News Flash

General Secretary, Jan McMahon, Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher and Industrial Officer,  Kerrin Martin, met with Chief Executive, Keith Bartley, on Monday 16th January 2012.

This meeting was part of the PSA's ongoing consultative meetings held with the Chief Executive.

Key items discussed included:-

1. Machinery of Government – Establishment of new Department

The PSA requested an update on the establishment of the new Department.

The Chief Executive provided the following details:

Staff transitioned on 1 January 2012.
Presentations and meetings with staff have occurred.
Former Families SA Corporate staff including HR and Finance have been assigned to Directors.
Families SA staff will still report to current Management.  Initially 'business as usual' for staff transitioning to new Department.  DECD are hoping to have all in place within the next three months.
DECD Management are keen to identify any issues and resolve them as soon as possible.
Health staff will continue to be employed by the Department of Health, while forming part of Minister Portolesi's portfolio.


2. Review of the role of SSOs

The PSA requested an update on the Review and expected time frames.

The PSA was advised that there are no developments at this time.  Enterprise Bargaining negotiations will commence after March 2012 where it is expected that the platform for the way forward will be discussed.  It is likely that work will be done over the next couple of years.  Qualifications for SSOs are central to the discussion paper. SSOs need to be recognised as providing professional services. 

The PSA advised that it will be forming an SSO Working Party to work on the Review.  DECD indicated that they would be pleased to meet with the group.


3. Consultative Structures in DECD

The PSA has a well established Industrial Relations Forum in Families SA that meets regularly with Management to address issues emerging at worksites.  The PSA and its members are keen to continue this Forum in DECD and to include representation from all areas of  PSA coverage within the Agency.

The Director of Workforce Management will meet with the PSA Industrial Officer to establish this Forum.


4.  PSA meeting with Minister Grace Portolesi  -  31st January, 2012

The PSA advised the Chief Executive of the meeting to be held with the Minister, and that a number of PSA SSO and Allied Health Professional members will be attending.  This meeting will provide an opportunity for PSA members to talk to the Minister about the work they do and any concerns they have in relation to service provision.  The PSA requested the Chief Executive ensures the PSA members concerned are released to attend the meeting.

19 January 2012