News Flash

Public Service Association, Industrial staff, met with David Swan Chief Executive (CE) Health SA, on Wednesday 9th November 2011.

The following were among the items discussed at this regular quarterly meeting.

1.    Car Parking for Hospital Employees With a Disability.
PSA referred to SA Health Care Act HR Manual 8-11 “Disabled Employees- Travel Reimbursement.” This is a whole government policy also contained in Commissioner     Determinations. PSAs concern is that this whole Government policy may not be implemented currently in all hospitals. Employees with a disability may not be aware of their rights, nor management of their responsibility. PSA has requested that all health employees are made aware of such rights.


2.    Recognition of Prior Service. Clause 35.3 of the Health Care Act and Part 7     Public Sector Act.

PSA had asked CHSA that employees who transfer back to Health from a community controlled aboriginal health service can transfer all entitlements. This was negotiated specifically for members who were previously Public Sector employees. This should also apply to employees transferring to SAHMRI. PSA has asked that SA Health discuss with Department of Premier and Cabinet expanding the organisations from which employees prior services are recognised. Currently it is recognised from any other State, Federal or Territory government agencies, all Universities within Australia and Local Government authorities (Clause 7-11, SA Health (Health Care Act)) Human Resources Manual. The Chief Executive took this matter on notice.


3.    Consistency of Employment Conditions Across Public Service.
PSA stated that:
Special Leave With Pay, HR manual 7-7-5 is too restrictive.
Other agencies now use the “up to 15 days” e.g. for paternity leave, cultural leave, fertility leave, returning to work after maternity leave. There needs to be more flexibility, and a policy established & promulgated. The Chief Executive advised that this was being looked at.

4.    Secondments.
This refers to positions either at the same or a higher level. PSA advised the following:
In most areas secondments are accepted as a matter of course as important for staff development. This is because employees are working in a career orientated Public Health Service. Managers in some areas refuse to encourage and allow career opportunities for staff. Clause 15.4 of the EA, should be developed into a Health policy or direction.


5.    Reclassifications.
PSA advised that the classification manuals state that:
Personal applications reclassifications should only occur if management disagrees. Too often the Manager agrees, but tells the employee to put in a personal application for re-classification. In a number of cases with reviews & re-organisations, positions are not appropriately classified prior to the re-organisation. This disadvantages employees, when transitioning, e.g. if ASO4 in old structure & ASO5 in new, does not translate, nor can apply under the Quarantine principles. The position needs to be assessed stringently as the first step in any reorganisation process.


6.    Reports Required.
The following are reports which the PSA was assured would be released and consultation would occur as to the recommendations. However this has not yet happened.
    1.  SA Health Review
    2.  Prison Health Review

Mr Swan stated he would expedite this.
   

7.    Transfer of Asset Management to DPTI.
PSA expressed concern at the lack of advice provided by management to SA Health employees. DH needs to seek & provide assurances regarding an ATO ruling for continuation of PBI status for workers who currently have salary packaging, if they continue to be employed on health business, even when paid through DPTI. The Chief Executive agreed.

    PSA is attending meetings at DPTI regarding the transfer.


8.    Toxicologists.
At the request of the PSA this group, who were previously in the Professional Officers Stream have now been placed appropriately under the Medical Scientists Award. On behalf of members, the PSA is seeking back pay to 14 January 2011. The parties do not agree at this stage.

9.    SAHMRI.
The PSA was advised that further consultation will commence in relation to SA     Health staff moving across to the new entity at the SA Health & Medical Research Institute.


10.    Increase in casual loading.
PSA advised that they had made application to the Industrial Relations     Commission to increase the casual loading from 20% to 25%.
 

23 November 2011