On Monday 2 March 2009 the Public Service Association (PSA) Senior Industrial Officer, Ms Dolly Costello, and Industrial Officer, Ms Sue Cummins, with PSA members Mr Vic Renigers and Ms Amina Bracken (Mental Health Team Leader, Central Northern Adelaide Health Service), attended a Voluntary Conference, convened by Commissioner Steel, in the SA Industrial Relations Commission (SAIRC).

The dispute arose out of PSA members eligibility for the Managerial Allowance in Central Northern Adelaide Health Service (CNAHS) and the inability of the parties to resolve the matter for three PSA members who initially lodged applications for the Managerial Allowance in October 2007.

There was agreement by all parties, after successfully resolving the PO-4 Team Leader classification in June 2008, that the Managerial Allowance would be treated as a separate matter. A independent assessor was appointed to investigate the eligibility for the Allowance. The recommendations were received by CNAHS in August 2008.

The PSA was concerned that it took CNAHS and SA Health four months to advise, in writing , that the recommendations were not adopted and no staff would receive the Managerial Allowance.

The PSA expressed its concerns and dismay that the agreement to abide by the independent assessment would not be carried out. The PSA had no option but take the matter to the SAIRC, requesting a voluntary conference.

Commissioner Steel's recommendations are:

• SA Health to re-engage the independent assessor to follow an agreed finite criteria and meet with Managers and then re-interview the three members

• To be a timely process, within a three (3) week time frame.

• Negotiations need to occur with the parties on this payment being retrospective, due to the length of time in respect to the original applications.

• SA Health is to write to PSA committing to time frame, and reporting process, with consideration for successful applicants and for unsuccessful applicants, and advising of the Right of Appeal process of applicants if unsuccessful.

• The case will remain open to deal with any further issues.

The PSA is concerned that in SA Health there appears to be a disparity across health agencies, in the implementation of the Managerial Allowance.

For any queries or comments please contact PSA Industrial Officer, Sue Cummins, on 8205 3260 or sc@cpsu.asn.au

PSA WORKING FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS