PSA News – 21 January 2014
Pay case update
On 17 December 2013, Justice Boland in the Industrial Relations Commission ruled that the full 2.5% available under the Government’s wages policy be paid to members employed under the Public Sector Salaries and related awards.
The O’Farrell Government had wanted the 2.5% discounted by the increase in the superannuation guarantee levy which is why an interim rise of 2.27% was paid.
Justice Boland also found that pay increases of 2.5% per annum are not guaranteed under the Industrial Relations Act and the Industrial Relations (Public Sector Conditions of Employment) Regulation 2011.
On Friday, 20 December, the parties conferred to discuss the implementation of the full increase.
However, in the interim, the O’Farrell Government filed an appeal and sought a stay (that is, a suspension) of the orders of Justice Boland for the full 2.5% increase until the appeal has been dealt with.
The Government’s application for a stay will be heard by the Industrial Relations Commission on 30 January 2014.
Members will be provided with a further update following the hearing.
Have your say on Government role in disability services
You can have your say on the NSW Government’s draft Disability Inclusion Bill 2014 which will be introduced into NSW Parliament this year.
The Bill can be viewed HERE (PDF).
“While the NDIS transfers service provision from NSW Government to the Commonwealth, it does not alter our obligations to remain as protectors for people with disability,” said Minister for Disability Services, John Ajaka.
The draft Bill is available for public comment until 14 February.
Comment can be made online via www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/dib, by phoning 1800 446 470
or by emailing .
PSA University Undergraduate Scholarship
The scholarship is available at any Australian university in any course and is restricted to students entering the first year of a full-time course.
It is restricted to children of members of the Association at the time of application who have been continuous financial members for the previous five years.
The scholarship will have a value of $850 per annum and will be awarded in the first instance for one year and re-awarded annually for a maximum period of three years.
A scholar’s tenure shall be subject to a satisfactory report as to his/her progress and conduct.
The scholarship will be awarded on results obtained in Higher School Certificate Examination and Assessment or equivalent and will take into account whether or not the applicant is the holder of a scholarship, traineeship, etc.
Subject to the provisions above, the highest marks and assessment and/or aggregate will be the deciding factor in the award.
Applications close at 5pm on 28 February.
Application forms are available from Sandra Lockey, Executive Assistant at the PSA on telephone (02) 9220 0982.
Second State of Public Sector report – the way we are
Getting Into Shape, the second annual State of the NSW Public Sector Report by the Public Service Commission has been released.
It provides another revealing snapshot of the public sector in this state and makes for interesting reading.
The report can be found HERE.
PSA cars roll out to defend public services
The PSA’s car fleet is now badged with the Defending Public Services logo.
So if you see one, honk your horn and keep us informed of any sightings on our Facebook page.
You still pay your PSA fees by payroll deduction?
Switching from the payroll deduction of your union fees to direct debit from a bank account means peace of mind.
It locks in your membership of the PSA.
It also ensures the strength of your union into the future, making it financially independent of any government – state or federal, Labor or Liberal – at any time.
If payroll deductions were cut not only would our service to you be reduced but our membership would shrink with a corresponding loss in all important bargaining power.
So switch to direct debit at https://membership.psa.asn.au
Or talk to your PSA organiser, delegate or email .
Authorised by Anne Gardiner, General Secretary, Public Service Association of NSW, 160 Clarence Street, Sydney
