LMBR Update

LMBR Update 12 March 2015 (PDF version)

After extensive communication with members in the 229 LMBR focus schools, it became apparent that the LMBR systems were not working effectively and that this was causing enormous workload and stress for PSA members in those schools. The start of Term 1, 2015 has shown that the level of instability with the LMBR system has not improved.

To ensure that members’ issues were heard, the PSA spoke directly with 117 SAMs in the 229 schools. Members reported that working with an underperforming LMBR system has created excessive workloads, double handling and an increase in manual tasks when the system fails regularly. In our conversations, the PSA asked what solutions would be appropriate.

·         95 percent felt that the Department must not continue with its readiness preparation to extend the LMBR system into additional schools before the system was stable in the existing focus schools

·         90 percent agreed that redeployment officers should be reallocated as a resource for the 229 focus schools

·         84 percent requested that additional casual staff, centrally funded be allocated to LMBR schools while the system is stabilised

In response to the PSA raising the concerns of members, the Department promised an Action Plan.  The PSA insisted that any such plan must include a commitment to stop all readiness preparation to roll out LMBR any further.  The PSA letter sent on 27 February demanding that preparation for LMBR deployment beyond the existing 229 Focus Schools cease immediately can be read HERE.

The ceasing of LMBR preparation to additional networks is important for two reasons.

Firstly, it is unacceptable to the PSA that additional SAMs and SAOs suffer the extreme workload and stress currently experienced by the existing LMBR schools.

Secondly, the Department needs to keep its focus on resolving the workload and stress for existing LMBR schools.

Today the PSA met with the Deputy Secretary, Corporate Services who has responded to the above requests and advised that:

1.       The meetings of Principals scheduled for next week in relation to the Stage 3 deployment have been postponed and new dates have not been set at this stage;

2.    The Department is aiming to have in place by end of Term 1, a dedicated SALM helpdesk, initially with 5 staff from the former LMBR School Support Team with a review in Term 2;

3.      Additional training materials for BPC and interpreting SAP reports are being prepared. These will be delivered by way of video conferencing, Adobe and face to face; and

4.  At this stage the Department will not commit to providing centrally funded casual staff but has not ruled it out. After a review of the initial points above it could allocate additional support.

The regular fortnightly meetings between the Department and the PSA on LMBR will continue with the Department to produce an Action Report from each meeting.

PSA organisers will be ringing members in as many of the 229 schools as possible to seek your feedback on the Department’s Action Plan. If you do not receive a call and would like to provide feedback on the Department’s plan, please email the PSA at