News Flash

Senior PSA Officials met with the Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, the Hon. Ian Hunter on Friday 25 November 2011.

PSA was represented by President Lindsay Oxlad, General Secretary Jan McMahon, Vice Presidents Lesley Burford and Steve Callaghan and Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher.

The meeting was an opportunity to discuss a number of key issues with the Minister, including;
   
    New Youth Training Centre

PSA welcomed the decision to build a new centre but raised concerns regarding its design and ongoing consultation regarding its proposed operation.

    Housing Issues

PSA raised both Housing and staffing related issues. In respect to Housing the Minister indicated that he did not want to reduce current holdings, and that if sales occurred some positive offsets could be necessary.
    

In respect to staffing matters PSA identified safety concerns with staff being expected to conduct visits alone, and also with Voluntary Flexible Working Arrangements being discouraged at a local level, resulting in members often not applying for revised working arrangements.

    Disability Services and Domiciliary Care

PSA identified resourcing issues and loss of administrative support resulting in professional staff undertaking administrative functions.
    

The Minster agreed to future regular meetings with the Public Service Association.
     

            (PSA Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher pgc@cpsu.asn.au)

28 November 2011