The Public Sector Review is an official publication of the Public Service Association of SA Inc and the Community & Public Sector Union (SPSF Group) SA Branch
RETENTION WIN Page 4 MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS Page 5 SSO CONFERENCE & WOMEN'S CONFERENCE Page 6&7 PUBLIC SECTOR Review www .cpsu.asn.au June 2012 statements, not by Chief Executives simply cutting more jobs. The PSA also discussed a positive from the Budget – the introduction of the new retention scheme. Enterprise Bargaining was discussed with the PSA acknowledging that this process was underway with the Government agreeing to continuation of a Single Parity Agreement. The Premier is aware of the background to these negotiations and the ill-will created by the 2010 Foley Budget. “It is important that this Premier is willing to have these discussions with the PSA,” PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon said. “Full and frank discussions are essential at the highest levels to ensure this does not happen again.” The PSA leadership team met with Premier Jay Weatherill in the week after the latest State Budget. The PSA was represented at that meeting by President Lindsay Oxlad, General Secretary Jan McMahon and Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher. Grave concerns were expressed to the Premier about the additional 1000 job cuts that had been announced. It was made clear to the Premier that this would create severe difficulties in the delivery of services and have an unsustainable impact on workloads for members. He was also advised that the PSA was closely monitoring the impact of the “efficiency dividend” – i.e. budget cut. The PSA has made it clear that these savings must be made by genuine efficiencies or program changes consistent with the Treasurer’s Premier Meeting SA Can’t Afford Job Cuts Foley 2010 Budget in winning back conditions of employment.” The PSA recognised that it was significant that Government is willing to accept a deficit Budget. “The PSA played an influential role in that. Budget submissions pointed out that cuts of thousands and thousands of jobs is not the only answer. Future meetings will decide further actions needed as a result of this Budget as the true impact becomes ever more plain. The recent State Budget delivered a mix of bad and good news. A cut of 1000 jobs and a new “efficiency dividend” - i.e. budget cut - were the bad news items for the Public Sector. The good news was the win of a new Retention Provision – a very pleasing outcome after prolonged negotiations (see separate story). Regarding the job cuts, the PSA has advised Government – both in meetings and via the media – that cuts to jobs are unsustainable. “We can’t afford to lose Public Sector workers,” Public Service Association General Secretary Jan McMahon said. “Morale is faltering, workloads are growing, the whole system is at breaking point. The PSA recognises the difficult global economic conditions and the national reduction in GST revenues. It notes, however, that the Australian economy is faring well against almost all other nations and economic indicators for the future are bright. We don’t live in a vacuum, we understand that. We recognise that the cuts could have been worse if the Government not be allowed to be a backdoor means of cutting more jobs. “If Department or Agency heads start cutting staff to find this money, we need to know about it as soon as possible so we can put a stop to it.” The meeting also passed the following resolution: “That this meeting of PSA Worksite Representatives expresses concern at further job cuts, but notes that the Government has chosen a deficit Budget rather than even greater cuts to jobs and services. “This meeting welcomes the announcement of a new Retention Provision recognising the valuable contribution PSA members make to the public sector and the South Australian community. “Members are to be congratulated for their campaign efforts since the had not been willing to accept the need to maintain a deficit for the next couple of years instead of aiming for a surplus. “If that had been the case, then the job cuts would have been much harsher and the impact on community services much more dire. Increasing the “efficiency dividend” – spending cut – from 0.25% to 1% for departments will also severely reduce the scope of needed services and leave people in need behind. Meetings ofWorksite Representatives were held at the PSA and regionally the day after the Budget was delivered. Reps were asked to ensure that all feedback regarding the impact of the job and budget cuts flows back to the PSA. They were in particular advised that the “efficiency dividend” should Jan McMahon with Premier “It is easy for politicians to simply say we will cut jobs and money. What they need to come clean about is what services they will be slashing as a result.” PSA General Secretary, Jan McMahon
Transcript
RETENTION WIN
Page 4
MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS
Page 5
SSO CONFERENCE& WOMEN'S CONFERENCE
Page 6&7
PUBLIC SECTORReviewwww.cpsu.asn.au June 2012
statements, not by Chief Executives simply cutting more jobs.
The PSA also discussed a positive from the Budget – the introduction of the new retention scheme.
Enterprise Bargaining was discussed with the PSA acknowledging that this process was underway with the Government agreeing to continuation of a Single Parity Agreement.
The Premier is aware of the background to these negotiations and the ill-will created by the 2010 Foley Budget.
“It is important that this Premier is willing to have these discussions with the PSA,” PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon said.
“Full and frank discussions are essential at the highest levels to ensure this does not happen again.”
The PSA leadership team met with Premier Jay Weatherill in the week after the latest State Budget.
The PSA was represented at that meeting by President Lindsay Oxlad, General Secretary Jan McMahon and Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher.
Grave concerns were expressed to the Premier about the additional 1000 job cuts that had been announced.
It was made clear to the Premier that this would create severe difficulties in the delivery of services and have an unsustainable impact on workloads for members.
He was also advised that the PSA was closely monitoring the impact of the “efficiency dividend” – i.e. budget cut. The PSA has made it clear that these savings must be made by genuine efficiencies or program changes consistent with the Treasurer’s
Premier Meeting
SA Can’t Afford Job Cuts
Foley 2010 Budget in winning back conditions of employment.”
The PSA recognised that it was significant that Government is willing to accept a deficit Budget.
“The PSA played an influential role in that. Budget submissions pointed out that cuts of thousands and thousands of jobs is not the only answer.
Future meetings will decide further actions needed as a result of this Budget as the true impact becomes ever more plain.
The recent State Budget delivered a mix of bad and good news.
A cut of 1000 jobs and a new “efficiency dividend” - i.e. budget cut - were the bad news items for the Public Sector.
The good news was the win of a new Retention Provision – a very pleasing outcome after prolonged negotiations (see separate story).
Regarding the job cuts, the PSA has advised Government – both in meetings and via the media – that cuts to jobs are unsustainable.
“We can’t afford to lose Public Sector workers,” Public Service Association General Secretary Jan McMahon said.
“Morale is faltering, workloads are growing, the whole system is at breaking point.
The PSA recognises the difficult global economic conditions and the national reduction in GST revenues.
It notes, however, that the Australian economy is faring well against almost all other nations and economic indicators for the future are bright.
We don’t live in a vacuum, we understand that.
We recognise that the cuts could have been worse if the Government
not be allowed to be a backdoor means of cutting more jobs.
“If Department or Agency heads start cutting staff to find this money, we need to know about it as soon as possible so we can put a stop to it.”
The meeting also passed the following resolution:
“That this meeting of PSA Worksite Representatives expresses concern at further job cuts, but notes that the Government has chosen a deficit Budget rather than even greater cuts to jobs and services.
“This meeting welcomes the announcement of a new Retention Provision recognising the valuable contribution PSA members make to the public sector and the South Australian community.
“Members are to be congratulated for their campaign efforts since the
had not been willing to accept the need to maintain a deficit for the next couple of years instead of aiming for a surplus.
“If that had been the case, then the job cuts would have been much harsher and the impact on community services much more dire.
Increasing the “efficiency dividend” – spending cut – from 0.25% to 1% for departments will also severely reduce the scope of needed services and leave people in need behind.
Meetings of Worksite Representatives were held at the PSA and regionally the day after the Budget was delivered.
Reps were asked to ensure that all feedback regarding the impact of the job and budget cuts flows back to the PSA.
They were in particular advised that the “efficiency dividend” should
Jan McMahon with Premier
“It is easy for politicians to simply say we will cut jobs and money. What they need to come clean about is what services they will be slashing as a result.”
PSA General Secretary, Jan McMahon
The PSA will be a dynamic organisation focused on the needs
and aspirations of its members throughout South Australia as
the principal trade union representing workers who provide
community services to South Australians.
P2 PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW JUNE 2012
For many years now successive governments have chipped away at the foundations of the public
sector and its capability to efficiently and effectively deliver services to the community. The consequences of successive waves of job cuts, “efficiency dividends”, TVSPs and the like are now being felt by the community not just public sector workers.
The recent crises at the Adelaide Women’s
Prison and the youth detention centers at Magill
and Cavan confirm that the Association’s
repeated warnings to governments about the
consequences of not having a coherent public
sector wide workforce plan for the future.
While the pundits will claim that these
were isolated events involving the prison
system they are wrong. As the research carried
out for the PSA has shown time and time
again what we are experiencing now is just
the start of the more widespread erosion of the
capability of all sectors of the public sector
due in part to the significant loss of corporate
knowledge and the inexperience of those left
to carry on who lack the capability to do their
jobs effectively.
While the police, fire fighters, ambulance
officers and emergency service workers
have been protected to some extent from the
downsizing occurring elsewhere because
successive governments understand the
catastrophic consequences in those critically
important areas, those same governments have
failed to understand the consequences for the
wider public sector.
The decision by the government to remedy
the mistakes in the last Foley budget and to
acknowledge the need to provide incentives
for long-term public servants to remain in the
service gives some hope that the penny has
finally dropped.
The Premier is on the record in
acknowledging that any government (not
just his) depends on public sector workers
with a diverse range of skills and capabilities
to deliver the government’s policies and
programs, to plan for the future of the State
and to support the needs of families and the
community generally.
It is oft stated by Chief Executives in both
the public and private sectors that their people
are their most important assets who need to
be nurtured and developed to enable their
businesses to be sustainable into the future.
Yet when push comes to shove in the
public sector the reverse seems to be true as
staff are subjected to increasing workloads
and demands that they deliver more and more
outcomes with less and less resources.
The net result of the (shortsighted) actions
of successive governments is that the public
sector is not sustainable and unless the
government of the day stops pandering to the
anti-public sector elements in the business
community and their self styled spokespersons
the services provided by the public sector will
continue to deteriorate.
As the continuing fiasco with Adelaide’s
bus service contracts amply demonstrates,
outsourcing government functions and
services to the private sector is not the answer
and in fact causes more grief to the community
(i.e. voters).
The challenge for the Government (and the
Opposition as well) is to take urgent steps to
build a sustainable public sector for the future
benefit of all South Australians.
The current Enterprise Bargaining
negotiations provide an opportunity for
the Government to lay the foundations
of a sustainable public sector (and by the
way demonstrate that it does truly value its
employees as its most important assets).
Secretary’s Column
WHAT HAS THE UNION DONE FOR ME?
By Jan McMahon
PSA members have been campaigning for almost two years now, and I am pleased to say it has
all been worth it.Last year, in the 2011 Budget, the results
of our campaign and hard work had begun to pay off. We were able to achieve the following;
Loading
term of Government, and
allowance with a date of effect of 1 July 2011Whilst these were remarkable results in
themselves, it was not over. It was always going to be a long term campaign, and in the 2012 Budget we achieved the following;
for employees with 15 years or more service, and
PSA’s Budget Submission, rather than more severe job and service cutsGiven that many of the wins we have
achieved have occurred over a period of time, it may be easy to think they are random outcomes, or the result of good luck.
This is not the case.They are the result of two years of hard
work. Two years of putting our message across to a new leadership of Government who were prepared to listen and do the right thing.
These are by no means insignificant achievements in the current political and economic environment with many groups advocating for removal of tenure and further downsizing of the public sector, including the Opposition who continue to mislead the public with their use of statistics to suit their position.
Leader of the Opposition, Isobel Redmond, has publicly been saying that this Government has employed an additional 18,000 public servants. This is a very selective use of statistics. The State's public sector has grown in size, but that growth has not been commensurate with the growth in the State's population and relative to the State's employment figures. The reality is in 2003 the total South Australian public sector
workforce represented 12.1% of people employed in South Australia. In 2011 this figure was 12.3%. Despite the scaremongering, the growth in public sector employment has been extremely moderate.
This also needs to be considered in the context of growing demand for services, an ageing population, greater complexity of community needs particularly in the health, disability and family sectors. I have publicly set the record straight, and have written to the Leader of the Opposition about this so that we can have an honest debate about the size of the public sector.
To its credit, the current Government can see past the ideological arguments. The new leadership made it clear that they were going to rebuild the relationship with the PSA based on respect. They were prepared to meet with PSA representatives and have meaningful discussions, prepared to listen to our arguments, and they have focused on what is good economic sense.
The facts are that to be able to deliver its policies and services to the community, the Government needs public sector workers. Specifically, it needs experienced, skilled and knowledgeable employees to deliver quality services. Therefore there needs to be some recognition and incentive for those employees to remain in the public sector. Apart from anything else, it is good business practice.
It is what we have been saying since we started in 2010.
Yes, it has been a long two years. Our campaign chronology is extensive, with many key events and critical moments, however the latest Budget was a significant point in our campaign.
More recently we have begun negotiations for a new Enterprise Agreement. Whilst this process is still underway, the PSA has already secured a commitment on two critical issues, a single agreement and an agreement that is enforceable. This will ensure we have a solid base upon which to deliver good outcomes for PSA members.
So congratulations to each and every one of you for contributing in some way to these results. Remember these any time someone dares to question “What has the union ever done for me”.
President’s Column
THE CHICKENS HAVE FINALLY COME HOME TO ROOST
By Lindsay Oxlad
The Public Sector REVIEW is an official publication of the Public Service Association of SA Inc and the Community & Public Sector Union (SPSF Group) SA Branch.
Comments, letters and editorial material to:
‘The Editor,’ Public Sector Review Level 5, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide, SA 5000.
Selected articles are published electronically on the PSA Website at www.cpsu.asn.au/sa
Printed on partially recycled paper with biodegradable soy-based inks by Cadillac Printing, 64 Kincaid Ave, North Plympton, SA.
The Public Sector Review’s official publication number is PP565001/0010. This edition is Volume 46, number 2.
Responsibility for political content in this publication is taken by Peter Christopher, Editor.
PUBLIC SECTOR
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EB Update
Parking Decision
Negotiations for the next EB are well underway with some progress made to date.
The current Parity Agreement expired on June 30 this year.
The PSA is seeking any improved pay and conditions negotiated in the new EB be backdated to that date.
The negotiation process is more laborious under the current circumstances due to the disregard shown by Government in the past to the legitimacy and importance of proper negotiations.
“The new Leadership team have gone a considerable way to showing that they understand that what happened was very wrong.
The benefits stripped away have now been won back, either directly
Also to be discussed are the acceptable level of pay increases.
Recent media speculation that the Government will aim to keep pay increases to 2.5% would not be acceptable.
“There was no figure in the Budget papers and the PSA is not locked in to a figure
The PSA is clear that 2.5% is far from acceptable.
The PSA will continue to seek input from members about issues of particular concern to them that they believe should be included in ongoing negotiations.
“The Government's offer and their future behaviour must be conciliatory and continue to rebuild the bridges of trust lost by their predecessors.”
or in a close to equivalent form.
“The PSA has made it clear that there will be no future scope for any Government to act in such a dishonest manner again.
Good faith bargaining has broken down and it has been a considerable process to restore it.
Key elements of negotiation so far are that there will be a single agreement and it will be enforceable.
Other points currently being negotiated are that there will be no loss of current entitlements.
The recent Supreme Court decision regarding hospital car parking will now influence future negotiations about what is, or is not, considered a legally binding work benefit or condition.
The PSA claim seeks a package
which provides worthwhile benefits
to members including:
increase for all;
conditions;
and salary increments;
and allowances;
The PSA has sought a
commencment date of 1 July 2012
for the new agreement, with a
continuation of job security.
The Full Court of the Supreme Court which heard the PSA's appeal recently ruled that car parking was not a condition of employment.
“We were disappointed at the Court decision,” PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon said.
“The PSA did everything it could to protect members from a pay cut resulting from SA Health imposing new fees.
Enterprise Bargaining negotiations,” Ms McMahon said.
It will also be vital to specifically protect other employment conditions which, prior to this decision, were considered to be protected by the 'Protection of Existing Conditions' clause.
The PSA thanks members for their ongoing support and participation during this campaign.
“The PSA was determined to use all available avenues to protect members' interests, up to and including this Court challenge.”
The PSA initially took this issue to the Industrial Relations Commission, Industrial Relations Court including a Full Bench, and then to an appeal to a Full Bench hearing of the Supreme Court of South Australia.
“This will now be a factor in current
P4 PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW JUNE 2012
Budget Snapshot
Retention Win
State Treasurer Jack Snelling delivered his second Budget on May 31 announcing the State is not expected to return to surplus until 2015.In brief the Budget resulted in:
public sector workers with 15 years service or more;
the Queen Elizabeth Hospital redevelopment and further work at Modbury Hospital;
years;
training centre at Regency TAFE;
extension;
Hospital;
Precinct;
Oval redevelopment.In addition speeding fines and
water costs have been increased significantly. Car licence, registration and CTP have increased as have public transport fares.
Prolonged negotiations with Government bore fruit on Budget day when the Treasurer announced details of the new Retention Provision.
Treasurer Snelling had alluded to the creation of such a retention scheme during his first Budget and the PSA was heavily involved in
“It was a vital outcome. Our pre-Budget submissions highlighted how important this was.
“The PSA has evidence of long-term, experienced people already saying they would leave.
“The PSA has campaigned very hard to win back what was stripped away then, and we are getting very close.”
ensuring it came to fruition.
Hailed by media commentators as a big win for the Public Sector, the Retention Provision is a vital step.
At a post-Budget meeting of Worksite Representatives the PSA described it as “positive recognition of the need to retain current experienced staff”.
The new Provision benefits staff
with 15 or more years of service.
The extra days can be cashed out
discretion and leave must be taken
within five years of its accrual or
be lost.
“It is significant that this is
and is a very good outcome and a
direct result of PSA campaigning
over recent years”.
“The PSA will discuss with
Public Sector Workforce Relations
the precise mechanism of how this
will work and provide full details
to members.”
PSA General Secretary Jan
McMahon said: “The Retention
allowance is a huge win for
members.
“There were massive losses of
employment conditions – we’ve
got pretty much all of them back,
either directly or in a close to
equivalent form.
“The Retention Provision
recognises skills and the value of
long term employees.”
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used to save this particular prisoner’s
life – but the fact remains members
and the prisoner should never have
been put in that situation.”
Members report regularly on the
difficulty of working under these
circumstances and the PSA is again
tackling this issue.
Members with examples of such
failings in the system are asked to
inform the PSA.
PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW JUNE 2012 P5
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PSA Slams Libs Audit CommissionThe PSA has condemned plans by the Liberal Opposition to establish an Audit Commission.
“It is just another Sustainable Budget Commission – a way to cut jobs without saying that is what you plan to do,” PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon said.
“Former Premier Rann and former Treasurer Foley hid behind the smokescreen of the SBC in the lead up to an election, not openly telling the
voters what they planned to slash and burn.
“Now the Liberals say they will do the same thing.
“I think the voters of this State deserve to know what they will be voting for. Which services the Opposition will cut if they win Government, and which people in need in our community will be left behind.”
Ms McMahon noted that the Liberal
Opposition in Victoria promised no job or service cuts in Victoria ahead of their electoral victory.
Since their win, they have established an Audit Commission which has done just that.
Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond forewarned of the creation of the Audit Commission in her Budget reply speech in Parliament, saying it would be tasked with returning a Budget surplus,
lowering State debt, restoring the AAA rating and providing cost effective service delivery..
“Every time you cut a job or a service you harm someone. Surprisingly, politicians seem to forget that.”
South Australians do not want an Audit Commission after the election, they expect to make an informed decision at the polls based on full disclosure of policies before the election.
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Mental HealthThe crisis in mental health in our correctional facilities has been brought out starkly recently by the example of one prisoner.
That prisoner, a woman with severe mental health issues and a history of harming herself and others, was incarcerated in the Yatala Prison – a male facility – and restrained for prolonged periods each day in the infirmary for many months.
A significant cause of this is the obvious lack of beds and facilities at our only forensic psychiatric facility, James Nash House.
This prisoner’s experiences have, thankfully, swung the spotlight onto
this gross failure in care in our society.
The PSA has long and loudly argued that much more must be done to care for the mentally ill in our prison system.
The percentage of prisoners with mental health issues has been spiralling out of control and Correctional Services Officers have neither the facilities nor the training to deal with them.
“They simply should not be there,” PSA Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher said.
“It’s reached a point of crisis where our members are having to deal with ever increasing numbers of people with mental health issues who are often in prison because of crimes committed because they are mentally ill.
“It is a classic catch-22. We need to do something to break this cycle and to give these people the care they so desperately need.
“Successive Governments have been shutting down mental health institutions and placing people into community care, but the community care must actually be there.
“I have little doubt that restraint was
Jan McMahon with Minister Hunter, PSA Vice-President Hewish & PSA Reps at a recent inspection of the new Cavan site
Crisis
On Wednesday 20 June 2012, Public Service Association (PSA) formally advised the Department for Communities & Social Inclusion (DCSI) that two separate matters are now in dispute. Both matters relate to lack of genuine consultation.
The first matter relates to the long running dis-satisfaction with the consultation entered into by DCSI about the new training centre. DCSI has written to the PSA to advise that consultation has been exhausted. The PSA disputes this as DCSI has only presented and defended it's position in relation to covered walkways, reduction of OPS3 Youth Workers and the loss of case manager roles in the new centre. At no time has there been an attempt to reach a compromise or an agreeable outcome.
Cavan & Magill Training CentresMembers Goodwill Exhausted
The second matter relates to a change in work practice without consultation. Interviews with residents are now occurring outside of interview rooms and in other less secure parts of each centre. Members have reported that this change occurred without consultation with the PSA and that this change in work practice presents a risk to member and resident safety. Considering the recent high number of assaults, this lack of consultation is of great concern.
Members at each centre have unanimously agreed to withdraw all goodwill and will work strictly to procedures, staffing ratios and will not subject themselves or residents to unsafe work practices. This means never working alone with a resident, Teaching or nursing staff are not part of ratios or to be used in escort duty. Unit ratios are to be maintained.
P6 PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW JUNE 2012
SSO Conference 13 June 2012 WThe PSA has recently hosted its annual School Services Officers (SSO) and Women’s Conferences.
This year was the 25th Anniversary of the Women’s Conference, a milestone to be proud of. The conference was officially opened by Minister Gail Gago.
“We have been working together to improve the conditions and entitlements of women in the Public Sector for a very
long time,” PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon said.
“During that time there have been significant improvements and the gap between the genders is closing.
“There is still more to be done, and we will continue to work with our women members to ensure further improvement in equality.”
This year’s Women’s Conference had the theme: Strong Together- Every
Woman in Every Workplace. It was held on Friday June 15.
Two days earlier, the PSA hosted the SSO Conference – “A time of change in Education and Child Development”.
This was the 8th Anniversary of the Conference which continues to provide members with the opportunity to network with other SSO members.
Addressing the Conference, Ms McMahon said: “SSOs are a crucial and
equal part of the education equation.
“Often overlooked in the debates
about education, funding and student
ratios, it is a simple fact that schools
would not function without SSOs.”
The PSA thanks all participants
and speakers at the Conferences and
looks forward to working together co-
operatively in the years ahead.
PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW JUNE 2012 P7
12 Women's Conference 15 June 2012
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P8 PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW JUNE 2012
Fighting the MythPublic Sector Numbers at Record Low - Not High
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12.3%. This figure is telling. The State’s public sector has grown in size, but that growth has not been commensurate with the growth in the State’s population and relative to the State’s employment figures.
“This needs to be considered in the context of growing demand for services, an ageing population, greater complexity of community needs particularly in health, disability and family sectors.
“I speak to members daily who provide these services with professionalism, dedication and a commitment to providing quality services to our community.
“Unfortunately it is too easy to lose
The PSA has gone on the attack against the self-perpetuating myth of “public service blow outs in employment”.
In letters, in meetings, in media interviews, the PSA is attacking this untrue statement and countering it with some reality.
“We are all heartily sick and tired of this same old tired line being dragged out time and time again by the same interest groups,” PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon said.
Ms McMahon spelled out the facts in a recent letter to Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond.
“I refer to recent media comments where you were reported as saying that this Government has employed more than 18,000 extra public servants.
“The Public Service Association is concerned about the quality of public debate surrounding the size of the public sector, in particular the misleading use of statistics to justify a particular viewpoint.
“According to figures published by
sight of the valuable work people do
and reduce the debate to figures and
statistics.”
Ms McMahon also raised the matter
in national newspaper The Australian
Financial Review the week after the
Budget.
“Post-Budget public sector bashing
has reached a predictable peak after
last week’s South Australian budget
announcement of 1000 job cuts,” she
wrote.
“Business groups and the media
have taken aim at a perceived soft target
calling for SA’s public sector to carry a
greater share of the economic burden.
“They argue that public sector job
numbers have grown in recent years.
“Yet SA’s public sector, relative to
population growth, is shrinking. In the
desire to find a “punching bag” for
the complex economic issues facing
the State, the facts are too often
conveniently omitted.”
the Department of Premier and Cabinet in the South Australian Public Sector Workforce Information Statistics, the number of public sector employees has
“However, this has been over a period of almost 12 years in which time the State’s population has increased
equated to 15,113 full time equivalent positions.
“In 2003 the total South Australian public sector workforce represented 12.1% of persons employed in South Australia (June 2003).
“The most recent data available indicates that in 2011 this figure was
HOLIDAY HOME AVAILABILITY - JULY TO SEPTEMBER 2012
July August SeptemberGlenelg 1 - 6 4 - 31 ––– 21 - 27
K. I. 7 - 13 1 - 10 ––– 21 - 31
Mannum 21 - 31 1 - 10 1 - 28 18 - 31
Pt Lincoln 1 - 6 11 - 24 1- 7 14 - 31
Pt Vincent 7 - 13 1 - 31 1 - 21 14 - 31
Robe 7 - 31 1 - 31 1 - 30
Goolwa ––– 11 - 31 1 -21
All units are airconditioned.
Standard week is 2pm Saturday until 10am the following Saturday.
Members are advised to vacate the units by 10am at the latest. Earliest arrival time is 2pm. This time will be used to prepare the unit for your arrival.
It is the responsibility of the member to replace any damages / breakages that occur.
Off-season rates do not apply should school holidays fall during this period.
School holiday bookings are decided by ballot. You must apply in writing. The ballot closing dates are Christmas holidays - 30 April: April holidays - 30 November; July holidays - 28 February; September holidays - 31 March.
Cancellations. If cancelled one month before, full refund is given. If cancelled two weeks before, half refund is given. If cancelled less than two weeks before, one third refund is given.
FOR INFORMATION CALL 8205 3200 OR TOLL FREE 1800 811 457
“In the desire to find a “punching bag” for the complex economic issues facing the State, the facts are too often conveniently omitted”
Jan McMahon, in the Australian Financial Review
Enjoy a PSA holiday home!
Jan M
PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW JUNE 2012 P9
hh
Retention Reportthe South Australian labour market. In this environment it will be more difficult to attract and retain experienced workers in the Public Sector. Loss of knowledge and skill in this context is particularly problematic. It may harm the ability of the State Government to deliver its programs effectively and efficiently;
develop a better understanding of the implication of staff losses for the knowledge and skill base of the public service as a central element of public sector workforce planning;
policymakers is the potential loss of a large number of experienced and skilled public sector workers over a
The value of retaining skilled and knowledgeable employees should be obvious to any employer.
Our Government should be no exception.
The new retention provision announced in the recent State Budget shows they are beginning to learn this lesson.
The PSA has long been advocating more efforts by Government to retain, staff warning of a looming skills and labour crisis.
A recent major report on this subject formed a significant element of pre-Budget submissions to Government.
Titled “The Workforce Retention Dividend: Valuing Knowledge and Skill in the Public Sector Workforce”, it was prepared by the Australian Workplace Innovation and Social Research Centre (WISeR) at The University of Adelaide.
WISeR focuses on work and socio-economic change and socio-economic impact assessment.
Its report aimed to identify the different aspects of valuing the skills and knowledge that are lost to the Government as a result of staff reduction. The underlying premise is that employers “invest” in their employees, beginning from the recruitment process, and in the form of professional training during their careers.
relatively short period of time and the growing difficulty of sourcing suitable replacements in a tighter labour market;
multi-faceted approach to attraction and retention that addresses a range of drivers and barriers;
associated with attraction and retention of public servants in regional South Australia where employment demands generated by mining projects have the potential to starve the Public Sector of various occupational skills.
The report notes that long-term regular employees gain valuable skills and corporate knowledge over time, gathered by training programs, on-the-job training or by many years of professional experience.
When such workers leave, they take with them these skills and knowledge. Whilst the cost of this loss is hard to quantify, it has genuine and explicit implications for employers.
This loss of corporate knowledge will soon be exacerbated in the Public Sector due to the retirement of a legion of Baby Boomer employees.
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The returns to these investments are found in improved quality of work, employee morale and efficiency – all of which lead to improved productivity.Key findings included:
workers, especially those with more experience and skill, will result in the loss of corporate knowledge and hinder the transfer of skills within
the South Australian public service. This loss represents a considerable value which needs to be taken into account in Public Sector workforce planning;
accelerating retirement rate of public servants will coincide with the significant expansion of the resources sector. Combined, these forces will result in tightening of
2
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“The central challenge to be faced by policymakers is the potential loss of a large number of experienced and skilled public sector workers over a relatively short period of time and the growing difficulty of sourcing suitable replacements in a tighter labour market”
Associate Professor John Spoehr, Executive Director of Australian Institute for Social Research, The University of Adelaide
!
Jan McMahon with John Spoehr
FOR SA
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For Sale10 month$3400 o.
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Weddinhuge sati$25 o.n.o
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P10 PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW JUNE 2012
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QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS
SPSF ELECTION RESULTS
a period of great change. She previously held a number of senior position in the SA public service including the National Public Works Council, Australian Procurement and Construction Council, the Water Services Association of Australia and as Chair of the State Supply Board.
Ms Howe is the holder of the inaugural Nancy Millis Award, presented to her in recognition of her active involvement in the water industry and her work in advancing the profile of all women in the industry.
Ms Howe was a member of the PSA throughout her career in the Public Service
OWEN GLOVER
CFS State Training Officer and long-term PSA member Owen Glover has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal.
GRAHAM INNS
Mr Graham Inns received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to business and commerce.
career in the South Australian Public Service under Premiers Don Dunstan, Des Corcoran and David Tonkin, was also a company director and Deputy Lord Mayor.
Mr Inns is a former Assistant General Secretary of the PSA during the Dunstan era and was, as Public Service Commissioner (and later Chairman of the Public Service Board) responsible for major reforms to the SA Public Service in areas like industrial democracy, workers participation in management, equal rights and equal pay for women. The last point led to the appointment of the first Women's Adviser in the public service and followed the
Mr Glover, who works in the CFS State Training Centre, received the medal in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the South Australian Country Fire Service, initially as a volunteer and cadet and then as a staff member commencing in
Mr Glover has been a member of the PSA for over 25 years and it is gratifying that his lengthy and important contribution to public service has been recognised in this way.
It is regrettable that the important role that so many, like Mr Glover, play in providing service to the public can be overlooked or just not really recognised.
Awards such as the one that Mr Glover has received go a long way toward counteracting that.
time when women had to resign from the service when they married.
appointed as head of the Premier's Department and the reforms that followed included the establishment of consultative committees and significant improvements to promotion selection processes.
ANNE HOWE
Ms Anne Howe has received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) Award which recognises her distinguished professional career in human service agency management, policy, planning and public sector reform.
Ms Howe was Chief Executive of SA Water for over 10 years, heading the water utility through
The 2012 Queen's Birthday Honours list included awards to a number of people prominent in South Australian Public Service administration in South Australia.
The Australian Electoral Commission has declared the the results of the SPSF election for Officer positions and Delegates to Branch Council. Those elected are deemed to hold the office of PSA Officer and Councillor.Branch Secretary MCMAHON Jan
Branch Assistant Secretary KITCHIN Neville
DELEGATES TO BRANCH COUNCIL:
Electorate 1 - Higher EducationBECK Andrew RobertWARNER Margaret
Electorate 5 - Administrative ServicesREILLY Peter Francis
WINDSOR Lise
CALLAGHAN Stephen
BURFORD Lesley
HENDERSON Sharon
SHARRAD David
HOUGHTON Chris
TOWNSEND Malcolm
DAWSON Raylene
Electorate 6 - Professional ServicesOXLAD Lindsay Malcolm
WILSON Rose
Electorate 7 - Operational ServicesBELL PatriciaPENN Michael JohnGRIFFITHS MichaelHEWISH Peter
Electorate 8 - Statutory Authorities & OthersHORNE PeterMARTIN Jo
SPSF ELECTION - STAGE 2
Stage 2 of the SPSF Group, South Australian Branch Election was conducted at the Council meeting.
As a result of the election, the following persons have been elected to the positions shown:
Branch President - Lindsay OXLAD
Branch Vice-Presidents (5) - Andrew BECK,
Lesley BURFORD,
Stephen CALLAGHAN,
Peter HEWISH,
Lesley HUGHES
Branch Treasurer Chris HALL
Branch Delegates to Federal Council Lesley HUGHES,
Nev KITCHIN,
Jan MCMAHON,
Lindsay OXLAD,
Margaret WARNER
CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE
For Sale - Sony PS Vita (Wi-Fi). Brand new, unopened, won in competition. $275 ONO. Ph: Jeff on 0433 271 952
For Sale - Mazda 626, 1998, Manual. 180,000 kms. Registered until Nov. 2011. Excellent condition, brand new battery, good tyres, economical. $3,200.00 o.n.o. Phone Gayle 0488644495
For Sale - Toyota Camry CSI Wagon, automatic 1994 model. 10 months registration. Excellent condition, complete service records. $3400 o.n.o. Contact Adrian or Therese on 0414 689 724.
For Sale - Yamaha RX-V3900 AV Receiver, 14 months old, excellent condition, original packaging. $1500 or make me an offer. Telephone Ian on 8277 8346, leave a message on the machine if no answer.
Spanish Dancing Shoes, size 71/2 and Black Practice Skirt size 8-10 (all for $70.00). Alto Saxophone for $200.00. Ring Helen on 0401 120 632 anytime.
Wedding Dress - Size 10, beaded bodice, satin to ground, low back, huge satin train inc, long sleeved, absolutely stunning gown. $25 o.n.o. Contact Sue on 84492368
Hills swing set with slide - $500 o.n.o. Just dismantle and it is all yours for hours of fun for you and your kiddies. Contact Ange Higgs 0434 074 674 (Gawler Area)
REAL ESTATE
TIMESHARE FOR SALE - 2 b/r apartment $3000 o.n.o. Call John on 0418 307 142 for further enquiries
RENTAL ACCOMMODATION
Work in Murray Bridge? Sick of commuting? This 1 b/r self contained unit is available for $90 p/w (unfurnished) or $120 p/w (furnished). Ring Jen on 0412037968 for more information.
HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
Moonta Bay Fully self-contained unit. Open plan living area, full sized kitchen, split system r/c a/c, colour TV, automatic washing machine, 2 bedrooms (sleeps 7 including sofa bed). Prices start from $80.00 p/n. Phone 0403 959 809
Carickalinga - Stylish holiday home. 3 b/rs, 2 bathrooms, modern kitchen, r/c air conditioner. Fully furnished and equipped including dishwasher, TV/DVD, bbq. Located on Carickalinga Rise with panoramic coastal views. $170 p/n. Min 2 nights. Contact Cora Ann: 8357 0587 or 0439 800 978
BLACK DOGZ SHACK
The current featured property is located 98 Purnong-Mannum Road, approximately 20 minutes upstream from Mannum. This stunning river front residence with modern furniture through out is positioned right on the beautiful River Murray. In the heart of some of the best water skiing area of South Australia. Enjoy the beautiful views of the River Murray whilst enjoying the 2 level home. Top level features 4 bedrooms, 1 king, 2 queen and 1 double/single bunk, formal dinning, large lounge, fully equipped kitchen, bar area, main bathroom and ensuite in master bedroom. 2 plasma TV’s one in the lounge and the other in the master bedroom. Surround music system, R/C air-conditioner and fire place for cozy winter nights. Upstairs has a beautiful outside deck entertainment area. It also features clear blinds when nights get cool and gas heating is available. Ground level features games room with 2 leather futon beds, Plasma T.V., air hockey/snooker table, soccer table and even a table tennis table. Laundry and bathroom. Also available are 2 single foldout beds if needed. This property also includes a fresh water system, BBQ facilities, paddle boat and 2 wave skis. Landscaped surrounds and plenty of undercover parking. This property sleeps up to 12 people. Applications subject to approval by landlord. Priced from $880 per night Minimum 2 night stay. Bond Applies. 3 bathrooms, 4 bedrooms (sleeps up to 12), Carport (fits 6 cars) FURTHER INQUIRIES: SUZIE PAGNOZZI 0414867420“OCEAN BREAK” - MIDDLETON - Centrally located at Middleton, is an inviting home with beautiful, bright beach style décor. It is close to Middle Point and other well known surfing and swimming beaches, bakery, tavern and general store. Fully self contained with almost every modern day amenity to ensure a carefree enjoyable stay. Features: 2 b/rms (sleeps 6), electric blankets, pillows, r/c a/c, colour tv/dvd/vcr radio/cd, microwave, stove, fridge/freezer, bbq & outdoor settings, fenced secure garden & car parking. Reasonable rates. Packages & vouchers available. Ph: 0403 271 015 or 8326 2619 or email [email protected] Harbor - Smuggler’s Inn - Crozier St. Holiday Unit to Rent. 2 Bedroom - Double & twin single, Fully furnished, Air Conditioning, Television - DVD Player, Swimming pool,
Breakfast kit included, 250m to Granite Island, 3.5Km to Endeavour
Bay, Close to all facilities. For Further Inquiries or to make a Booking
Call DIANNE on 0406 705 071 OR/ MICHELLE on 0414 088 301
Pricing From $100 per night (4 people) off Peak.
**Prices subject to change during Easter long weekend
MARION BAY YORKE PENINSULA -Wywurry Beach House
Stylish three bedroom elevated pole frame beach house a few minutes
walk to the long sandy beaches of Marion Bay and only five minutes
to the walking trails of Innes National Park. Spacious open plan
living with views over scrub, the salt lakes and Innes National Park.
Quality modern furnishings and fittings throughout. Features include:
Split system rc air con, 50 inch plasma TV, DVD / CD player/radio/
iPod dock, books, games, some CD’s and DVD’s provided. Flat
screen TV main bedroom. Fully equipped kitchen, tea and coffee
provided. Three double bedrooms, master bed ensuite 2 way bunk
beds third bedroom. All beds have pillows, quilts with covers and
blankets provided. Need to bring own sheets and towels. Gas BBQ,
outdoor setting, native gardens and birdlife, Dual driveway access
suit 2/3 cars and a boat. Marion Bay is a three hour drive from
Adelaide along the scenic Yorke Peninsula.
Very reasonable rates from $100 per night . July - September Special,
stay 5 nights pay for 4. Contact JENNY on 0431 259 503 or email
Don’t forget you can use your card at Campbell’s Cash and Carry at North Plympton andPooraka. Show your Membership Card to the checkout operator. Not valid for thepurchase of liquor.
ADDITIONSKMart Gift CardsRay’s Outdoors Gift Cards.Call The Ambassador Card on 1300 724 477 and save 5% when pre-purchasing Gift Cards. Available in denominations of even 100s, maximum order per type of card $1,000. Gift cards should be treated as cash and cannot be replaced or cancelled. Postage & Handling $2.00 normal mail, $5.00 registered post (all orders $500 and over will be sent by registered mail).
Supplement Superstore280 Port Road, Hindmarsh 5007 Present your Membership Card at time of purchase to receive 10% rebate on all products. Not valid on special prices.
ALTERATIONS
Amante JewelleryVisit our online store, register your customer details and select AMB as your membership group to receive 15% rebate on all our already below retail price jewellery including our hot specials. You will also receive a bonus offer of a $15 E-Voucher to use with your next purchase.
DISCOUNT INKSave 10% on all compatible printer ink cartridges. Save 5% on genuine brands. Use promo code AMCARD at online checkout or order by phone on 1300 726 106. Free delivery for all orders over $99.00.
GO GOLFINGCall 1300 552 855 and mention your Membership Card
e-voucher will be sent to you or the club directly.
Legs 11 now called: Sassy LegsEnter promo code SASSY AMB at checkout to save 10% on all merchandise, delivery charges excluded. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer.
Roaming SIMOffer valid for online orders only.
DELETIONS
Virgin AustraliaPage 15: Chelsea Cinema – no longer leased to
June 2011Major Win, But More To Do!Treasurer Snelling’s first Budget has been remarkable in many respects.Admitting that the Government had got it wrong in respect to some matters in its 2010 Budget was in itself significant.Being willing to restore Leave Loading and recommit to job security was important.These decisions highlight just how successful the PSA led campaign by unions and the community has been.
Thousands of members have constantly participated in public rallies, visits to MPs, community protests and numerous other activities.The actions of former Treasurer Foley and the Rann Government in removing negotiated conditions of employment that were protected by legislation, Awards and Enterprise Agreements was unprecedented. No other employer could have acted in that manner and got away with it. Cutting 3750 jobs added to the pain.
The strategic response by PSA and other unions was also unprecedented.Recognising that the underpinning political decision of the Government was not likely to be reversed by a quick industrial
MORE JOBS TO GO
Page 3
MAY DAYMARCH
Page 6
REGIONAL ANGER GROWS
Page 7
campaign, a longer term strategy was developed. The strategy included extensive involvement of members and the community and recognised the sense of betrayal felt by many.
How could conditions agreed to by Government and protected in an Enterprise Agreement that had only been certified in January 2010 be suddenly removed in September of the same year?How could Long Service Leave entitlements protected in the Public Sector Act only passed in 2009 suddenly be removed?How could job security be threatened when the Premier had committed as recently
AT A GLANCE
PSA Case to Proceed in High CourtTwo Judges of the High Court have referred the PSA case for a full hearing by the Full Court (7 Judges) on a date to be fixed.Following the decision of the Industrial
Relations Commission of SA that it did not have jurisdiction to hear PSA’s case in relation to the loss of protected conditions in last year's Budget, PSA sought a judicial review by the Supreme Court.The Supreme Court ruled that only the
High Court could determine the matter.PSA lodged an application with the High Court accordingly.The Full Court will now hear and determine both the question of granting leave
for the case to be heard, and the substantive case itself simultaneously.If the High Court rules in the PSA's favour the High Court will refer the matter back to the Full Supreme Court of South Australia for determination.
as February 2010 to no forced redundancies for the duration of its next term?How could 3750 jobs be cut when the population of South Australia was growing and the need for public services was increasing?The 2011 Budget decision to restore some conditions goes some way to address conditions issues, by restoring Leave Loading and Job Security, but has not resolved the Long Service Leave concerns.
A senior level negotiating group proposed by Government, however, will examine a mechanism to retain experienced workers. PSA, while continuing to pursue full restoration of LSL through its campaign and High Court case, will talk with Government
about its proposal. In any discussions, PSA is demanding that any such scheme must be of equal value for those who have lost LSL.It has been a long and difficult campaign, and one which is not over, but the success to date demonstrates the success of the PSA strategy.There are aspects of the Budget PSA disagrees with, and which will be the subject of ongoing campaigns, but the new Treasurer recognises our right to disagree with Government. Due recognition must be paid to Treasurer Snelling for his willingness to genuinely listen and to act.
PUBLIC SECTOR
Reviewwww.cpsu.asn.au
April 2011
Hold this Government to Account
The campaign to protect vital services,
and the Public Sector which provides
them continues.
The PSA’s Job Cuts = Service Cuts
campaign is gaining increasing community
support and there are some positive signs that
some in Government realise this.
The recent Cabinet re-shuffle is a clear
indicator that the Government has realised
some earlier decisions have no community
support.
But this can only be the beginning. It must
be accompanied by changes to policies which
saw jobs, services and working conditions cut.
The PSA is determined to continue this
campaign on multiple levels as it has since
the day former Treasurer Kevin Foley handed
down his Budget in September last year.
We are not alone in this fight. The
community and other unions are standing
shoulder to shoulder with us.
“The response has been strong and the
support from members and the community
has been very significant,” PSA General
Secretary Jan McMahon said.
“We will continue to hold this Government
Senior PSA Officials have met with
a number of new Ministers in recent
weeks, in the wake of the Cabinet
re-shuffle.
Discussions have been preliminary, as
advised in previous individual PSA briefs
to members.
Meetings have been held with Deputy
Premier and Attorney General John Rau,
Treasurer Jack Snelling, Minister for Industrial
Relations Bernard Finnigan and Minister for
Public Sector Management Gail Gago.
The open ing of channels of
communication is seen as a positive step,
while recognising that until policies are
changed which see cuts to jobs, services and
conditions the campaign will continue.
“This Government must
be held to account for
the harm it is inflicting
on its employees and
the community they
serve.”Jan McMahon, PSA General Secretary
PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon addressing rally/media.
JOBS WATCH
Page 4
HOLD THIS
GOVERNMENT
TO ACCOUNT
continued
Page 6&7
AUSTRALIA
DAY HONOURS
Page 10
The radio ad says:
“The State Government has
started slashing jobs, services
and worker entitlements as
part of its Budget cuts.
“Almost 4000 jobs are set
to go which equals service
reductions, longer waiting
times and less support for
South Australian families
in need.
“The Government must be
held to account for betraying
workers and making South
Australian families bear the
“If job and service cuts are
already making your life
harder tell us why at
www.doesntaddup.com.au”
The cuts outlined by Former
Treasurer Kevin Foley included:
jobs over 4 years;
its “no involuntary redundancy”
policy after one year if insufficient
staff reductions are achieved,
that this would not happen;
9 days per annum after July 1
this year for workers with
removed for non-shift workers
from July 2012
to account for its actions.
Some of the actions the PSA has
undertaken, many of which are detailed further
in this issue of the Review, have included:
and updates;
doesntaddup.com.au
impact of the Budget;
jobs, services and entitlements was rolled out
during February.
High Level Talks
PUBLIC SECTOR
Reviewwww.cpsu.asn.au
August 2011
Restoring TrustFormer Treasurer, Kevin Foley
destroyed “good faith” in negotiations
for future enterprise agreements the
day he moved to cut agreed rights and
entitlements by law rather than through
the enterprise bargaining process.
In his last Budget, when he slashed
long service leave, cut leave loading and
threatened job security, he also drastically
undermined the whole basis of good faith
negotiations.
By destroying that process – by stripping
away rights and entitlements agreed to by
the Government only months before, and
finalised in an Enterprise Agreement that
was certified by the Industrial Relations
Commission, he created a significant problem
for future negotiations.
Negotiations for the next EB are due to
start early next year with an agreement due to
commence during 2012.
The PSA is giving consideration to how
to approach any future negotiations, and
examining future options.
“Once you have a situation, where a
union on behalf of its members has
negotiated an agreement which is signed
off by both sides, in good faith, under all
applicable law, you would expect that to
stand.”
“What has happened is that the
Government, a few months later, decided
to turn its back on that agreement and its
employees and literally change the rules.
“Only a Government as an employer
can do this, and it raises very serious
questions about the validity and worth
of any future agreements made with any
Government.”
The manner in which the Government
chose to legislate away agreed working rights
and entitlements is the subject of a PSA High
Court challenge.
The outcome of that challenge will
inevitably have a bearing on how future
negotiations are conducted.
Alternatives to the previous Enterprise
Agreement process may involve arbitration
by the Industrial Relations Commission to
achieve legally binding outcomes, and to
allow for consideration of the value of lost
entitlements.
This would be a time consuming and
adversarial approach, but would result in a
legally binding Award.
Also, arbitration may be a means of
applying a value to specific entitlements
and can be proven to have a value – that is,
if elements of an overall agreed package
(e.g. tenure) are removed, compensation is
required.
Arbitration, unlike an Enterprise
Agreement, does not require the consent of
the employer to the outcome.
Public Support for Public Sector
A majority of South Australians have a
positive view of the work performed by
the Public Sector, new research shows.
And many would be happier to see taxes
rise, rather than services and jobs cut.
The research was conducted by Dr James
Whelan, Public Service Research Director of
the Centre for Policy Development.
He found that despite many politicians
making “a sport of kicking public servants”
the community has “positive attitudes towards
the public service and would like to see a
strong, healthy and sustained service”.
Dr Whelan’s research looked at 20
years of attitudinal surveys and found that,
consistently throughout that time, people
wanted to see services well funded.
“In fact, one of the interesting findings
was that when people were asked if they
wanted to pay more tax in order to increase
the funding available for public services, like
health and education and so on, the majority
of Australians supported that,” he said in a
media interview.
Dr Whelan said that an examination of
commentary on the Public Sector contained
in Hansard, the official record of Parliament,
revealed that three quarters was negative or
derogatory.
“It’s really curious to contrast the
attitudes expressed by politicians towards the
public service, and attitudes of the general
community.”
“The change in Government leadership
may have an impact on relations and potential
negotiations.”
The Government’s new leadership have the
opportunity to restore trust and move forward
positively.
EXPERIENCE
MUST BE REWARDED
Page 5
NO SHIPPING
CONTAINERS
Page 7
SA GOVERNMENT
SUPERANNUATION
FEDERATION AGM
Page 8
P12 PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW JUNE 2012
Methods of PaymentPlease complete one of the following sections
Direct Debit
and are tax-deductible. The appropriate Goods and Services Tax amount will also be deducted. Unless otherwise notified, direct debits occur on the first working day of each month. Below is the authorisation for your subscription to be paid by direct debit.
To: The Manager
Name of Credit Union/Financial Institution ____________________________________________________________
Address of Credit Union/Financial Institution __________________________________________________________
I/we request you, until further notice in writing, debit my/our account described in the schedule below, any amounts which the Public Service Association of SA Inc., Community and Public Sector Union, SA Branch (SPSF Group) may debit or charge me/us through the direct debit system.
I/we understand and acknowledge that the Credit Union/Financial Institution may in its absolute discretion determine:1. The order of priority of payment by it of any money pursuant to this request or any authority or mandate.2. At any time by notice in writing to me/us terminate this request as to further debits.
Account name ____________________________________________________________________________________
BSB number ___________________________________ Account number _____________________________
Accounts
PSA/CPSU membership subscriptions may also be paid by cheque, money order or cash. If paying via this method, please make cheques and money orders payable to the PSA/CPSU.
I wish to pay quarterly I wish to pay half yearly I wish to pay annually
Credit Card
If you wish to pay by credit card on a monthly basis, please complete details below.
Card number □□□□ □□□□ □□□□ □□□□Cardholder’s name ________________________________________Expiry date ______________
Annual salary ______________________________________ Referred by __________________________________
PSA MembershipI hereby apply to join the Public Service Association of SA and agree to be bound by the rules.
CPSU MembershipI hereby apply to join the Community and Public Sector Union, State Public Services Federation (SA Branch) and agree to be bound by the rules.
Signature ______________________________________________________________ Date ___________________
I do / do not wish to receive a tax statement (please circle).
Please mail your completed application form to: For any further information call the PSA on:Reply Paid Number 5306, PSA/CPSU SA Branch, (08) 8205 3200 or freecall 1800 811 457GPO Box 2170, Adelaide SA 5001 (no stamp required)
The PSA/CPSU is bound by the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000. Information is collected to enable the union to contact you about matters relating to your union membership and to ensure that we have the necessary information to represent your employment and related interests. A member can opt out of receiving such information by contacting the PSA/CPSU. The PSA/CPSU Privacy Statement is available from the union’s web site or by contacting the office.
M E M B E R S H I P A P P L I C AT I O N F O R M
Revi
ew
PSA Training Program 2012go to
www.cpsu.asn.au/training
HIGH COURT BATTLE
Page 4
FRONTLINE MEETING FOR MINISTER
Page 6
PSA MEMBER IN AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS LIST
Page 10
PUBLIC SECTORReviewwww.cpsu.asn.au
A g
www.cpsu.asn.au
February 2012
Any employer, planning for the future, must make sure that there will be enough people to cope with change and expansion.
Wise employers have proper retention policies in place. Those who now urge the Government to cut its workforce will be among the first the cry out when a lack of adequate retention policy results in an inability of Government to provide services and infrastructure in future.“Without taking some rapid steps we will
continue to see a drain of professional and
valuable staff from the Public Sector into the private sector or retirement.“We are already struggling to attract people
to work for Government. Regular media attacks against Public Sector workers as well as budget and condition cutting, is not helping to reverse that.”
In defence of the Public Sector following a string of media reports calling, again, for a slashing of jobs, Ms McMahon wrote a column for The Advertiser.Prominently placed, with photographs
from recent protest actions, the article pointed out where the true crisis in Public Sector employment lies.
“There is a crisis in Public Sector employment. In fact there are two,” the column stated.
Continued on page 3.....
Retention of Public Sector employees is shaping up to be a big issue in coming months and years.
The PSA has already flagged with Government that more must be done to avert a looming crisis amidst altered economic conditions and demands.During wages and conditions negotiations,
meetings with Ministers and in the lead up to the next State Budget, the PSA will continue to highlight this vital issue.
Regular public attacks by partisan segments of the business community against PS job numbers completely miss the point.The reality is our PS employees are
ageing, as is our entire population, while at the same time there is a projected massive growth in population.
Competition for staff is already very brisk. It will increase dramatically in coming years as major infrastructure and mining projects come on stream.
Retention Vital
Hospital Parking DecisionThe Supreme Court has granted permission for an appeal to be heard, following the Industrial Relations Court determining parking fees and arrangements are not a condition of employment protected by an Enterprise Agreement.The PSA argued that the imposition of parking fees on members at metropolitan health facilities was a pay cut by stealth, and breached the clause of the Agreement which protected existing conditions.PSA argued it was a cut in existing conditions of employment.
“However, the Court held that car parking was not a condition of employment, rather it was a benefit members enjoyed.”The decision will mean that this, and other working arrangements, need to be addressed in future wages and conditions negotiations. Whether it was a condition
or benefit of employment really doesn’t change the fact that members are now out of pocket because of the actions of their employer. That clearly is against the spirit of negotiations and agreements.
Apart from the actual issue dealt with by the Court, the health system will now have to deal with related issues if it wants to be an employer of choice. Retention of staff is going to be even more critical in future, as hospital staff not only suffer a pay reduction, but many shift workers walk dark streets as they travel to and from their vehicles parked off site to avoid the new charges.
The Chief Executive, Department of Health, has advised that no steps would be taken at present to introduce or increase fees pending the appeal outcome Health has reserved its right to change this if the appeal can not be heard expeditiously.
PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon being interviewed
