On Friday 30 March 2007, PSA representatives attended the regular Department of Health Industrial Liaison Committee meetings (ILC). The purpose of the ILC is to provide a consultative mechanism between the Department of Health (DOH), and the recognised Health Unions pursuant to clause 61 of the South Australian Health Commission's (SAHC) Act 1976. The ILC addresses industrial matters pertaining to DOH employees across the portfolio. At this most recent meeting, the following key agenda items were raised:

1. Statutes Amendment (Public Sector Employment) Act 2006

On the 1 April 2007, the Statutes Amendment (Public Sector Employment) Act 2006 was proclaimed. The PSA was instrumental in securing this legislation that protects our members from the Federal Government's unfair and unjust industrial relations laws. The Statutes Amendment (Public Sector Employment) Act contains legislative amendments that remove those State Public Sector Employees who may have been subject to WorkChoices from the scope of that legislation and brings them within the State Industrial Jurisdiction. The employment provisions of the SAHC Act and the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science Act 1982 have been amended to provide for the Chief Executive, DOH, Dr Tony Sherbon to be the legal employer of most Health Units and Hospitals and for Ms Sue Vardon, Chief Executive, Department for Families and Communities to be the Chief Executive of Julia Farr Services and Metropolitan Domiciliary Care.

2. Mental Health

Implementation of the Social Inclusion Board Report STEPPING OUT, a Social Inclusion Action Plan for Mental Health Reform 2007/2012 has commenced. This is a “Shared Care with GP's” program, a partnership program funded by the DOH. The program works closely with General Practitioners and other health professionals in metropolitan and country South Australia. A variety of positions, including Occupational Therapy, Psychology and Social Work will be advertised shortly.

3. Modbury Hospital Project

The SA Government and Health Scope continue to discuss a transition date for the return of Modbury Hospital to State Government control. The DOH management was advised that the non-release of the Human Resource Principles was causing concern with employees at Modbury Hospital. The DOH gave assurances that they will progress the matter as soon as possible.

4. Country Health SA

The Executive of Country Health SA has now been appointed. Country Health SA will shortly establish their own Industrial Liaison Forum. The Forum will address Human Resource/Industrial Relations matters specific to country Statewide. PSA sought clarification on matters pertaining to Aboriginal Health in country and remote communities in respect to proposed new Governments arrangements.

5. Public Sector Reform

Shared Services presentations have commenced and will continue through April at various Health Portfolio locations. Shared Services will remain a key agenda item within the Health Portfolio throughout 2007. As advised previously, payroll and information technology are the two priority functions being considered for Shared Service arrangements. The PSA raised its concerns that service delivery to members and patients at the local level, needs to be maintained as being the most efficient way of providing services. Detrimental decisions in response to a Government cost cutting exercise must be resisted.

For any enquiries please contact
Industrial Officer Dolly Costello by email: dlc@cpsu.asn.au or
Industrial Officer Kathy Tsorvas by email: kt@cpsu.asn.au

10 April 2007