PSA News – 20 April 2015
Annual Conference 2015
The PSA’s 2015 Annual Conference will be held on Thursday 28 May and Friday 29 May.
All members are invited to nominate to attend conference.
First time attendees are particularly encouraged to apply.
Successful applicants can apply for Special Leave to attend.
Conference sessions include:
- Challenges facing Australian unions – Professor David Peetz
- Workers Compensation & unions and climate change – Professor Ray Markey
- Protecting union rights under conservative governments; the way forward – Rita Mallia CFMEU NSW Construction Division President
- Campaigning against privatisation – Q&A panel with PSA delegates
- How to build our strength post the NSW election – summit style workshop
- PSA Crown Employees wages strategy for 2016
On the Thursday night there will be a social gathering at PSA House with food, drink and a screening of the movie ‘Pride’.
Nominations for Annual Conference close at COB Friday 24 April.
For details click HERE.
and Twitter @psansw #psaconf2015
First Kirkconnell, now Grafton
PSA campaign to reopen Grafton gaol
Following our success in having Kirkconnell gaol near Bathurst reopened, on Thursday, 23 April 2015 at 11am, the PSA will be holding a media conference at the front of Grafton Gaol to publically call on the Baird Government to fully recommission the prison to alleviate the overcrowding crisis in NSW correctional facilities and provide much needed employment in the area.
The PSA has raised concerns with the Government that overcrowding is heightening the risk of violence in the state’s gaols while workers compensation for Correctional Officers and other members is woefully inadequate.
PSA General Secretary, Anne Gardiner and POVB Chair, Steve McMahon will be joined by a former Correctional Officer from Grafton and representatives of the Grafton Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Draft Transfer, Secondment and Temporary Assignment Guidelines
The PSA received a copy of the draft Transfer, Secondment and Temporary Assignment Guidelines from the Public Service Commission on 8 April 2015.
The Guidelines provide policy information on mobility under the Government Sector Employment Act 2013 section 64 and section 66 and Part 6 of the Government Sector Employment Rules 2014.
The Association is currently preparing a response which is to be submitted to the Commission by 22 May 2015.
Members wishing to provide comment or feedback on the draft Guidelines should send an email to no later than 4 May 2015.
To view a copy of the Guidelines click HERE
Psychometric testing
The PSA has written to the Public Service Commissioner expressing concerns about the adoption of psychometric testing by the Commission as a recruitment tool in the public sector.
PSA General Secretary, Anne Gardiner requested a written response from the Commission on a range of concerns.
Read the letter HERE.
May Day 2015
May Day celebrations will be held in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.
In Sydney, members are encouraged to join in the May Day march and assemble on Sunday 3 May at Town Hall Square at 11.00am.
In Newcastle, it’s on Saturday 2 May. Assemble at the corner of Donald and Beaumont Streets, Hamilton at 10am for a 10:30am march to Gregson Park.
In Wollongong, assemble at 10.00am on Saturday 2 May at Lowden Square.
