PSA News – 13 December 2013
Briefings on GSE Rules and Regulation
The PSA has received 34 requests from members for workplace briefings on the Government Sector Employment draft Rules and Regulation.
The Public Service Commissioner has advised Department Heads that these meetings can take place during working hours.
If you would like an initial briefing please arrange a meeting of at least eight people (members or non-members) and register your interest HERE.
The PSA’s Research Unit is currently finalising a briefing paper for members that summarises and explains the draft Rules and Regulation.
We have until 13 January to provide comment and feedback to the Public Service Commission.
The Rules and Regulation can be viewed HERE.
Members are invited to provide feedback on the draft Rules and Regulation to .
Departmental Committee elections – closing date extended
The new issue of Red Tape carries a call for nominations for the FACS, Crown Lands, Legal Aid NSW and NSW Police Force Departmental Committees.
The closing date for nominations has been extended to 5pm Friday 10 January 2014.
L. Cakovski
for G R Bensley
Deputy Returning Officer
Salaries case update
The PSA fought for the full 2.5% wage increase before President Boland of the Industrial Relations Commission in a two day hearing on 13 and 28 November.
Our aim is to secure the difference between the 2.5% available under the Government’s unfair wages policy and the 2.27% that has been paid to members employed under the Public Sector Salaries and related awards.
The President indicated his intention to hand down a decision before the end of the year.
WorkCover bullying inquiry
The PSA submitted a submission to the parliamentary inquiry into allegations of bullying in WorkCover on 9 September 2013.
The inquiry was sparked following a successful unfair dismissal case lodged by the PSA which highlighted a culture of bullying in WorkCover.
The PSA widely circulated the damning decision of the Industrial Relations Commission.
Four PSA representatives appeared before the Committee on 6 November followed by WorkCover on 11 November.
Answers are currently being provided to questions on notice.
The Committee’s report is expected to be handed down in February 2014.
Tell your workers comp story
It’s time that the O’Farrell Government heard directly about the harsh impact of its changes to workers compensation in 2012.
The Greens David Shoebridge has set up a facility for injured workers to tell their story about life under the new laws.
Go to:
https://davidshoebridge.good.do/tell-your-workcover-story/tell-your-workcover-story/
and details of your situation or perhaps the difficult circumstances of someone you know will be sent directly to Finance Minister Andrew Constance.
PSA Member Support Centre – 1300 PSA NSW
The PSA’s new Member Support Centre (MSC) is on track to open in March 2014.
Local Land Services award and FWHA
A consent award for Local Land Services (LLS) was made before Justice Backman in the Industrial Relations Commission on 3 December.
Everything is now ready for the LLS – the new award and the Flexible Working Hours Agreement (FWHA) – to begin operation from 1 January 2014.
A number of delegates played a critical role in securing this result particularly, Geoff Green (Chair of the LHPA DC), Lisa Martin (delegate LHPA), Brett Littler (delegate CMA) and Robyn Shea (delegate LHPA).
Nothing scientific about Premier’s job cuts – Sydney Morning Herald letter
On 2 December, the Sydney Morning Herald printed the following letter from PSA General Secretary, Anne Gardiner.
“You quote Australian Museum staff commenting “a natural history museum without a paleontologist is a joke” (“Funding cuts leave museum with a skeleton staff”, November 30-December 1).
There is nothing remotely funny about the widespread attack on scientists occurring under the O’Farrell government. Hundreds have been cut from the state public service in the past 12 months without any explanation.
Whether it’s the bio scientists and agronomists who look after our food security, the toxicologists who ensure workers are not being poisoned or the fossil scientists in the museum, large numbers are disappearing.
I have requested information from the government about the scientific roles being cut. Unfortunately, it is unavailable because responsibility for the cuts has been conveniently devolved to individual directors-general.
This means that the O’Farrell government is unable to provide a picture of what has been lost and the impact that will have on the people of NSW.”
Code of conduct and email
All members are reminded to read their workplace code of conduct before forwarding emails to others.
Authorised by Anne Gardiner, General Secretary, Public Service Association of NSW, 160 Clarence Street, Sydney
