Public Sector Review Magazine - August 2018

Review Public Sector

Public Sector Review Magazine • August 2018

Investing in our public sector is not ‘un-competitive’ by Richard Denniss www.cpsu.asn.au

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Know Your Rights Workloads

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Public Servants are Essential – Member Profiles

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PSA Plus – Savings at Priceline

CONTENTS From the General Secretary: 3 Valued Members Achieving Together From the President: Meeting with Ministers

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From the Assistant General Secretary: Proud to be Public

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INDUSTRIAL NEWS Investing in our Public Sector 6 Dr Richard Denniss Know Your Super More Cover, Greater Flexibility

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Enterprise Agreement: SAMPSEAS 2017 Snap Shot

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First Nations Workers Alliance 10 NAIDOC Week

Because of Her, We Can

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Know Your Rights Managing Workloads under the new EA

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Building the Force Worksite Repersentative Forum

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Essential Public Servants

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WELCOME As you flip through this month’s Review, you will see that there is an important focus on the vital work you as public sector workers do in serving our community.

Whether you work in health, education, child protection, transport, correctional services, primary industries, environment and heritage, emergency services (and much, much more!) your work is equally essential in setting the foundation for a positive, fair and civilised modern society.

APHEDA 21 Homebased Garment Workers

One of the most gratifying and humbling roles I perform as General Secretary of your union is the oversight of PSA membership recognition.

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

MEMBER NEWS Recognising SSOs

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Out and About With PSA Members

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Anna Stewart Memorial Project

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PSA Golf ROCLA Cup

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MEMBER BENEFITS Health Partners

Protect your Eyes from too much Screen Time

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PSA Holiday Home

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PSA Plus Plush Deal at Priceline

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Training Calendar

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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

Public Sector Review Magazine | August 2018

VALUED MEMBERS ACHIEVING TOGETHER

The PSA wants to help share your stories to highlight why your role is essential and what it is that makes serving our community so special.

Visit sanotforsale.com.au to tell the PSA your story and encourage friends, family and colleagues to sign the petition and get involved.

FEDERAL WEBSITE

Enterprise Bargaining for SSOs 22

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A message from the General Secretary

Designed and Printed on Recycled and Sustainably sourced paper by Created 2 Print, 107 Sturt Street, Adelaide SA. www.created2print.com

Over the last 12 months, the PSA has written formally and sent recognition badges to almost 1500 members.

These members have been loyal to our Association for periods of between 10 to 40 years of continuous membership.

Many of you would recall that many years ago when you joined government it was a given that you joined the PSA at the same time. Many members from that time are still proud to be with us today.

by Nev Kitchin

workers just like those who we have congratulated over the past 12 months for their ongoing long-term membership.

banning of smoking in workplaces, and changes to superannuation including the transition to retirement provision.

Members who have been with the PSA over the years have watched as political parties and hundreds of Ministers have come and gone. They have been through restructure after restructure, department name change after name change, and of course the forever changing General Managers and Chief Executive Officers.

One constant for these members has been the Public Service Association. As a collective we have power to achieve great results together that individuals simply do not have.

Many have witnessed first hand some of the more significant events in their employment history such as equal pay for women, workers compensation, the overhaul of employees remuneration and reclassification schemes, the

Thank you to the thousands of loyal members who continue to support their PSA and also welcome to all of the newer members joining the union.

Your loyalty is what inspires us to keep the PSA campaigning to continue to proudly serve our community.

The ongoing success of the PSA in maintaining and improving members’ conditions of employment is founded on the loyalty of thousands of public sector

The Public Sector Review’s official publication number is PP565001/0010.

Volume 2, Number 3.

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

Cover Image: PSA Worksite Representative Forum 2018.

www.cpsu.asn.au

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A message from the President

A message from the Assistant General Secretary

MEETING WITH MINISTERS

PROUD TO BE

by Michael Griffiths

PUBLIC

PSA elected officials and leadership have been continuing to meet with the new Government Ministers since the state election last March.

It is important through these meetings for the Government to understand the integral role public servants have in supporting and providing essential services to our community across a hugely diverse public sector.

The PSA has a commitment for regular meetings with the Premier and Treasurer.

The PSA has also met with opposition and crossbench MPs and MLCs. Since my last update in the May PSA Review, the PSA leadership has met with; • Treasurer – The Hon Rob Lucas MLC • Deputy Premier – The Hon Vickie Chapman MP

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• Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government, Minister for Planning – The Hon Stephen Knoll MP • Minister for Environment and Water – The Hon David Speirs MP • Minister for Child Protection – The Hon Rachel Sanderson MP • Minister for Human Services – The Hon Michelle Lensink MP • Minister for Education – The Hon John Gardner MP • Leader of the Opposition – Peter Malinauskas • Shadow Minister for Child Protection and Arts – Jayne Stinson • SA Greens – Mark Parnell MLC

• SA Greens – Tammy Franks MLC • SA Best – Connie Bonaros MLC and Frank Pangallo MLC The first State Budget on 4 September 2018 will indicate the direction of the new Government, their plan for the public sector, and will also set the tone for the next few years.

Regardless of what is in the Budget, you can be assured that the PSA will continue to advocate for a wellresourced and supported public sector and will actively oppose any potential future cuts to the essential services you provide to our community.

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 | August 2018

by Natasha Brown

Earlier this year the PSA launched our SA Not For Sale campaign and held a pre-election forum to put direct community pressure on political parties to commit to a well-resourced public sector and stop further privatisations.

With the election behind us, and the first State Budget of our new Government looming, we need to keep the pressure on to ensure our public sector (and PSA members) are adequately resourced to do the essential work South Australia needs.

State Budgets are when governments most clearly demonstrate to their community members what their true priorities are. What is funded, and what is not funded, makes a public statement about the value the Government places on different activities, resources and services in our society.

It would be wonderful if our budget was adequate for our community needs, but we know that this is rarely the case. Difficult decisions always need to be made about how to share the budget among competing demands. And we know that, far too often, when budgets get tight governments defund, reduce or worse, privatise public sector services as a short-sighted way to save money.

Too often, this is “rationalised” and the public sector is wrongly denounced as being inefficient or over-staffed. Lines are drawn between so-called “front office” and “back office” services, creating the illusion of “fat to be trimmed” for those not at the “front-line”. In reality, the public sector is our most efficient means of ensuring we and all our fellow community members have a fair and decent quality of life.

www.cpsu.asn.au

Any government who truly cared about the wellbeing of its people would actively and proudly, prioritise investments into public sector services for the benefit of all community members. Public sector cuts and privatisation should be called out as the problem inevitably putting pressure on those services - not the solution for “savings”.

The next phase of our SA Not For Sale campaign is about highlighting the essential work that all PSA members do for our community every day. It is about showing the SA public what you do for our community, and why you are proud to be a public servant. It is about asking the SA public to help us put pressure on the

decision-makers in government for fair, equitable and adequate funding of the public services we all need for a positive and civilised modern society.

Go to sanotforsale.com.au and share your story about the essential work you do for South Australia. Talk to your family, friends, neighbours, clients and colleagues about why you are proud to serve our community. Tell the Government what you expect for our society, and help show them that PSA members, and South Australians, will hold them to account for fair and adequate funding for our public sector now and into the future.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR PUBLIC SERVICES

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INVESTING IN OUR PUBLIC SECTOR IS NOT ‘UN-COMPETITIVE’ DR RICHARD DENNISS

Australia is one of the richest countries in the world but so often we are told that we ‘cannot afford’ to have the high quality education system found in Finland, the health system found in the UK or the transport system found in nearly every European city. How can this be?

Indeed, after 27 years of continuous economic growth how can it be that Australian governments, state and federal, ‘cannot afford’ to provide the same level of public services that they could provide 27 years ago?

The answer to both these questions is surprisingly simple. It’s not that we cannot afford to have world class services and infrastructure, it’s that successive governments have preferred to spend money on tax cuts than on the services that the vast majority of voters want.

Australia is one of the lowest taxed countries in the developed world.

While making such a statement is considered ‘provocative’ or ‘contestable’ in Australia, the fact is that according to the OECD, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, Australia is a low tax country.

If Australia collected the same proportion of national income in tax as the average developed country, we would collect an extra $100 billion in tax revenue per year. Put another way, if we decided to collect an extra $100 billion per year by taxing pollution, the mining companies, the banks, and closing tax loopholes that allow millionaires to pay not a cent in tax, we would still only be an average tax country.

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It is of course entirely legitimate for a country to aspire to be one of the lowest taxed countries in the world.

Some country has to collect the least tax and it can be us, if we want it to.

But, when we choose to be a very low tax country we are also choosing to have one of the smallest public sectors in the world. Again, if we want to have a tiny public sector there

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Australians now believe that it is ‘inefficient’ to decide as a community that we want to spend a bit more on high quality community services

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is no reason that we can’t. But poll after poll, and recent election results, suggest that the vast majority of Australians would prefer to have the high quality public services found in Europe and, in turn, to collect a bit of extra tax along the way.

While the vast majority of Australians say they would like to have higher quality public services and infrastructure, for decades the vast majority of Australians have also been told that spending money on health, education, aged care or public transport would make us ‘uncompetitive’. But while the

Public Sector Review Magazine | August 2018

effectiveness of this scare campaign about ‘competitiveness’ is unarguable, the concept itself is, to put it bluntly, complete bullshit.

of our economy, it would do nothing to the size of our economy, the competitiveness of our economy, or anything else.

Consider the following:

It works in reverse as well. The Federal Government recently passed new laws that will reduce the amount of tax paid by the highest income earners by $7,000 per year and provide no increase in disposable income to the lowest paid members of our community. Now imagine that high-income earners can now spend an extra $7,000 per year on coffee, lunch, shoes and holidays. In

Millions of Australians collectively spend billions of dollars per year paying skilled people to make them better coffee than they can make themselves. Obviously employing tens of thousands of barristas isn’t the cheapest way for a country to supply caffeine to its populace.

And as anyone who has travelled internationally knows, not all countries have decided to invest heavily in the provision of good coffee. But it is rare to hear an Australian politician or self-appointed ‘business leader’ against the inefficiency associated with our collective preference for good coffee? Has any politician or business leader ever claimed that the billions of dollars we spend on coffee makes us ‘uncompetitive’?

Now imagine that ten million Australians were all willing to buy one less coffee each week and in turn spend an extra $5 per week on publicly funded health and education.

That would be equivalent to a budget boost of around $2.5 billion per year but in what sense would that make Australia ‘less competitive’?

While such a shift in our spending patterns would change the shape

We can afford to do “anything we want, but we cannot afford to do everything we want.

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what possible sense could such extra shopping make the Australian economy ‘more competitive’ with that of China, India or anywhere else?

I know, I know, the $7,000 they spend on handbags and holidays will ‘create jobs’ in the handbag shops and at a resort somewhere. But given that the Government will cut spending on health, education or other services by $7,000 to match the tax cuts that means that there will be $7,000 fewer teachers, nurses or other public sector workers.

www.cpsu.asn.au

Put simply, while decisions about the amount of tax we collect and the size of government spending have an enormous impact on the shape of the economy, and on the distribution of goods and services, they do not have an enormous impact on the economy’s rate of growth or its ‘competitiveness’.

There is nothing inefficient or ‘uncompetitive’ about the desire of many Australians to want a fair price for high quality food, clothes, singing lessons or anything else.

But, unfortunately, after decades of lecturing from conservative politicians and commentators millions of Australians now believe that it is ‘inefficient’ to decide as a community that we want to spend a bit more on high quality community services.

Australia is one of the richest countries in the world and we live at the richest point in world history. We can afford to do anything we want, but we cannot afford to do everything we want. Of course we can choose to shrink our public sector if we want, but doing so will not make our country rich, it will just make it different. It is up to voters to decide whether spending less on health, education and their public services would make our country better or worse. But the argument that doing so would make us ‘uncompetitive’ is simply bullshit.

DR RICHARD DENNISS Dr Richard Denniss is Chief Economist at the Australia Institute. His latest books Dead Right: how neoliberalism ate itself and Curing Affluenza: how to buy less stuff and save the world, both consider the social and economic consequences of changing the shape of our economy.

*Article as supplied by Dr Richard Denniss, The Australia Institute.

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ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT:

SAMPSEAS 2017 SNAP SHOT

KNOW YOUR SUPER: MORE COVER, GREATER FLEXIBILITY Triple S and Flexible Rollover Product (FRP) insurance is changing from 3 September 2018 Insurance offered through the Triple S Scheme and FRP is changing.

The changes will provide you with more cover options, greater flexibility and choice.

We’re increasing default Death and Total & Permanent Disablement (TPD), introducing age-based Income Protection (IP) premiums and giving you more choice about your level of cover.

These changes protect the long-term sustainability of Triple S and FRP insurance, while ensuring that cover remains affordable.

All impacted members will receive an information pack before 3 September and you’ll also find the relevant information and forms on the Super SA website at supersa.sa.gov.au.

We recommend that you refer to the Triple S & Flexible Rollover Product Insurance Guides (included in the mail out and available on the website) to view the new premiums for Triple S and Flexible Rollover Product Insurance.

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Here are some of the key changes: • Default Death and TPD Insurance cover increasing to three units of Standard Insurance cover.

• Maximum age for Death and TPD Insurance increasing by five years to age 70.

• Maximum age for IP Insurance increasing by five years to age 65.

• New definitions will be applied if you make a claim.

• Option of new Fixed Benefit Insurance with age-based premiums.

• Triple S members with IP Insurance cover will be able to select a 90 day waiting period.

• IP premiums will continue to be calculated as a percentage of salary but are now based on your age and waiting period.

Leaving public sector employment but want to maintain your insurance cover?

IP Insurance ceases when you leave SA public sector employment. However, you can continue your Death and TPD Insurance by rolling over your Triple S entitlement into Super SA’s FRP and transferring your Triple S Insurance within 60 days of leaving SA public sector employment.

While you can join the FRP at any time, the 60 day timeframe ensures that you won’t have to provide any further medical information for the same level

Public Sector Review Magazine | August 2018

of cover. If you have been employed on a casual basis, a range of factors determine when your Death and TPD Insurance stops. Read the Triple S Insurance fact sheet or visit the website for more information on the FRP. Do you have enough insurance cover?

This is a good time to check out how much you’re currently covered for and then use our online Insurance Calculator to work out whether it’s enough to meet you and your family’s needs should the unexpected happen.

Did you know?

Triple S and Flexible Rollover Product (FRP) are self-insured which means that our insurance is not-for-profit and entirely member-focused. Being selfinsured means that rather than paying an insurance company to administer claims, we administer the claims ourselves. The advantages of being self-insured are cost savings and control of the insurance plan.

Stay informed Visit supersa.sa.gov.au for all the latest information you need to know about the changes. *Article as supplied by Super SA.

A number of actions and reviews required under the new SA Modern Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2017 (SAMPSEAS) are underway. Some examples of work being done include the following: ASO1 Audit An audit of ASO1 positions is required to be done by 1 August 2018 under the terms of the new salaried enterprise agreement (SAMPSEAS).

There is a clear process set out in the agreement, and there is an obligation on all agencies with ASO1 employees to undertake the audit.

The PSA will support our members to ensure the audit is undertaken appropriately under the terms of the agreement. As Review goes to print, we are surveying all our ASO1 members to make sure their positions are included in the audit, that audits are being conducted, and are being conducted according to the terms of the enterprise agreement.

Allied Health Assistants A new stream for Allied Health Assistants in the Department for Health and Wellbeing was established with the new salaried enterprise agreement. Negotiations have been progressing with a view to transitioning relevant Allied Health Assistants to the new stream. Most immediate transition matters have now been resolved consistent with the six month time frame requirement of the enterprise agreement. www.cpsu.asn.au

The PSA (and the government) understands that matters will arise in relation to AHAs after the initial transition. The PSA wants to make sure that any member or group of members who satisfy the criteria for the new Allied Health Assistant Stream have the opportunity to move to the new stream in order to access an enhanced career path that better values and recognises their work.

Transition arrangements for those now covered by the new salaried agreement The new salaried enterprise agreement brought groups of employees who had not necessarily been covered by previous agreements under the coverage of the new enterprise agreement. Employees in Renewal SA (now included in the new Housing Authority) comprise one of these groups.

SAMPSEAS sets out the provisions that will apply for the transition of those employees not previously covered by the enterprise agreement to coverage under the new agreement. No employee can be worse off during or following the transition.

Discussions between the PSA and Renewal SA have been underway for some time.

The PSA continues to consult with members and to field members’ enquiries about matters arising from them now being covered by the new agreement.

Legal Services Commission – ASO stream review

review into the classification structure of the administration stream in the Legal Services Commission. The objective is to ensure positions are appropriately classified, and that the structure is appropriate for the work required to be done.

A positive outcome from the initial meeting with government is that a regular Workplace Consultative Forum has now been set up to deal with those issues not encompassed by the classification review.

Dental Therapists The transition of Dental Therapists into the AHP stream was negotiated and agreed with the PSA within the time frame required by the new salaried enterprise agreement.

A contentious matter which is still under consideration is the appropriate classification stream of Dental Hygienists and Oral Health Therapists.

Mental Health First Aid training A program for providing mental health first aid training to employees was required to be established within five months of approval of the agreement.

The training itself is required to be completed within the life of the agreement (nominally two years).

The PSA continues to emphasise with government that the terms of the agreement need to be implemented – including using the specific accredited Mental Health First Aid training program.

The PSA has been consulting with, and surveying, members and has held initial meetings with government about the

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FIRST NATIONS WORKERS ALLIANCE The First Nations Workers Alliance (FNWA) is a collective of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander unionists, NonIndigenous unions, trade unions and Community Development Programme (CDP) workers. FNWA was launched to operate as a union for CDP workers, as CDP workers are not considered workers and do not have access to any industrial tools to assist with their workplace issues.

CDP workers have 70 times the financial penalties imposed upon them than non-remote dole workers. Fines for missing activities under CDP – which covers a tiny fraction of the population – account for more than half the total penalties across the entire welfare system.

CDP workers get well below the minimum wage (the dole pays $11.60/hour or $290/week) for working for 25 hours a week for non-profit and now for-profit businesses. They are not covered by the Fair Work Act, they do not have Federal OHS protections or workers compensation and they cannot take annual leave, sick leave or carer’s leave.

The FNWA and the Trade Union movement believe all Australians deserve the opportunity to have a good, steady job and the dignity of work.

The Federal Government’s Community Development Program (CDP) is depriving tens of thousands of people of that opportunity. It is punitive, heavyhanded and racially discriminatory, and the union movement through FNWA is determined to see it removed.

Those under the CDP are forced to work up to three times longer than city-based jobseekers to receive welfare payments.

Since July 2015, fewer than 3,500 Indigenous participants found full-time or part-time work lasting six months or more.

Since our launch 12 months ago, FNWA has held meetings with 1,200 Indigenous workers and their community representatives in 20 regions, signing up 760 members to FNWA and reached tens of thousands on social media.

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Public Sector Review Magazine | August 2018

BY LARA WATSON

NAIDOC Week Because of Her, We Can

FNWA has seen too many CDP workers being forced to work without safety equipment, risking serious injury under threat of having their only payments taken away for months, seen communities starving and CDP workers breached for taking part in cultural activities, like ‘Sorry Business’. This program is a disgrace to all Australians and must be scrapped.

The PSA participated in celebrations for NAIDOC week in July, marching with thousands at the annual NAIDOC week march. The PSA is proud of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island members and the important work they do for the community. We stand with and celebrate the important contribution our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members make to our union.

While the Federal Government continues to stand by this policy which subjects Indigenous workers in remote communities to longer hours and stricter requirements with no pay, no leave, no OHS protections and workers compensation, the FNWA and the Trade Union movement will continue the fight against the racially discriminatory Community Development Program with CDP workers.

The theme for 2018 was “Because of Her, We Can” which honoured the contribution Aboriginal women have made and continue to make to communities, families, history and to our nation. NAIDOC week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, originating in the 1920s when Aboriginal rights groups were formed to increase awareness of the status and treatment of Aboriginal people.

*Article as supplied by Lara Watson, ACTU, FNWA.

www.cpsu.asn.au

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

RETURN TO WORK UPDATE

WORKLOAD MANAGEMENT

APPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE SURGERY ARE DUE BEFORE YOUR ENTITLEMENT TO MEDICAL EXPENSES CEASES

PROTECTIONS UNDER THE NEW ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT

PSA members identified protection from unreasonable workload as a high priority during our extensive membership engagement process in the lead-up to negotiating the new South Australian Modern Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2017 (SAMPSEAS).

Workload Management now has a stand alone clause (Clause 15) in the SAMPSEAS.

no unreasonable workloads are also contained in the Work Health and Safety clause at Clause 19.4 and its subclauses.

The PSA achieved significant improvements in relation to management of workload, and protection from unreasonable workloads. A new option for protecting members from unreasonable workloads has been introduced - Local Workload Consultative Forums (cl 15.5), and specific workload dispute and grievance resolution processes have been strengthened for dealing with unresolved unreasonable workload matters.

Employer Responsibility Clause 15 begins with four subclauses under the title ‘Protection from unreasonable workloads’.

• workloads ‘must not be excessive, unreasonable or unsustainable’ (cl 15.1) • ‘an agency will not require an employee to have an unreasonable workload in the ordinary discharge of the employee’s duties.’ (cl 19.4.1) • Consultation on proposed workplace change must include ‘an assessment of the potential impact on workloads for individual employees or a work group in a workplace and measures proposed to manage such impacts.’ (cl 15.2) • ‘effective management of workloads must be undertaken in an ongoing manner…’ (cl 15.3)

The new workload clauses are enforceable, and provide significant additional protections for members.

The following information is an initial guide for members dealing with unreasonable workloads in the workplace. A full guide will be issued to Worksite Representatives later in the year.

What does SAMPSEAS now say?

Clause 15 is now the Workload Management Clause. As excessive workload is a health and safety issue, some further responsibilities of the employer to ensure there are

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Options to manage workloads • Raise issues with local management (cl 15.4) • Local Workload Consultative Forum (cl 15.5) • Formal Dispute Resolution (cl 15.11)

Public Sector Review Magazine | August 2018

Raise issues with local management In the first instance, workload issues should be raised with local management for resolution. To do this successfully, organise a meeting of members with your Worksite Representative to discuss the workload issue. At the meeting, identify the specific concerns; identify what is required to resolve the issues; and record the information to raise with local management. If you haven’t already, now is a good time to notify your PSA Organiser there is a workload issue. After raising the issues with local management, record the outcomes and discuss them with your fellow PSA members. An outcome may be to establish a Local Workload Consultative Forum.

Local Workload Consultative Forums (LWCF) A new option negotiated by the PSA to assist managing workloads is Local Workload Consultative Forums (LWCF) (cl 15.5 – 15.10). The concept is to monitor workloads in a consultative forum and deal with workload issues early before they get to the point of being a work health and safety issue or giving rise to a dispute. Employees have the right to request the establishment of a LWCF (cl 15.9).

PSA members who may need surgery beyond the date when their entitlement to compensation for medical expenses ceases must notify their Department’s Injury Management branch before the cut-off date.

A LWCF may identify issues, make recommendations, develop strategies for improvement, assess implications of change, and monitor workloads and potential workloads when workplace change occurs (cl 15.10).

Workload issues may in the first instance be reviewed by a LWCF. However, reference to a LWCF is not a requirement of the dispute resolution process. (cl 15.11)

The cut-off date will depend upon your specific case. Your entitlement to compensation for medical expenses will come to an end after a continuous period of 12 months from when you were last in receipt of weekly compensation payments.

Members should notify their claims manager in writing stating the potential need for surgery. The notification should state that they are applying pursuant

to Section 33(21)(b) of the Return to Work Act, and Regulation 23 of the Return to Work Regulations 2015, for a determination that it is reasonable and appropriate for such surgery to be undertaken at a later time. Contact the PSA at hotline@cpsu.asn.au for an example of an application template.

Remember - the application must be made before your entitlement to medical expenses ceases.

For further assistance or enquiries please contact the PSA Hotline at hotline@cpsu.asn.au or on 8205 3227.

Formal Dispute Resolution Sometimes workloads cannot be successfully addressed through an LWCF or by raising the issues with local management. There are specific workload dispute resolution procedures set out in the SAMPSEAS to manage this process.

Contact the PSA Members Rights Hotline for further information.

www.cpsu.asn.au

PSA MEMBERS’ RIGHTS HOTLINE

Phone: (08) 8205 3227 Email: enquiries@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.

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BUILDING THE FORCE

Great job by all. Absolutely fantastic day!

As a Worksite Representative I found very interesting and beneficial for me the stories shared by the WorkReps of other departments.

The PSA held the second PSA Worksite Representative Forum to Build the Force in early May where approximately 100 PSA Worksite Representatives came together to participate in a jam-packed Forum.

The PSA Worksite Representative Forum is an important event on the Worksite Representatives annual calendar.

It is vital that the PSA, along with Worksite Representatives, continue to build our capacity as a union and to ensure that our union remains strong, relevant, and influential for public sector workers. PSA Worksite Representatives position us to respond to challenges at worksites across the public sector and to continue to serve our South Australian community.

Forum highlight and key-note speaker Dr John Falzon, CE of the St Vincent de Paul Society presented Inequity is not the measure of freedom where he explored what it means to be part of a group working together for a common goal to better our society.

Jane Clarke, Assistant Director, ACTU Organising Centre with PSA Assistant General Secretary Natasha Brown tapped into the Forum theme of force being stronger and more formidable when we work together with confidence for a common goal, and to better understand

the role we each play through the PSA Strategic Plan to build a stronger union together.

Worksite Representatives also had the opportunity to become more familiar with the new Enterprise Agreement (SAMPSEAS) and learn what the Agreement’s key improvements are and how Worksite Representatives can contribute to their implementation.

Thank you again to all PSA Worksite Representatives who attended to make the day such a successful and special event.

The PSA looks forward to seeing all Worksite Representatives at the 2019 Forum!

Testimonials Thank you for a fantastic and inspirational day. I will definitely make this a regular occurrence.

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Public Sector Review Magazine | August 2018

Meeting a diverse range of other reps from across the pubic sector and being able to connect with like minded people who care about what’s happening in workplaces.

I particularly liked hearing from John Falzon. What an inspiration this man is! The theme which was consistent throughout the day, was solidarity and the advantage of having weight in numbers.

Also, the team exercise at the end of the day about the purpose of our union and expectations of workplace representatives. Great thing to work on together, reinforcing why the role is important.

www.cpsu.asn.au

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ESSENTIAL PUBLIC SERVANTS

The PSA is proud of our PSA members and the vital work you do in our community. PSA members provide affordable, accessible and essential services that build a positive, fair, and civilised society.

To highlight why you, our members are essential, we are putting a spotlight on just some of the diverse roles you our members proudly perform. Have a read through and share your own story at sanotforsale.com.au.

I AM ESSENTIAL – I AM A PUBLIC SERVANT

LINDA DEUTER SENIOR SUPPORT OFFICER, TAFE SA

I AM ESSENTIAL – I AM A PUBLIC SERVANT

KRIS JURAJA SOCIAL WORKER, OUTER SOUTH COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH Can you tell us a bit about what your work involves as a Community Mental Health Clinician?

As a mental health clinician we work to try and facilitate a better quality of life for our clients. Advocacy, support, therapies are some of the key areas we try to achieve for our clients. We also try to link into other services for social support and community engagement. A few of us also have the ability to apply treatment orders when it is needed and to facilitate a more dignified hospital admission. We work with other service providers and NGOs to facilitate the very best we can for our clients.

What would happen if you did not do this job (in the public sector)?

Clients are already feeling the pressure with the changes with NDIS, services closing due to non-funding and not being approved for NDIS, thereby their current supports reducing or stopping. If community mental health was reduced, or disappeared our clients would suffer greatly. There would be no monitoring of mental state, ensuring medication compliance, homelessness would increase, hospital presentations and admissions would significantly increase and other emergency services would be affected.

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What do you love most about your job and the work you do in the public sector?

Every day is a different day! My work is varied and unpredictable most days. The staff I work with are great, and coming together as a team to support each

importantly helping “ourMost clients that struggle to have a voice, ensure that their dignity is upheld, and reaching out to those who need us the most. Knowing that a difference, no matter how small, can be a significant change for someone.

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other where possible. Most importantly helping our clients that struggle to have a voice, ensure that their dignity is upheld, and reaching out to those who need us the most. Knowing that a difference, no matter how small, can be a significant change for someone.

What challenges do you face in your workplace?

Change! We are currently going through major reform which is difficult at best.

Public Sector Review Magazine | August 2018

Change is always difficult however new people in roles always have ideas on how things should work and therefore change is always constant.

Workload is another major challenge and although this can ebb and flow, increasing workload and demands can prevent good service delivery to our clients, especially when you are required to provide same service with same or less resources.

From a community perspective, substances are an increasing major issue and causing a lot of difficulties with our clients. This could mean risk of homelessness, increasing violence and aggression and financial strain for example. We also are at risk of volatility from our clients and with a lack of increasing resources and drug and alcohol services, this becomes a major challenge.

What does being a member of your union mean for you?

Protection and safety. Actually having an avenue to discuss any issues or needing greater understanding of the enterprise agreement and laws. Being able to know that someone will go into bat for you in times of need.

Can you tell us a bit about what your work involves as a Senior Support Officer?

My current role of Senior Support Officer within the TAFE SA Procurement Services team currently involves the following tasks: • Compliance of various Procurement processes, which includes monitoring and analysing expense transactions to ensure appropriate Procurement processes have been undertaken and commitment of spend complies with Commissioner Determinations, Treasurer Instructions, State Procurement Board and Agency Policies and any other relevant guidelines.

• Authorised Officer for all TAFE SA purchase card requests which includes vetting all requests before approving and raising with Shared Services.

• Assisting with tender evaluations.

• Meeting with suppliers about contract issues, clarifications and implementation of processes.

• Assisting with general Procurement processes.

What would happen if you did not do this job (in the public sector)?

If these tasks aren’t performed by anyone within TAFE SA, then there is potential for increased instances of staff committing public monies without following appropriate processes or obtaining relevant approvals. There would also be a risk that staff could be issued purchase cards to spend

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TAFE SA budget without approvals by appropriate delegates. This role is important in ensuring staff are aware of their financial obligations and follow correct processes. This role not only involves ensuring compliance with procurement processes, but also ensuring staff are appropriately educated on such processes.

What does it mean to you to be a public servant?

I have been employed in the public sector for more than 20 years and am passionate about any role I have undertaken. As a public servant in a corporate role, my current role is more aligned to assisting internal staff and other Government agencies (Shared Services in particular). As it has a focus on analysis of expenditure, I take this very seriously as I understand that the TAFE SA budget is public money and I treat it as though it was my own as ultimately this is taxpayers money and I see any public servant role being a position of trust.

What do you love most about your job and the work you do in the public sector?

I love assisting people, troubleshooting with their issues and reaching resolutions. I enjoy the constant interactions I have with staff and suppliers. I have also been involved in implementing a number of changes which has involved developing processes, work instructions, registers and general information for staff and have enjoyed the challenges this has presented.

What challenges do you face in your workplace?

Challenges faced in my workplace are the constant reviews being undertaken where staffing levels are always being reduced, vacant positions not being backfilled and we are expected to do more with less people. This can mean that things will be overlooked, people cut corners and we are generally just time poor. I believe this impacts service delivery outcomes and can potentially jeopardise our overall compliance and performance.

What does being a member of your union mean for you?

It is extremely important for me to be a member of the union for a couple of reasons. Firstly, being in an organisation constantly subject to reviews and changes, the union has been pivotal in ensuring the organisation doesn’t implement changes without appropriate consultation and processes. The union has been very strong on their stance of minimising reductions of staff involuntarily and have shown to be very instrumental with previous reviews which have been undertaken, and as such achieving better outcomes of these reviews from what had been originally proposed. Secondly, the union has other benefits such as discounts, holiday homes but importantly, the journey insurance which covers me for travel to and from work.

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I AM ESSENTIAL – I AM A PUBLIC SERVANT

I AM ESSENTIAL – I AM A PUBLIC SERVANT

ROBERT CHARLTON

MICHAEL ROSEWARNE

SENIOR GUIDE, DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT AND WATER

REGIONAL OPERATIONS CO-ORDINATOR, SOUTH AUSTRALIAN STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE Can you tell us a bit about what your work involves as a Regional Operations Co-ordinator?

I’m employed by the South Australian State Emergency Service. The organisation has a small paid workforce that supports a much larger group of volunteers. Together we support the community during times of emergencies as well as assisting them to be better prepared. My role specifically looks at major incidents across the southern part of the state, including Adelaide. This includes co-ordinating the response to incidents, developing plans, implementing learnings from reviews and working with stakeholders outside of the organisation to provide the best possible response. My role directly supports front-line services and that are essential to effectively managing front-line operations.

What would happen if you did not do this job (in the public sector)?

Emergency services do not charge when responding to emergencies, this is funded by the South Australian Government. Our focus is about providing the best service we can to the community as well being good stewards of public

money. We couldn’t provide this service if the focus was on cost recovery or making a profit and the community would not be able to get what it desperately needs during often difficult situations.

This would undoubtedly lead to a reduced quality of emergency response if privatised.

What does it mean to you to be a public servant?

Being a public servant is about working within the values of the South Australian Public Sector. The most important value to me is that of service. I believe that my role is to serve the people of South Australia. The remaining values such as professionalism, honesty and integrity, trust, reliability and ethics etc guide me in how best to provide that service.

What do you love most about your job and the work you do in the public sector?

As my role has the ability to influence a number of areas across the organisation, I love being able to address issues and put in place solutions that make things better for our volunteers so they can provide an enhanced response to the

community. Being able to do this as part of a modern public sector that is focussed on outcomes rather than profits is very important.

What challenges do you face in your workplace?

An increase in the frequency and severity of weather events as well as volunteers’ need to balance their time commitment leads to an increasing pressure on the paid workforce.

What does being a member of your union mean for you?

Having been a member of the union for 15 years I’m a strong believer that I can work with my fellow members to improve working conditions for the public sector.

These improvements are not just about individuals but also about areas such as workload, staffing numbers and employee wellbeing which ultimately enable public servants to provide the best possible service to the community.

I AM ESSENTIAL – I AM A PUBLIC SERVANT

AMY RIEBE BUSHFIRE RISK MANAGEMENT FACILITATOR, SOUTH AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY FIRE SERVICE 18

Public Sector Review Magazine | August 2018

My official title is Senior Guide at the Cape Borda Lightstation on Kangaroo Island. My work involves carrying out maritime history tours of the Lighthouse and museum plus answering questions and informing visitors to the site about all aspects of the island.

I also keep three guest houses on the site ready for tourist stays. As well as these duties I also carry out weather observations for the Bureau of Meteorology in Adelaide, weed control, campground cleaning and general administration of the site. I am also a member of the Department of Environment and Water fire crew. Quite varied work which keeps it interesting.

I get to meet people from all walks of life and give them an insight into the history of the lighthouse and the people who lived here as well as the hardships they faced. I also get to fire our 1820 cannon at 1:00pm every day which is a definite highlight! The cannon was fired at 1:00pm so any ships off the coast could adjust their chronometers to find their longitude accurately. If you want a better explanation you will need to come over and take a tour!

The site is within Flinders Chase National Park on the remote North West corner of KI. We have abundant wildlife such as

Can you tell us a bit about what your work involves as a Bushfire Risk Management Facilitator?

My role involves assessing assets at risk from bushfire and liaising with land management agencies, local government and the community to get a co-ordinated approach to the activities that need to be undertaken to reduce that risk.

What would happen if you did not do this job (in the public sector)?

The management of bushfire risk across the state could become adhoc with the

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the usual kangaroos and wallabies but also have clifftop nesting areas where the endangered White Breasted Sea Eagle can be found. The tallest coastal cliffs in South Australia are all along this part of the coast and offer spectacular views of Investigator Straight, Yorke Peninsula, the Althorpe Islands, Wedge Island, Thistle Island and the North and South Neptune Islands. Stunning sunsets, thunderstorms and other pretty special weather events are quite common here.

As I am the only staff member here, I am required to work alone and have a lot to do, especially during holiday periods and long weekends. I also live on site so I need to be pretty self-reliant. I don’t realise how far away from everyone else I am here until I leave the site to do my shopping. It is 32km of dirt road before I get to the bitumen, with a round trip to Kingscote being about 200km! I always take a shopping list. If I forget to get cheese, I won’t have any cheese…..and I like cheese! It is much easier here these days than in the past.

Prior to 1928 there was no road to Cape Borda. There was a 5km long track to the nearest beach at Harveys Return where the three monthly supplies were brought in and

potential for people, infrastructure and the environment being left vulnerable.

What does it mean to you to be a public servant?

To me being a public servant means that everything I do at work needs to benefit and consider the community.

What do you love most about your job and the work you do in the public sector?

Meeting lots of different people and working together towards a common goal.

that was about the only contact with the outside world apart from the telegraph to Adelaide.

Why is it important to have ongoing employment opposed to working on contracts?

Ongoing work gives a certain amount of security. Not knowing what the employment situation will be at the end of a contract is quite stressful. Financial planning for the future is very difficult, especially if you have loans, mortgage or credit card debt.

What does being a member of your union mean for you?

I have always been a strong believer in union membership. It gives me security knowing that if I have any employment issues which cannot or will not be looked into or resolved at a local level, advice and support is just a phone call or email away. If I had not been a union member I would not have been able to access the necessary advice on how to go about getting together the documentation and procedures required to request permanency as opposed to the ongoing contracts I have been on for many years. Well worth the union dues I have paid.

What challenges do you face in your workplace?

Resources are limited and the timelines to deliver seem to get shorter and shorter. Funding cycles don’t always align with project requirements or community expectation.

What does being a member of your union mean for you?

That collectively I have voice.

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I AM ESSENTIAL – I AM A PUBLIC SERVANT

ANITA O’DONOGHUE

MEDICAL IMAGING, ROYAL ADELAIDE HOSPITAL Can you tell us a bit about what your work involves in Medical Imaging?

I work in Medical Imaging at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, our department is split over many levels. Level 3 Outpatients, L5 Inpatients and Level 2 Emergency. My role consists of many things from reception, greeting patients into our department, and bookings for outpatients including many modalities within Medical Imaging.

These are MRI, Ultrasound, General x-rays, Screening Procedures, Picc Lines and CT. Co-ordinating these bookings to be in conjunction with their outpatient clinics.

Inpatient work consists of booking various modalities as with outpatients, co-ordinating workflow within the inpatient barouche bay, working closely with nursing staff. Emergency Department consists

of booking various modality’s and coordinating the workflow in barouche bay and working closely with the nursing staff and Radiographers.

I find it satisfying to be able to help patients co-ordinating their appointments and knowing that I have made things a little easier for their time within the hospital.

What would happen if you did not do this job (in the public sector)?

Patients would be inconvenienced due to overbooking or incorrect bookings that don’t match up with follow-up appointments with doctors.

What challenges do you face in your workplace?

It can be difficult to co-ordinate certain appointments within small time frames, some booking can be complicated and involve many things, e.g. admission to hospital, preparation, doctor and room coordination.

What does it mean to you to be a public servant?

We are here to help all patients to the best of our ability, and making sure their time spent in the hospital is a pleasant one.

What do you love most about your job and the work you do in the public sector?

What does being a member of your union mean for you?

I am part of a workforce helping to make the workplace an easier working environment and more team orientated.

I AM ESSENTIAL – I AM A PUBLIC SERVANT

DANIELLE PESATURO ORAL HEALTH THERAPIST, SA DENTAL SERVICE I am an Oral Health Therapist with a Bachelor of Oral Health degree and graduated from the University of Adelaide.

My role within the public sector involves providing dental care to families of the South Australian general public. I work for the School Dental Service as part of a team with dentists, dental therapists, oral health therapists and dental assistants. I provide general dental care to children/ adolescents under the age of 18. This includes dental examinations, x-rays, cleans, restorations, extractions and more.

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It is fulfilling to have the opportunity to provide dental care to communities of all socio-economic backgrounds and know that people have good access to dental care. It is a rewarding feeling to be able to provide a service that benefits the general public.

Working in the field of dentistry can be very high pressure, some days it feels like you’re chasing your tail with patients cueing up in the waiting room, a very anxious child in the chair requiring treatment but you just need to get through it.

I enjoy working as part of a team. I am very lucky to work with such dedicated group of people who have the patients’/ public’s best interest heart. I have made many lifelong friends.

It means I am able to listen to my colleagues and be able to help facilitate changes within the organisation that will also benefit future generations of staff.

Public Sector Review Magazine | August 2018

“Working as a home-based worker can be worse than working at a factory, we are often not recognised as workers. We do not get sufficient protection, benefits and skills training even though our working hours can be longer than factory workers.”

– Thawdar Myint

SPOTLIGHT: HOME-BASED GARMENT WORKERS IN MYANMAR The garment sector has emerged as a growing industry in Myanmar. By 2020 the number of workers in the industry is forecast to reach 1.5 million.

survey was conducted in nine townships engaging 153 workers from 78 homebased workshops and the initial findings show:

The country’s low wages provide a strong incentive for multinational companies to take advantage and exploit workers.

• Home-based garment workers work 11-14 hours a day (without holiday pay or benefits).

To lower costs, more and more factories are dispersing their production sites to home-based workers to generate more profit by avoiding taxes and reducing labour costs. Multinational companies are taking advantage of this and exploiting garment workers even further.

Home based garment workers are invisible in the supply chain The rise of home-based workers is a growing concern, especially since little research has been done into the working conditions. To shed some light on informal garment sector workers, our partner organisations Action Labor Rights (ALR) and Labour Rights Defenders and Promoters (LRDP) recently conducted a survey on working conditions in the Ready Made Garment (RMG) sector. The

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• The age range of home-based workers is between 11–40 years of age.

• The monthly salary of a home-based worker ranges from 50,000 Kyat (AU$49) to 60,000 Kyat (AU$58).

• The survey shows that some factories disperse their production sites in several townships to avoid paying tax.

Unions can help stop the exploitation of garment workers Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA is supporting the work of LRDP and ALR as they continue participatory action research to reach out to workers in the informal garment sector and help raise the political visibility of home-based workers.

ALR and LRDP are looking at new ways to organise and bargain including the formation of community-based unions or

existing unions integrating informal workers into their membership base.

Without unions, workers in Myanmar will continue to be exploited by multinational companies who attempt to put downward pressure on wages worldwide. Your support will ensure we can continue to work with our partners in Myanmar to promote workers’ rights and better working conditions.

We ask you to JOIN US TODAY in supporting our international solidarity work. You can join for $15 per month or more (tax deductible).

*Article as supplied by Union Aid Abroad APHEDA.

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ENTERPRISE BARGAINING FOR SSOS YOUR UNION, YOUR VOICE, YOUR AGREEMENT The bargaining for conditions and pay in the Education Agreement for SSOs has begun. This is the chance once again for the PSA to go into bat for our members who work as support staff in schools.

Over the last few weeks we have surveyed members to ask what they wanted us to put on the table for bargaining this time around. From this, and from member feedback over time, we have put together a clear log of claims for bargaining. We have also considered the SA Modern Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried, which was approved in January 2018, to make sure SSOs have access to the improved entitlements members achieved in this agreement.

During the bargaining there will be regular reports and meetings to let you know how it is going and to get your feedback.

In November there will be a mass meeting of all SSOs to hear reports about the enterprise agreement and determine where we go from there.

PSA Education Agreement Log of Claims Fair Pay We require a fair pay rise that values the work of SSOs and keeps up with the cost of living.

On call allowance to be increased.

A Better Career Path A large number of SSOs are trapped at the lowest end of the classification scale and have found the reclassification process slow and complex.

We propose: • An audit of all SSO1 positions in Education with the aim of moving SSO1s to the SSO2 level.

• Backdating successful reclassification to the date of application.

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Job Security There are far too many SSOs on contract employment with little job security.

We propose: • Inclusion of the words that appear in the salaried agreement “that ongoing employment is the primary form of Public Sector employment”.

• A comitment to reduce the number of SSOs on contract employment.

• A review of recruitment and selection of ancillary staff that reflects the terms of Part 7 of the Public Sector Act. Manageable Workload In the salaried agreement there is a new fair process for staff to address workload issues with management. Excessive SSO workload continues to be a problem.

We propose: • A process for addressing unreasonable SSO workload in line with the provisions of the salaried agreement.

Equal treatment as valued staff members Too often, SSOs are treated differently to other staff when it comes to accessing rights and being heard. The PAC only allows for one SSO to be present and only when there is an SSO issue to be discussed. In the spirit of equal treatment, We propose: • A process of consultation in each school for SSOs to discuss with management staffing and other issues that affect them.

• Ability to make up time for public holidays.

• Access to pupil free day.

• Enforcement of meal breaks.

Better Work Life Balance The Education Agreement has fallen behind in a number of ways when it comes to the rights of staff with families.

We propose: • Increase total of paid and unpaid parental leave from 52 weeks to 104 weeks.

Public Sector Review Magazine | August 2018

• Ability to transfer to a safe job when pregnant.

• Improved rights for returning to work from parental leave.

• Improved breastfeeding rights at work.

• Paid partner leave increased to two weeks.

• Improved rights for those who are living with family and domestic violence, including having this taken into consideration in relation to workplace performance.

Other issues SSOs deserve the right to be properly represented at work by their union Worksite Representative and union officials.

Mental Health First Aid training should be expanded to include staff covered by the Education Agreement.

The rights of SSOs who are made “excess” to requirement should be in line with the rights of other public sector workers.

A review of DE policies and procedures to reflect Part 7 of the Public Sector Act. Do you want to get more involved?

The PSA has an SSO committee that meets regularly to discuss the bargaining process and other issues and activities involving SSO members.

We meet after work and can hook people in by telephone. Any PSA SSO member can attend. If you want to get involved just email Catherine Story on catherine.story@cpsu.asn.au

SSO Week 13-17 August During this week we encourage you to have a SSO morning tea, take a decent break, ask your teacher colleagues to staff the phones and take a moment to reflect on your own value and that of your SSO colleagues. Take selfies and send them in for the PSA Facebook page.

RECOGNISING SSOS ROSELIA MRKIC PARALOWIE SCHOOL I was employed in 2000 as a BSSO/SSO, supporting curriculum students from NonEnglish speaking backgrounds in the high school. As well as curriculum, I support students in the primary school.

I also work in the community centre where parents engage in learning, eg computing, positive parenting, playgroup, English conversations and citizenship.

As part of my role I help with promotions by maintaining the school website.

If I didn’t perform this role in the public sector it would mean less support for the students, parents and the school community.

It means a lot to me to be a public servant as I can see how happy students and parents are every time they see me. For me to encourage and motivate the students is such a big deal and especially to see students achieve their goals brings joy to me.

I hope people are able to progress and learn new skills and gain more confidence through my support.

Challenges we face in our workplace include feeling the need to work extra hours to get the job done as this is a very demanding role. Also accessing the reclassification process which is

currently complex and difficult to apply is also challenging.

I feel that being a union member helps us to voice our needs and gives us up-todate information about my role as School Services Officer.

MARG TONKIN CHRISTIES BEACH HIGH SCHOOL My name is Margaret Tonkin and I am an SSO at Christies Beach High School.

My role includes middle school in-class support, our Year 8 Targeted Learning Centre, running some QuickSmart lessons and I do all the food preparation and orders for Home Ec lessons.

If these areas didn’t have SSO support, it would either put a lot more pressure onto the teachers or if the tasks weren’t done at all, the kids would miss out on getting help or cooking classes couldn’t run.

I am proud to be an SSO Public Servant in the Department for Education. I enjoy the opportunity to work with high school students who need extra support. It is great to know that I can contribute towards making a difference in their learning environment.

I particularly enjoy working in intervention programs such as our learning centres and QuickSmart. Of course, there are many challenges and no two days are the same.

SSOs need to be on their toes and flexible to meet the needs of our students.

I have been a PSA member for about 16 years. I am my site’s Worksite Representative and have also been an

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SSO Rep on the PSA Council for the past eight years. It took a while to talk me into taking on the Councillor role, but I have loved it and never regretted taking this on. It has given me a great opportunity to meet and represent SSOs throughout the state. I love travelling to regional conferences to join in with activities, help run PSA workshops, meet new SSOs and talk about the many benefits of being a PSA member. I am passionate about seeing that SSOs are correctly classified. Sadly, there are too many that are not and this situation needs to be addressed. The PSA run great reclassification workshops and can help you keep track of your daily activities/ evidence by way of a journal.

A few years ago, I ran a Southern Area SSO Network. We met once a term and it was a great opportunity to discuss SSO matters, workplace issues, share stories and solutions, learn about new procedures/policies, listen to guest speakers or just get together for a chat and sometimes a meal. I am keen to start this up again and would encourage other areas to try it also.

I have also enjoyed being involved in some of the Enterprise Bargaining meetings with the Department, AEU and PSA, when SSO issues are being discussed. The PSA is currently holding meetings that SSOs are invited to attend or via phone or video link. This is a great opportunity to get involved.

I would love to hear from you if there are any SSO matters that you would like to discuss. My email address is marg.tonkin975@schools.sa.edu.au.

Let me know if you have any local conferences coming up.

Don’t forget SSO Week is August 13 – 18.

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OUT AND ABOUT WITH PSA MEMBERS

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Public Sector Review Magazine | August 2018

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HEATHER MUGGRIDGE I work for the Department for Child Protection as a Senior Social Worker in the Kinship Assessment Team.

I feel it is important for women to be involved in the union movement because women are still disadvantaged in the workplace, within industrial relations and superannuation. The union movement provides women with a platform which

“ The union movement

ANNA STEWART

is changing to be more inclusive of all genders, and I wanted to be part of that change.

MEMORIAL PROJECT

”

SHOONA HOWARD

Women should be represented and active in all parts of our society. I think that the program and women in unions more generally is a very powerful tool for achieving gender equity and addressing broader social justice issues. So many of the systemic and institutionalised factors that discriminate against women (and other disenfranchised groups) are found to be in the workplace – whether that is issues related to work flexibility to meet out of work commitments, safe and inclusive work spaces for everyone, sexual harassment and assault, gender pay gap etc. I see the Anna Stewart project and women in unions more generally as a really critical avenue to agitate and address gender inequalities in our society.

The opportunity to be part of programs such as Anna Stewart is profound as it offers collegial support for women across a broad range of backgrounds, workplaces and union areas of focus. It can be hard to be a woman sometimes, and hard to be a union member, organiser or Worksite Rep. Having a community of support which you get through the Anna Stewart program is powerful to encourage you to keep going with challenging the status quo and that you are not alone in this.

Meeting the other participants and hearing about the really diverse backgrounds they come from and

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experiences they have was amazing.

I come from a privileged middle class background from a predominantly white collar union. To hear the stories of other participants heading out at 2am in the morning to factories to provide information to shift workers – many of whom are extremely vulnerable eg migrant workers, low income, visas and at high risk of being taken advantage of by workplaces who know that staff are too frightened to challenge workplace issues individually was incredibly powerful and inspiring to hear about.

What was really powerful was across the broad representation of unions, that a consistent concern and issue was one of job security as a key focus for unions and women more generally – whether you are a social worker, teacher, hospitality worker, factory worker etc.

It was a reminder and recognition of the shared experiences of women across our society and how the union movement can be a powerful force for social change.

I’m a Social Worker and have worked almost all my entire work life within the public service working predominantly with children, adolescents and families.

I currently work in a clinical leadership position in the disability area and my roles is to provide supervision and

Public Sector Review Magazine | August 2018

support for other Social Workers and the discipline in general within the organisation, as well as direct client work. Prior to this, much of my work history has been within mental health services. I was inspired to apply for the project after being heavily involved with industrial matters last year as a Worksite Rep when the service I was working for underwent major organisational change.

As a Worksite Rep I was exposed to a great deal, particularly in regards to industrial matters, how the PSA raises and addresses issues for members and different strategies that can be taken as part of campaigns. My amazing PSA organiser Rosie Ratcliff told me about the project and encouraged me to apply this year. Through my experiences last year as a Worksite Representative as well as some of the broader social campaigns the PSA and other unions were involved in, particularly Marriage Equality, it made me think about all the possible ways I can be active in working on progressing social justice issues. As a Social Worker I feel I do this at a local level, but the union movement provides another way to address these issues more broadly and to help to contribute to the type of society that I want to live in.

enables them to take part in conversations and actions which contribute to positive changes in the industrial landscape within Australia. The Anna Stewart Memorial Project provides opportunities for women to network with each other and unite on

issues which impact overwhelmingly on women in society.

I enjoyed collaborating with women who represented other unions and industries, learning about the different aspects of their roles and learning about the industrial issues which relate to their places of work. I found spending time with my host union the PSA helped me to understand the thought processes and the work which occurs to support and work with members on individual and organisational issues.

While participating in the Anna Stewart Memorial Project I had the opportunity to brainstorm and talk with women from other unions and workplaces around member engagement and recruitment.

We discussed the inequality between gender identities in the workplace and how this impacts on the community and us as individuals. As a significant

proportion of the workforce within the public service identify as female, it was important to discuss this in relation to current employment practices and the consequences this has on women, families and communities.

I decided to apply for the project because I view the role of women within the union movement to be incredibly important.

Women are vital yet unrecognised contributors to the industrial landscape and also to union membership, but historically women have been shut out of union activities either metaphorically or physically. I applied because I wanted to see issues that impact on women such as underemployment, discrimination and financial insecurity at the forefront of industrial conversations within the union movement. The union movement is changing to be more inclusive of all genders, and I wanted to be part of that change.

PSA GOLF

(ROCLA CUP) The Public Service Golf Competition, known at the ‘Rocla Cup’, is a yearly event held between South Australian Public Servants and Victorian Public Servants.

The first tournament was played in 1966 at the Kooyonga Golf Club in SA. Each year the event is played alternatively in SA and Victoria.

The Victorian Public Service team over the years has just a slight lead with 24 wins to the SA Public Service’s 22 wins and 5 drawn tournaments.

A number of older PSA members have continued to keep this yearly tradition between the two states, lead by John Grinter who has been the Captain of the SA team for many years. John and some of the other SA players are now

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retired from Public Service duties, but have managed to keep the SA team going along with a similar situation with the Vics.

John has been looking for other SA Public Servants to help build the team back up to beat the Victorians and is keen to hear from any PSA members who play golf with an official Golf Australia (GA) handicap and would like to represent the SA Public Service.

If any PSA members wish to become part of this great group of people and to help beat the Victorians please contact John Grinter via email on: grinters@bigpond.com and John will be able to provide full details including accommodation costing and gatherings with the Vics to talk over nothing but GOLF.

This year SA host the Rocla Cup event which will be held at Links Lady Bay GC and Mount Compass GC between 20 – 22 October 2018.

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PSA HOLIDAY HOME:

WIRRINA

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.

PRESENTED BY HEALTH PARTNERS

PROTECT YOUR EYES FROM TOO MUCH SCREEN TIME Play by the 20-20-20 rule.

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 metres away for 20 seconds and blink 20 times. This ensures the eyes are given a well-deserved break.

More and more people are being diagnosed with Digital Eye Strain after working on devices such as computers, laptops, tablets and phones for prolonged periods of time. Symptoms include discomfort, heaviness, blurred vision and headaches.

Protect against harmful blue light Our eyes’ filters also do not protect against the blue light that radiates from digital screens, and studies have shown that long exposure to blue light can cause serious damage to your eyes.

To protect your eyes, Health Partners optometrist Cliff Kam has these tips.

Review your workstation and ensure screens are at least one arm length to fingertips away and position tablets and mobile phones no closer than elbow distance.

The friendly team at Health Partners Optical can guide you through a wide range of lens options to find the best solution to suit your lifestyle.

Enjoy these benefits of ergonomically designed lenses:

3 Enhanced screen comfort and improved visual contrast

3 Protection from harmful blue light 3 Easier refocusing on and away from screens

Use glasses which have blue light protection added to the lenses – this helps to filter harmful blue light emitted from digital device screens.

28

natural posture for all kinds of nearbased work Chat to one of our Optometrists today to find the best solution for you. Call 1300 115 115 to make an appointment.

Public Sector Review Magazine | August 2018

Glenelg / Goolwa / Kangaroo Island / Port Lincoln / Robe / Port Vincent / Wirrina

Spectacular Second Valley

Try lenses designed for our digital world and start protecting your eyes from digital eye strain.

3 Reduced neck and shoulder pain, Reduce screen time and take more regular breaks.

It’s also beneficial to switch off digital devices at least one hour before bed.

Our holiday units are located in some of South Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, giving you the chance to explore more regional experiences:

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 Public Sector Review free of charge. Classifieds are printed at the discretion of the Public Sector Review Editor and will be printed for two editions unless the 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.

If you are looking for a quiet getaway any time of year, then our Wirrina Holiday Home is a fantastic option. Comfortable accommodation with modern appliances, this fully self-contained holiday unit sleeps up to five people. Located in a small complex surrounded by rolling hills and pockets of native vegetation, this holiday home is ideally located for you to use as a base to explore the rest of the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula.

If you are interested in water sports, our Wirrina Holiday Home is perfect

PSA

DISCOUNTED CARDS www.cpsu.asn.au

with close proximity to Normanville and Rapid Bay. Rapid Bay and Second Valley offer spectacular scuba-diving opportunities, while the marina at Wirrina Cove is a base for diving boat charters to the ex-HMAS Hobart Marine Reserve. Alternatively, members may enjoy a round of golf at the Links Lady Bay, or hiking in nearby Deep Creek Conservation Park.

Contact the PSA at holidayhomes@cpsu.asn.au to make your booking today.

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.

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 29

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

KEEPING IN TOUCH 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 competitions and giveaways.

Please note that while 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, Code of Ethics and any other 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 PLUS

Pick up a plush deal at Priceline Pharmacy Pick up a plush deal at Priceline Pharmacy. PSA Members can save 10% on e-gift vouchers for Priceline Pharmacy simply by purchasing through the PSA Plus website. With 460+ stores nationally, Priceline Pharmacy is 100% health and beauty. Save on a huge range of products and make the most of your PSA membership. *Please refer to PSA Plus website for full terms and conditions for use of the e-gift vouchers.

PSA PLUS MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

PSA PLUS

MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM

(08) 8205 3200 1800 811 457 (Toll Free) (08) 8223 6509 (Fax) enquiries@cpsu.asn.au

2018/19

www.cpsu.asn.au

To redeem, head to the PSA Plus website psaplus.frequentvalues.com.au and search under Shopping.

SAVE

10% ON PRICELINE PHARMACY E-GIFT CARD

www.cpsu.asn.au

www.cpsu.asn.au If you have any questions regarding the new program, or would like to provide a suggestion, contact the PSA Member Benefit Team at memberbenefits@cpsu.asn.au.

20% 2 Off the total bill 2

176 Bar&Grill

30

176 Greenhill Road, Parkside SA 5063 08 8291 7255

WORKSITE REPRESENTATIVE CALENDAR

TRAINING COURSES

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

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.

Date:

25 – 27 September 2018

Time:

9:00am – 5:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

This course is available to those Worksite Representatives who have completed the Worksite Representatives Course 1 (or equivalent). The training is delivered over a twoday program. This course develops advanced communication skills as well as leadership skills.

psaplus.frequentvalues.com.au

122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

PSA TRAINING CALENDAR

WORKSITE REPRESENTATIVES LEVEL TWO

YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM

PUBLIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION

PSA

www.cpsu.asn.au

Dates:

18 – 19 September 2018 13 – 14 November 2018

Time:

9:00am – 5:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

REPRESENTING MEMBERS IN THE WORKPLACE If you have a particular interest in the skills required to support members with individual issues then this is the course for you! It covers supporting members, negotiation skills and dealing with management.

Effective workplace meetings offer particular opportunities for Worksite Representatives to address workplace issues. This course looks at how to get the most out of these meetings.

Date:

14 August 2018

Time:

9:00am – 5:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

2018 RECLASSIFICATION COURSE DATES PART ONE - LUNCH’N’LEARN 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.

Date:

12 September 2018

Time:

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

Date:

13 September 2018

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.

16 August 2018 Dates: 15 November 2018

Date:

15 August 2018

Time:

9:00am – 5:00pm

Time:

9:00am – 12:00pm

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

20% Off the total bill 2

Public Sector Review Magazine | August 2018

EFFECTIVE WORKPLACE MEETINGS

www.cpsu.asn.au

LUNCH ‘N LEARN COURSE DATES MY RETIREMENT TRIPLE S SCHEME MEMBERS At this seminar you’ll find out about: • 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:

Tuesday 14 August 2018

Time:

12:00pm – 2:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

PUBLIC TRUSTEE - WILLS – ALL MEMBERS 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:

Monday 10 September 2018

Time:

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Venue:

Public Service Association, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide

Cost:

Nil for PSA Members

31

PSAPLUS PLUS PSA YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM PSA PLUSBENEFITS YOUR MEMBER PROGRAM

HOW TO REDEEM PSA HOW TO REDEEM PSA HOW TO REDEEM PSA PLUS DINING OFFERS PLUS DINING OFFERS PLUS DINING OFFERS ON YOUR SMARTPHONE ON YOUR SMARTPHONE ON YOUR SMARTPHONE YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM

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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 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

30 32

Public

conditons please refer to the website. If you have any questions regarding the new program, or would like to provide a suggestion, contact the PSA please refer to the website.

If you any questions regarding newcity. program, wouldatlike to of provide a suggestion, contact Visitconditons psaplus.frequentvalues.com.au for the mosthave up-to-date listing and offers the in your Offers or correct time printing.

For the terms and the PSA Member Benefit Team at memberbenefits@cpsu.asn.au.

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

Sector Magazine | August 2018

www.cpsu.asn.au