd • co CO t D en WAGES AN tion and employm rity, era cla un re mo rem es tion 3.1 vid ime which pro ioner ’s Determina e clause for Flexit d, and provides s of the Commiss rat ve ion pa pro vis se ap w pro nt. as e ne me A av ed Le ree cru • • st losing time ac ces. en force by this ag nd protections again called up and giv out in some instan ds benefits beyo xitime to be paid fle ve ha to u ility Lie tion clauses exten cmstances and ab in sa f en Of e mp Tim Co d r’s un aro Worke ecific cir • uses provide clarity and taking, protections ar time limit in sp lice and New separate cla the current two ye uses as incorporated into the Po • for accruing be e to tim IL er TO Ov cla r for fo t the es on vid d pro se d, ba ve of Paymen are pro ap e accrued as nts. against losing tim rates in some circumstances. st aid Nurses agreeme e mental health fir the paid out at overtim hes a program for d lis an tab nts es e me us ge cla an arr New • clarity about hours work and time-based yees.

A new clause for training of emplo • ployees’ hours em in all ion ich lus wh inc m for ed basis fro lop s rights of ve firm de co be e ll derived wi A new claus • the life of of s nth esented and entitlements are mo pr re ee thr thin the first members to be ift Work Sh e, im ert PSA Worksite this agreement wi Ov of e view will includ rt-time confirms the rights the agreement. Re of Hours, Ordinary Hours and pa s. an Representative Arangements, Sp . nts me arrange Authorised by Public

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Public Sector Review Magazine | APRIL 2019

Nev Kitchin General Secretary Service Association2 Pirie Street, Adelaide SA 5000 12 www.cpsu.asn.au

Working for the SA Government, you may have a Triple S account with Super SA. And if you’ve worked elsewhere, you probably have super in other funds, too.

It is easy to lose track if you have too many accounts. Worse than that, you could be paying more than you need to.

All funds, including Triple S, charge fees to administer your super. By rolling your other super into Triple S, you stop paying admin fees to other funds. That money could be working towards a better retirement for you.

Plus, you could have life insurance or income protection insurance with your other super funds, and possibly with Triple S. You can find out what insurance you have, if any, in Triple S by checking your account in the member portal.

Insurance through other super accounts could mean you are paying premiums for insurance that does not suit you or paying for the same kind of cover with multiple funds. Find out more about the insurance available through Triple S at www.supersa.sa.gov.au. Compare the insurance that all of your super funds provide you. It might be more cost effective or convenient to change your insurance type or level of cover with Triple S instead of paying multiple premiums.

www.cpsu.asn.au

Avoid the traps!

Before you roll your money out of another super fund, consider the impact of losing your insurance with the other fund, or any other benefits they may offer.

Bear in mind that any super you roll in to your Triple S account will have to stay there until you leave SA government employment. You need to consider the preservation rules about roll-ins.

While you compare your funds, have a look at the performance of your super. Past performance does not guarantee future returns, but knowing what your super funds have previously returned can help you make an educated decision about whether rolling into Triple S is good for you.

And lastly, if you plan to roll your other super into your Triple S account before 1 July, check for any exit fees you may be charged. From 1 July 2019, super funds will no longer be able to charge exit fees.

What now?

Now might be a good time to bring your super home to Super SA. And it is easier than you think. Link to the ATO through your MyGov account and click the

accounts you want to roll in, or you can complete an Easy Roll In form available on the Super SA website.

Links:

‘checking your account in the member portal’ https://prod.supersa.sa.gov.au/member/login/ ‘more about the insurance available’ – https:// www.supersa.sa.gov.au/document_search www.supersa.sa.gov.au

Disclaimer: The superannuation schemes administered by Super SA are exempt public sector superannuation schemes and are not regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) or the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).

Super SA is not required to hold an Australian Financial Services Licence to provide general advice about a Super SA product. 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 its products you consider the appropriateness of this information in the context of your own objectives, financial situation and needs, read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and seek financial advice from a licensed financial adviser in relation to your financial position and requirements.

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SERVICE SA CLOSURES SPARK STRONG COMMUNITY OPPOSITION Cuts to three of the state’s busiest Service SA customer service centres will impact on thousands.

Saturday February 2 saw a large crowd converge on Parliament House to oppose the closure of Service SA centres at Mitcham, Modbury and Prospect. A strong contingent of PSA members and staff were in attendance to support members of the North East Residents Action Group, who called the rally.

The points made by those who addressed the rally were consistent with feedback received by the PSA from members of the community – closing the three locations will disadvantage a wide cross-section of the public but impact most on those with less access to online technology and transport.

National Seniors Australia Chief Advocate and former ABC journalist

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Ian Henschke spoke at the rally and criticised the state government’s costcutting agenda.

“ The truth is there

is no detail around how the government will deliver a better service.

”

“The government says that the cost to service a customer is $17 when the cost to service them online is 40 cents … so what they’re really saying is I’m going to make money out of you by you going and spending a lot of money

Public Sector Review Magazine | APRIL 2019

to get online. They’re transferring and shifting the cost of government onto pensioners, onto people with fixed incomes, onto people with Newstart ...everyone knows that is not a fair go.”

No basis for closing centres Staff at the three Service SA centres served over 300,000 people in 2018. On any given day you will find people waiting for doors to open at these locations; the centres are constantly busy and provide a wide range of services that are not currently available online, and nor will they

be in the immediate future. Among these transactions are number plate returns and changes, custom plate registrations, cancelling and transferring registrations, lodging medicals, and many more.

But even if these services were made available online, a large number of people would be forced to purchase computers and/or data plans that they simply cannot afford. And many elderly people, or those with a disability, simply find online access too hard.

The PSA has been surveying Service SA customers in the affected communities and the clear message is “Don’t close these centres.” Survey respondent John from Mitcham told the PSA he is just one of many people who needs face-to-face access to his local Service SA centre.

“I have an acquired brain injury. It’s taken me a long time to work out how to get to my nearest Service SA centre, which I attend regularly. I have trouble using a computer and there’s no convenient alternative. If Service SA closes, the nearest centre would be Marion and I don’t think I can learn how to get there; I’m not sure how I will pay my bills.”

“Isn’t it the fundamental role of government to ensure its citizens have equitable access to public goods and services? Well, this budget ensures the exact opposite. This simply isn’t good enough,” she told the crowd.

Selling the spin Soon after the rally at Parliament, and in the same email directing staff not to talk publicly about the cuts, Service SA management, instructed its staff to tell customers that, “The decision (to close the three centres) is part of a broader strategy to improve the customer experience and service offerings across the state.”

The truth is there is no detail around how the government will deliver a better service.

PSA General Secretary Nev Kitchin says such an edict is essentially unethical.

Deriding the current essential service members provide to the South Australian community in the absence of a better alternative is not a constructive approach to delivering an essential public service in a better way – it looks more like a Minister desperately trying to justify what is really a very unpopular budget cut.

“As far as the PSA is concerned, It’s highly inappropriate to instruct public sector workers to put a political spin on budget cuts which seriously affect the provision of essential public services rather than simply providing factual information,” he said.

Disrespecting its own employees

“ When this government was elected they promised to improve public services, not reduce them...

”

Duty to serve PSA Assistant General Secretary Natasha Brown spoke at the rally and reminded the government of their duty to provide essential services to all.

“When this government was elected they promised to improve public services, not reduce them. But here we are not long after their first budget, fighting to save essential public services like Service SA.” www.cpsu.asn.au

When questioned by the cross-bench about the Service SA closures on February 12, Transport Minister Stephan Knoll, unleashed what can only be described as an insulting attack on the work carried out by Service SA staff.

“But here is the other point I want to make to the House: it is not like the current service that is provided by Service SA, a service that was provided in the way that the Labor Party put it together, is a great service. It is not like it was a great service. As we roll out our strategy over the coming weeks and months, what South Australians will come to realise is that there is actually a better way of doing these things.”

TAKE ACTION It is important that PSA members get behind Service SA staff and the communities affected by these arbirtary and ill-considered cuts.

Go to our campaign website, www.sanotforsale.com.au and sign the petition to protect public services from state government cuts and privatisation.

We can only protect these services with strong, united action!

13

NATURE FOR SALE? The restructure of the Department of Environment and Water has left many wondering where the state government’s priorities lie.

On January 31, staff working in the renamed Department of Environment and Water (DEW) received an email from their CE outlining a structural and ideological change in direction that appears to put business interests ahead of environmental sustainability.

The CE’s email foreshadowed “less staff and smaller budgets” and, perhaps most controversially, states up front that the department is now an “economic development agency” that will “balance environmental protection with economic development” and “contribute to our

14

state’s economy by driving sustainable economic development, and unlocking the potential of our natural and heritage resources.”

The backlash from staff within the Department has been significant, with many PSA members communicating their serious concerns about the changes, which clearly threaten their ability to protect our natural environment and biodiversity. It is a policy shift that many worry will ignore best practice and scientifically proven methods of conservation and land management in order to hand more power to business and farmers.

How quickly things change

“The department has endured cuts at every budget for the last decade… a catastrophic decline.”

Public Sector Review Magazine | APRIL 2019

That was now Minister for Environment David Speirs when in opposition in 2017. Minister Speirs is now presiding over at least 110 front-line job cuts and handing over responsibility for environmental management to the very sectors that have perpetrated its destruction over decades. Sure, there are some innovative farmers and ecotourism operators leading by example, but in the main, the agriculture and tourism industries simply do not have a track record of putting sustainability and conservation before profits.

Broken promises The state government’s election platform included a promise to increase the overall number of park rangers across the state by 20. Yet, since the state budget was handed down last September, at least eight rangers have

been made redundant statewide.

Kangaroo Island has been among the hardest hit with at least four rangers now gone. On one day in early February, a local private tour guide reported that only two Parks staff members were on duty in the massive Flinders Chase National Park, and neither were rangers.

Despite the promises of more rangers, what we are seeing is a staffing crisis.

The Ranger in Charge on Kangaroo Island recently resigned her position saying her values no longer aligned with those of the Department.

“ Rather than properly

funding essential services, the state government is handing out taxpayer dollars to private tourism operators

”

State-funded charity Rather than properly funding essential services, the state government is handing out taxpayer dollars to private tourism operators. It is understood the government has gifted the Australian Walking Company around $850,000 to assist in their plans to establish two luxury eco-villages in Flinders Chase NP. And this is no fledging smalltime tour operator. Among its board of directors is multi-millionaire Brett Godfrey, co-founder of Virgin Airlines in Australia and current chair of Tourism Queensland. Mr Godfrey is currently embroiled in a conflict of interest controversy in Queensland relating to a similar development.

www.cpsu.asn.au

For reasons unknown to departmental staff, state funding for private resorts is plentiful while resourcing for things like bushfire mitigation, pest eradication, track maintenance and wildlife protection is not.

Public parks not private playgrounds To be clear, the South Australian state government is not alone in this pro-business approach to environmental policy. Government-backed ecotourism ventures are popping up in conservation areas all over the country while funding for conservation and sustainable management of parks continues to fall. The Australian Walking Company, for example, has multiple properties in pristine locations around Tasmania and on the Great Ocean Road; they are already advertising their Kangaroo Island walk. None of these ‘walks’ are available to people without a few thousand dollars to spend; some require a helicopter trip to gain access.

Others, like the Flinders Chase venture, will require kilometres of new road to be built through the park, damaging delicate habitat so the wealthy can experience nature without foregoing the luxuries of home.

Spokesperson Bev Maxwell told the Advertiser, “People are concerned about what is planned for Flinders Chase National Park and the impact it will have there, but they are also concerned that it sets a precedent for other insensitive private developments in National Parks and reserves.”

“ ...the agriculture and

tourism industries simply do not have a track record of putting sustainability and conservation before profits.

”

Given the state government appears to see the environment as an economic cash cow rather than an ecological asset that needs protection, this is likely to be the first of many campaigns to stop the private exploitation of our state’s increasingly precious natural resources under the current government.

This is the state government’s “economic development agency” at work.

Public opposition is growing Friends of National Parks KI Western Districts, with support of a large number of conservation and community groups, is actively opposing the project in Flinders Chase National Park. They organised a large rally of around 500 people at Parliament House on February 27 which gained significant media attention.

15

IT’S IN THEIR BLOOD We speak to PSA member Julie Pearce (pictured right) about the important role phlebotomists play in health care.

How did you become a phlebotomist?

What do you like most about the work?

I was an enrolled nurse (EN) and decided the job would suit me when I was helping some paramedics with a patient who needed bloods. ENs don’t do bloods, so I went off and did a course and soon after I got a job with IMVS (now SA Pathology). I started at Flinders Hospital and was then sent down to Noarlunga.

I’ve spent the last six years at the Woodcroft collection centre.

I really enjoy the people contact. We have a great clientele at Woodcroft and many were really upset when the EPLIS system was being implemented and we had to divert our patients elsewhere. This inconvenienced about 1000 patients and quite a few called the Minister to let him know how unhappy they were about the closure.

What does a phlebotomist do?

The phlebotomist is the first point of care for over 70% of SA Health patients.

Taking blood is essential so as to be able to test and provide results that define the patient’s proper health care plan.

Assessing the blood is a most vital part of treatment and phlebotomists are at the forefront of this process. Patient care is a big aspect of the role. You need to know how to read the patient and communicate with patients - some people can be very anxious which can make getting the blood tricky. We have to get blood from the backs of hands, I’ve had to get it from the side of an ankle, we do finger-pricks to get blood with babies and some adults. It is a skill that’s learned over time.

16

Why do you think the patients were upset?

It’s a confidence thing, they get to know us and they know we’re going to get their blood; they trust us to get it right.

It takes years to become proficient at successfully taking blood. We get a lot of regular patients, from cancer patients to people who are on blood thinners, diabetics, pregnant women, people on arthritic medications and we also do transfusion bloods. We have to be very accurate in the collection and labelling process; we simply can’t make mistakes.

How many patients do you see each day?

We are often the only phlebotomist in the collection centre and the waiting room is regularly packed - standing room only.

There can be quite a bit of pressure but the patients don’t usually mind waiting;

Public Sector Review Magazine | APRIL 2019

I think it’s because of the relationship we have with them. I’m here for the patients and my priority is to get them in and get their bloods done so it can be on its way to the lab.

It sounds like you get to know your patients well ...

You do get to know your regular patients, and you’re often a sounding board for them and also for some you don’t see often. You might get a patient who has just been diagnosed with cancer and they might feel they can’t talk to family, so they talk to us. We have to know how to talk about those quite personal and often very difficult issues.

PSA ACTION The PSA is currently building a campaign to support phlebotomist members to apply for reclassification as many are working at a higher level than they are currently remunerated.

If you think this applies to you, call the PSA Member Rights Hotline on 8205 3277 or email enquiries @cpsu.asn.au

PRIVATISING OUR BLOOD? The state government has told SA Pathology it needs to make significant budget savings or it will allow SA Health’s Local Health Networks to shop around for pathology services.

This is effectively opening the doors to privatising the state’s public pathology service.

Privatising essential services does not save money, it just enables private operators to profit at the expense of the public. The PSA is firmly opposed to the privatisation of essential services and calls on the state government to commit to fully funding and improving them into the future.

Take action at

sanotforsale.com.au

www.cpsu.asn.au

PSA MEMBER BENEFITS AND

MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES For information on PSA Member Benefits, Holiday Homes, and for all of your membership enquiries you can contact the PSA between 8:45am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

Phone: (08) 8205 3200 E: enquiries@cpsu.asn.au

www.cpsu.asn.au

17

KEEP OUR PRISONS IN PUBLIC HANDS The state government must ensure the safety of corrections officers and the community In late February the PSA’s application seeking documentation from the government on their justification for privatising the Adelaide Remand Centre (ARC) and why it is in the public interest was heard in the South Australian Employment Court. The PSA brought the case because the government and the department had not complied with the enterprise agreement consultation obligations. The government opposed the PSA’s application. From the outset, it has maintained a dark veil of secrecy over the privatisation of the ARC. Court says PSA has a case On March 7, the South Australian Employment Court found the PSA has an arguable case that the government has breached its obligations to consult with the PSA and our members about matters arising from the privatisation of the ARC. The court ordered that the government must make certain documentation regarding the privatisation available for consultation.

At the time of writing the matter was set down for deliberation in early April.

Why is the PSA opposed to privatisation of prisons?

The state government, by privatising the ARC and cutting $84 million from the Corrections budget, is putting the safety of prison officers, prisoners and the general public at serious risk by pursuing the privatisation of state-run prisons. Evidence from interstate and overseas tells a shocking story, particularly regarding safety, in privately run prisons. A massive increase in the number of assaults, rampant drug trafficking, and cell over-crowding are all features of private prisons. Casualisation of corrections staff, including the increased engagement of inexperienced, minimally trained staff in reduced numbers appears to be a major contributing factor.

18

Damning statistics Parklea Correctional Centre in New South Wales provides a clear example of why privatisation must be avoided. Run by the now notorious GEO Group, the facility was so badly managed that it became the subject of a NSW state government inquiry. The final report revealed a culture of secrecy, cost-cutting, overcrowding, and an obsession with being seen to meet KPIs, which led to the under-reporting of critical incidents.

“ What we need is an

accountable and costeffective public prison system.

”

An ABC investigation into Queensland’s Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre in June last year revealed significant increases in critical incidents since it was privatised in 2012, including a huge spike in the number of suicides. In just three years operating as a private facility, serious assaults increased by 500 percent and there was a 700 percent increase in sexual assaults.

Positive drug tests doubled at Arthur Gorrie between 2012 and 2016 and similar increases in drug use and contraband are evident in other private prisons.

Savings made but at what cost?

You do not have to look further than the eastern states for examples of the negative consequences of prison privatisation, but when you do, you find that it has been universally unsuccessful. In the UK, for example, a comprehensive evaluation by the UK Prison Reform Trust found that while the cost of a prison place reduced by 20 percent between 2009 and 2015, it came at the expense of:

Public Sector Review Magazine | APRIL 2019

• major increases in deaths, self-harm and assaults • 88% increase in assaults on staff over a two year period (2015-2017) • fewer staff looking after more prisoners – 26% decrease in front-line operational staff in public prisons in the last seven years • increase in inexperienced staff - nearly a quarter (24%) of prison officers have been in their jobs for two years or less • increasing number of staff (27%) who resign after fewer than two years’ service • recidivism is increasing.

The jury is in While the PSA is still waiting to see the outcome of its legal challenge on the privatisation of the ARC, the evidence arguing against the privatisation of prisons is indisputable. Speaking to the media at the PSA’s hearing on February 27, Acting General Secretary Natasha Brown told the media that privatisation of prisons has proven disastrous and must be avoided.

“What we need is an accountable and cost-effective public prison system which ensures the safety of the community,” said Ms Brown. “We don’t need privatisation which puts profits for shareholders ahead of the public good, i.e better and safer outcomes for prison staff, inmates and the community.”

It is clear that better prisons will not be achieved by cutting staffing levels and replacing experienced staff with rookies who are ill-equipped to cope with the challenges of managing the prison population. The PSA will continue to argue and campaign against the privatisation of prisons.

MAY DAY - INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORKER

ANGGA Y N A D N R TA , Q S IC V M MARCH FRO TO LIGHT SQ, WAUWI START 10:00AM FOR 10:30AM

GUEST SPEAKER:

MICHELE O’NEIL ACTU PR E

SIDENT

• Speeches, music, food, drink & kids entertainment • May Day festivities continue from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Semaphore Workers Club • Port Adelaide Workers Memorial Service - 10:00am Sunday May 5

AUTHORISED M. BLOWES SA MAY DAY COMMITTEE

www.cpsu.asn.au

19

OUT AND ABOUT WITH PSA MEMBERS

20

Public Sector Review Magazine | APRIL 2019

www.cpsu.asn.au

21

WELLBEING AT WORK PSA members are benefiting from training to support mental health in the workplace At the time of the last national census in 2016, four million Australians reported suffering from at least one mental health or behavioural condition. On average, that is almost one in every five people in your community and your workplace.

Once a highly stigmatised affliction, it is now recognised that mental illness is common, affecting people from all walks of life. Given its prevalence, it is likely you will come across mental illness in your workplace or among the community members you service in your department.

clause in the South Australian Modern Public Service Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2017. The clause provides for mental health first aid training for a total number of staff equivalent to the number of first aiders and HSRs in any workplace (Clause 19.6). It is being used as a model clause to be added to all EAs negotiated by the PSA for our members.

“ It’s great to be able help people to rebound positively after a stressful incident.”

First Aid training Fortunately, community awareness around mental health issues, the signs and the causes, is improving all the time.

Groups like Beyond Blue and the Black Dog Institute are among many who, along with educating the public, actively lobby governments to improve health and safety legislation. Unions are also playing a big part. In our last enterprise bargaining round, the PSA proposed and won agreement for a new mental health

22

”

PSA members started receiving training in 2018, and consistently the reports to member forums suggest the training is having a positive effect. Members are telling us the training has increased job satisfaction and boosted both morale and engagement with their role and their workmates.

Public Sector Review Magazine | APRIL 2019

Christies Beach Magistrates Court Sheriff’s Officer Ian Hendy undertook mental health first aid training in 2018, and has put it into practice both in his workplace and the local community.

The core responsibility of Sheriff’s Officers in magistrates courts is to provide in-court security during court cases, front entry and whole of site security, and to facilitate prisoner movement from court to custody.

Statistics show that those who come into contact with the criminal justice system are more likely to suffer from a mental health condition. As a Mental Health First Aider, it is part of Ian’s role to provide support to both court users and workmates.

A step-by-step approach Describing a number of situations where he has put the training into practise, Ian outlined the process he now uses, known as ‘ALGEE’, to manage situations.

“Having spoken with both staff I could see that one was clearly distressed and needed some extra support. By consoling her and having a supportive conversation we were able to work through what had happened. Although she was rattled, taking the time to work through the incident and discuss the options for support enabled her to return to work after a lunch break and continue for the rest of the day,” he said.

Having someone trained to effectively address issues pertaining to mental health is clearly a benefit to other staff and, indeed, to the employer. Ian, who is also the PSA Worksite Representative at the Court, said he has also benefited from the training.

“

I was able to assist a workmate and a member of their family who were dealing with a traumatic experience.

”

• Approach, assess, assist – make the person feel comfortable, build rapport • Listen – with compassion and empathy, communicate and be non-judgemental (no “suck it up” statements) • Give support and information - “I’m a trained mental health first aid officer”.

Provide advice and demonstrate your understanding • Encourage the person to seek professional help – their doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist, family, lawyer, family violence or legal services • Encourage other supports – workmates, friends, people who have been through similar issues.

Supporting your workmates Recently, staff at the court were forced to deal with a particularly difficult attendee who acted in an aggressive and intimidating manner. Once removed from the court, Ian approached the two registry staff to check on their wellbeing.

www.cpsu.asn.au

“It’s had an immediate impact on my own morale. It’s great to be able help people to rebound positively after a stressful incident, and particularly when it’s my workmates,” he said.

“I’ve been able to apply the training outside of work as well. I was able to assist a workmate and a member of their family who were dealing with a traumatic experience.

After providing initial emotional support, I encouraged them to seek help from the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider used by Courts Administration Authority (CAA). Despite the trauma they experienced, I think both were better for the support and advice they received.”

“I have a lot of faith in the benefits of the EAP for anyone who needs help. I really encourage members to access it – it’s confidential and nothing goes on your employment record,” he said.

Black Dog Rides Back in 2012, Ian went on his first Black Dog Ride. Along with raising much needed funds, the rides are intended to raise awareness of men’s mental health issues.

“Despite the comparatively high levels of mental illness in regional areas, support services are few and far between. I actually looked into getting mental health first aid training after that first ride but back then you had to travel to Melbourne to access training. It’s great that the PSA now has the training included in the EBA,” he said.

Ian also took part in the 2016 ‘Pinery Ride’, which visited areas affected by the devastating Pinery Fire in 2015.

“If I’d had these skills back then it would’ve been incredible,” he said. “But I’m still a Black Dog Rider and hopefully I can put my skills to use both at work and in the community into the future,” he said.

Contribute to the upcoming EBA The mental health first aid training clause is one of the many conditions negotiated by the PSA into members’ enterprise agreements. The PSA encourages members to talk to workmates, Worksite Representatives, PSA staff and your employer about ways to improve your working lives, for the benefit of each other and for the South Australian public.

If you or your colleagues are experiencing mental health issues, help is available through the following services: A staff member trained through the PSA-negotiated Mental Health First Aid Training course Employee Assistance Program (EAP). See your intranet for workplace provider details Lifeline: 13 11 14 SafeWork SA: safework.sa.gov.au Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au

23

PRESENTED BY HEALTH PARTNERS

7 STEPS TO A HEALTHIER BRAIN Keeping your brain healthy is essential for living a fulfilling, healthy and long life. It’s never too early or too late to start because you can improve and protect your brain health at any age.

7 steps to a healthier brain 1. Look after your heart: there’s actually a big connection between heart and brain health

2. Be physically active: be active on most, preferably all, days every week

3. Mentally challenge your brain: learn a new sport, language, instrument or even simple things like doing math in your head or brushing your teeth with the opposite hand

4. Follow a healthy diet: keep reading for essential nutrients for a healthy brain

5. Get a good night’s sleep: it’s recommend you sleep 7 to 9 hours every night. Lack of sleep can impact your cognition, mood, memory and learning

6. Stress less: keeping calm is important. Too much cortisol (stress hormone) can affect your memory and ability to learn

7.

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Be sociable: organise regular catch-ups with your family and friends

How does the brain function?

The brain controls and coordinates movements, feelings, thoughts, breathing and bodily functions. It’s made up of billions of nerve cells which transmit messages using a combination of electrical and chemical activity.

Essential nutrients for a healthy brain Brain cells can’t store energy and require a steady stream of glucose. Complex carbohydrates, found in unprocessed fruits and vegetables, give your brain the sustained energy it needs.

60% of our brains are made up of fat so it makes sense that we need to replenish this regularly, but we need healthy fats, found in avocados, olives, nuts, seeds, coconut oil, grass-fed butter, and fatty fish like salmon or tuna.

Proteins break down into building blocks called amino acids, a major component in neurotransmitters, which are critical in enabling brain cells to communicate with each other. Excellent protein sources are grass-fed meats, free-range poultry, wild fish, organic eggs and dairy.

Sources: Your Brain Matters, Your Brain Health, Be Brain Fit

Public Sector Review Magazine | APRIL 2019

SECURE JOBS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE The number of casual and short-term contract workers in the public sector is increasing. Insecure work negatively impacts on workers in a range of ways.

As public sector workers, we provide essential services for the community. We work to provide security for vulnerable South Australians, through provision of healthcare, education, housing, and social support everyday.

But for many of us the impact of rolling short-term contracts and casual employment means we cannot get a home loan or plan to start a family.

We do not want to stop serving our community or move elsewhere.

To provide quality services to the public, we need secure jobs for our future.

Secure jobs mean more security for South Australia’s most vulnerable.

The PSA is campaigning for the end of unfair contracts and for job security for our members.

Go to the campaigns section of the PSA website to get involved in the campaign! www.cpsu.asn.au/campaign

ARE YOU A CASUAL OR CONTRACT WORKER?

DON’T MAKE JOB INSECURITY YOUR LIFELON COMMITMENT. G

JO IN TH E PS A’ S FO R SE CU RE JO CA M PA IG N BS AT W W W.C PS U.AS N.AU/C AM PA IG N

Authorised by Nev Kitchin, General Secretary, Public Service Association of South Australia Inc, 122 Pirie Street, Adelai de, SA 5000.

RAFFLE 2019 1ST PRIZE

$8000 TRAVEL VOUCHER 2ND PRIZE

$2199 GAZELLE BIKE 3RD PRIZE

$500 BOOK VOUCHER Raffle closes 17 May 2019 Winner drawn 6 June 2019 Full raffle details available at apheda.org.au Results will be published on 6 June 2019

ORDER ONLINE AT www.cpsu.asn.au

TICKETS $5

APHEDA.ORG.AU/RAFFLE

or freecall 1800 888 674 25

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.

PSA HOLIDAY HOME: ROBE Beautiful Robe on the Limestone Coast

Our Robe holiday units are in the perfect location for you to explore the best of the beautiful Limestone Coast, a perfect year-round holiday destination.

Featuring modern appliances including dishwasher, oven and cook top, these units are one of our more popular holiday home locations. Within easy walking distance of Robe’s best eateries and beaches, the units sleep four people, making them ideal for families, friends and couples wanting a relaxing getaway.

While in Robe, you are also ideally placed to visit the nearby Naracoorte Caves National Park – South Australia’s only World-Heritage listed area. The worldrenowned Coonawarra wine region is also close by for wine connoisseurs.

If family activities are what you are seeking, local fishing in and around Robe is fantastic year-round.

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.

PSA

DISCOUNTED CARDS 26

Public Sector Review Magazine | APRIL 2019

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. PSA holiday home units are a great way to enjoy a brilliant South Australian holiday year-round, at unbeatable value.

Please see our website for full pricing details and booking conditions.

Alternatively, give our friendly Member Benefit Team a call on 8205 3200.

PSA members can also take advantage of stays at New Zealand holiday homes through our partnership with the PSA of NZ. Members can contact NZ PSA directly via holidayhomes@psa.org.nz for details.

BOOK YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY TODAY

PSA TRAINING CALENDAR WORKSITE REPRESENTATIVE

TRAINING COURSES

WORKSITE REPRESENTATIVES LEVEL ONE This three-day course covers communication skills, the role of the Worksite Representative, interpreting industrial provisions and problem solving skills, union history and much more.

Dates: Time: Venue:

18 - 20 June 2019 13 - 15 August 2019 22 - 24 October 2019 19 - 21 November 2019 9:00am – 5:00pm Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

PORT AUGUSTA VENUE

Dates:

28-30 May 2019

Time:

9:00am – 5:00pm

Venue:

To be confirmed

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

WORKSITE REPRESENTATIVES LEVEL TWO This two-day course is available to Worksite Representatives who have completed the Worksite Representatives Course 1 (or equivalent).

Dates:

21 - 22 May 2019 20 - 21wAugust 2019 12 - 13 November 2019

Time:

9:00am – 5:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND MEMBER

TRAINING COURSES UNION ORIENTATION

Find out how your union works, what your industrial rights are and learn about the non-industrial benefits that come with your PSA membership in this one-hour session. The session is designed to help members get the most out of their union membership by knowing the services that are available to members.

Dates:

5 June 2019 23 July 2019

Time:

6:00pm – 7:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS This one-day course will help you feel comfortable speaking to groups of people and help you to ensure that the message you want to send is the one that is received.

Unsure on whether you qualify for a reclassification?

Not sure how to go about compiling your application?

Then this short course is for you. This course is offered both in person and as a video conference online.

Dates:

5 June 2019 27 August 2019 15 October 2019

Time:

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

VIDEO CONFERENCE

GETTING THAT JOB! APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW SKILLS This one-day course looks at the key skills in applying for new roles, responding to selection criteria, and being successful in interviews.

REPRESENTING MEMBER SKILLS

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

PORT AUGUSTA VENUE

30 October 2019

Dates:

Time:

9:00am – 5:00pm

Time:

9:00am – 5:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Venue:

To be confirmed

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

24 July 2019

RECRUITMENT MASTERCLASS Having a strong union membership is one critical element we need to have to win in the workplace. This one-day course looks at the most effective way to talk to your colleagues about becoming a member of our union.

Date:

29 October 2019

Date:

Time:

9:00am – 5:00pm

Time:

9:00pm – 5:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

www.cpsu.asn.au

PART ONE - LUNCH’N’LEARN

Venue:

6:00pm – 7:00pm

In this course you will learn how to get the most out of workplace and union meetings at the worksite.

Registration is essential – you can register online at: http://www.cpsu.asn.au/training-programs/

9:00am – 5:00pm

Time:

EFFECTIVE MEETING SKILLS

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.

Time:

26 March 2019 31 October 2019

Date:

The first part if this course is a one-hour lunch ‘n’ learn. This part will cover the fundamentals of the reclassification process focusing on how to best outline your case.

15 May 2019 23 July 2019 22 August 2019

Dates:

This course provides advice on supporting members with individual issues, negotiation skills and dealing with management.

TRAINING COURSES

Dates:

Nil for PSA Members

Cost:

RECLASSIFICATION PART 1 & 2

23 May 2019

Dates:

6 June 2019 29 August 2019 16 October 2019

Time:

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Venue:

Video Conference (session via video link only)

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

PART TWO - WORKSHOP This workshop is specifically designed to provide time for members to commence preparing their reclassification application. You do need to have undertaken part one of the course before attending and have gathered all of the materials required as per Determination 5 outlined in the first part of the course.

This course will also provide opportunity for peer review.

Dates:

13 June 2019 28 August 2019 6 November 2019

Time:

9:00am – 12:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

PORT AUGUSTA VENUE

Dates:

25 July 2019

Time:

9:00am – 12:00pm

Venue:

To be confirmed

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

27

PSA PLUS PSA PLUSBENEFITS PROGRAM YOUR MEMBER

HOW HOWTO TO REDEEM REDEEM PSA PSAPLUS PLUS OFFERS OFFERS ON ON YOUR YOURSMARTPHONE SMARTPHONE YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM

NO NO APP APP REQUIRED REQUIRED

TO REDEEM WEB OFFERS FOR SHOPPING, CINEMAS, BOX OFFICE, TRAVEL & LEISURE, HOTELS AND CAR HIRE

LOG IN TO THE PSA PLUS WEBSITE PSAPLUS.FREQUENTVALUES.COM.AU www.cpsu.asn.au www.cpsu.asn.au

32

www.cpsu.asn.au www.cpsu.asn.au Visit psaplus.frequentvalues.com.au for the most up-to-date listing and offers in your city. Offers correct at time of printing. For the terms and conditons please refer to the website. you have any questions regarding newcity. program, would at liketime to provide a suggestion, contact Visit psaplus.frequentvalues.com.au for theIf most up-to-date listing and offers the in your Offersorcorrect of printing.

For the terms andthe PSA Member Benefit at website. memberbenefits@cpsu.asn.au. conditons please referTeam to the If you have any questions regarding the new program, or would like to provide a suggestion, contact the PSA

Public Sector Magazine | APRIL 2019 Member Review Benefit Team at memberbenefits@cpsu.asn.au.

www.cpsu.asn.au