Our vigilant members noticed they were not being paid the correct allowances for 2018-19 when they tried to make claims on OneSAP. The PSA recently wrote to FACS expressing our concerns about a system failure which meant members were missing out on their full entitlements under the Crown Employees (Public Service Conditions of Employment) Award 2009.
FACS has now confirmed the correct rates for meal, travel, on-call and other allowances were not processed for 2018-19 (even though Treasury advised of the changed rates on 1 July 2018). Rectification of this error has been further complicated by the introduction of yet another new system, the Single Touch Payroll from the Australian Taxation Office. FACS advises that when this system is fully implemented (which should be by 25 May 2019) action will be taken to make back payments to all affected employees.
We’ve also been advised FACS will develop a communication strategy for employees who claimed allowances over the last year and confirm arrangements for backpayments.
The PSA will always act to ensure Award conditions are upheld and this is a great outcome due to our members knowing what they should be paid and seeking advice and support from their union.
Treasury Circulars for 2017-18 and 2018-19 (found HERE and HERE) will assist members to further understand what is owed to them by their employer.
FACS has given the PSA an assurance that all changes to allowances from 1 July 2019 will be processed promptly and in accordance with the rates defined in the next Treasury circular. The PSA will be holding FACS to account on this commitment.
We advise any member who claimed allowances from 1 July 2018 to review your documentation/records, check and double check the backpayment figure and pursue with Payroll in the first instance if there is a concern about the amount.
If the matter is not resolved, please contact the PSA’s Member Support Centre on 1300 772 679.