On Wednesday 25 June 2008, PSA Acting Chief Industrial Officer Gayle Peak, together with Industrial Officer Dolly Costello met with Dr Tony Sherbon, Chief Executive, Department of Health, and Patrick Smith, Manager Human Resources.  The following key agenda items were discussed.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH EFFICIENCY TARGETS
Dr Sherbon advised that the Department of Health (DH) was required to find efficiencies and as such there may be a reduction of 10 to 20 positions.  Dr Sherbon will formally advise PSA of final figures shortly.

NATIONAL REGISTRATION OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG), in April 2007, agreed on an arrangement for a new national system for the registration of health professionals and the accreditation of their training and education programs for implementation during 2008.

The new system will initially cover nine health professions; Medical Practitioners, Nurses and Mid-Wives, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Optometrists, Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Prosthetists and Dental Therapists.  One of the key features of the new arrangements includes a single consolidated scheme and a new national professional board for each of the nine professions.  The aim is for the new national registration scheme to commence 1 July 2010.

SHARED SERVICES
The transition to Shared Services of health staff will commence November/December 2008.  PSA continues to be concerned for staff transitioning to the Shared Services Office being subject to a Shared Services restructure after a short period of time and then finding themselves a redeployee.  PSA is continuing to have discussions with Shared Services Office on this issue.

RIGHTS TO PRIVATE PRACTICE
All PSA professional members eligible for a Medicare Provider Number should be entitled to participate in private practice opportunities.  Initial discussions have commenced with the PSA and DH on this key issue.

PAXTON'S REPORT IMPLEMENTATION
The intention of the report and implementation process is for the regions to explore options for efficiencies.  Dr Sherbon has advised that regional CEO's must consult with the PSA and other health care unions on the planned implementation of the Paxton Report recommendations.

WORKCOVER CAMPAIGN
The PSA advised Dr Sherbon that members have commenced a campaign to improve Occupational Health and Safety in the workplace given unions' concerns in respect to the changes to the Workers Compensation provisions.  The PSA will continue to advocate for the safety and welfare of members to be of paramount importance.

PSA/CPSU WORKING FOR MEMBERS IN HEALTH