Ministry of Health Joint Consultative Committee meeting: report on 10 September 2025 meeting
The quarterly Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) meeting was held on Wednesday 10 September 2025 with PSA industrial staff and Ministry of Health (MOH) delegates and the MOH senior leadership team.
Matters raised on behalf of PSA members:
Recruitment and workforce update
Over the past quarter, there has been a noticeable increase in activation within the recruitment and talent pool. This positive trend presents new opportunities for both recruitment and internal mobility across the organisation.
In alignment with the Ministry of Health’s strategic workforce planning objective to reduce reliance on contractors, there has been a significant decline in contractor numbers—from a peak of 100 during the COVID-19 period to just 12 currently.
Health and safety
The most recent Health and Safety Committee meeting was held on 3 September 2025, with only one incident reported—a slip/trip event.
Workers compensation
MoH has appointed Allianz Insurance as its new workers compensation provider. Existing claims currently managed by QBE will be transitioned to Allianz over a six-month period. PSA raised concerns that some members had not been informed of this change. MoH has committed to ensuring that all affected staff are appropriately notified. All new claims will now be managed by Allianz.
PSA members experiencing any issues during this transition are encouraged to contact their PSA senior organiser for support. If you are injured at work, your PSA membership entitles you to:
- Legal support through our affiliated lawyers, McNally and Jones
- A referral to the Workers Health Centre.
Restructure updates
Restructuring processes are currently underway within the Health Systems Strategy and Patient Experience (HSSPE) branch, which has been under formal consultation since 28 August 2025, and within the newly established Regulation and Enforcement branch of the Centre for Population Health, which commenced consultation on 22 August 2025.
The Ministry of Health has reported receiving positive feedback regarding these restructures, while also acknowledging the challenges and uncertainty they may present for affected staff.
The PSA raised queries regarding a potential restructure within the Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs, particularly concerning staff in contract roles originally scheduled to conclude in December 2025. MoH has since confirmed that these positions have been extended until March 2026, and committed to issuing formal communication to all impacted staff.
If you are a PSA member affected by these restructures and require information or support, please contact industrial officer Graydon Welsh for assistance.
Core Work Policy and Strategic Procurement Review
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has reiterated its openness to receiving feedback from the PSA regarding the ongoing Core Work Policy and the Strategic Procurement Review, for which Deloitte has been engaged to lead the overarching review process.
PSA representatives and Delegates emphasised the importance of retaining the skills, knowledge, and experience of existing staff. Serious consideration should be given to converting temporary roles into ongoing positions to ensure workforce stability and continuity.
In response to PSA’s request for data on temporary-to-permanent role conversions, MoH has committed to gathering this information through Employment Relations Business Partners, who currently have access to dashboards tracking expiring temporary contracts. There is potential for this data to be integrated into broader workforce planning processes.
If you are a PSA member employed in a temporary contract, we encourage you to contact your PSA senior organiser. PSA will continue to advocate for the conversion of temporary roles into ongoing employment opportunities.
PMES Survey results
The PSA raised concerns that some teams and branches have not yet received the results of the People Matter Employee Survey (PMES). The PSA has formally requested that Branch Heads ensure results are shared with their respective staff.
The Ministry of Health has committed to following up with appropriate communications regarding the survey outcomes. If results are not shared within your team or branch, please contact your PSA delegate or PSA senior organiser for support.
Policy communication
The PSA raised concerns on behalf of members regarding the ineffective communication of policy and procedure updates across the organisation. Members have reported instances where they were unaware of recent changes impacting their work.
In response, the Ministry of Health has committed to engaging with the MoH Policy Team to explore more efficient and streamlined methods for communicating updates. The goal is to ensure that all staff are kept well-informed and up to date on relevant policy and procedural changes.
1RR Building and Facilities update
Converge Contract – The existing contract with Converge has been extended for an additional 12 months. This extension was made without proceeding to tender, and it remains unclear whether alternative service providers were considered during the decision-making process.
Social Club – The 1RR Social Club remains active and is currently welcoming new members. Staff are encouraged to join and participate in upcoming events.
Building Tours – Weekly building tours continue to be offered as part of staff orientation. These tours provide valuable insights into the facilities and services available at 1RR.
Live Music Events – Live music performances are held on the second Friday of each month, offering a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for staff.
Electric vehicle charging stations – A total of 16 EV charging stations are now available on-site, supporting staff with electric vehicles.
Staff parking – due to increased demand, staff parking has been extended to include the B2 level. Parking is available at a rate of $17 per day, and bookings can be made via the BaseUp App.
The next JCC is scheduled for 10 December 2025. Keep an eye out for upcoming member meetings.
Contacts
Delegates
PSA Industrial staff
Belinda Tsirekas Senior Organiser
Graydon Welsh Industrial Officer