PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION

On Tuesday 17 April 2007, the PSA attended the peak Department for Families and Communities (DFC) Industrial Liaison Committee (ILC).  Other unions who regularly attend this consultative forum are LHMU and ANF.

The ILC meets on a bi-monthly basis where issues that impact on DFC's workforce are raised.  This forum does not replace other forums that are held at various other worksites across DFC, eg. Housing SA, Families SA, Disability SA.

The Key issues dealt with at the meeting were:

• ILC Governance Structures - In summary it is proposed that this forum (the ILC) would continue as the lead steering group for industrial matters across DFC with local industrial forums being established for Housing SA, Disability SA, Families SA and Domiciliary Care SA to deal with issues affecting local worksites.  Housing SA, Families SA and Domiciliary Care SA have already established forums that will continue.  The PSA is continually raising concerns that Disability SA has not yet established a forum, as Intellectual Disabilities Services Council's (IDSC) forum has disbanded. Independent Living Centre (ILC) did not have one and Julia Farr Services (JFS) will only continue until June 2007 (as a requirement of the Board that is yet to disband).  The ILC Governance Structure along with the revised Terms of Reference will be further discussed at the next meeting.

• Workforce Planning - A Discussion Paper regarding the current workforce data, along with the current recruitment initiatives, has been placed on the intranet for consultation and is being sent to the relevant unions for information.  The aim is to have the current Workforce Plans in place by the end of June 2007 for DFC and each division, that has the correct data analysis.  Further consultation with the PSA and other relevant unions will occur shortly.

• Advertising of Positions across DFC - The aim of Government is to have a single portal for advertising of state public sector positions.  At this stage DFC has agreed to trial this process, but is not sure how successful it will be as they are concerned that this type of advertising may not be reaching country areas.
  

• Multi Classified Positions within Disability - The PSA and ANF put on notice the concern regarding indications that within the new disability structures that the use of multi-classified positions may be discontinued.  At this stage the PSA will be addressing the matter with Disability SA through the Disability HR Task Force.

• Parliamentary Select Committee - Families SA – This matter was raised on the establishment of the Parliamentary Select Committee and PSA will be consulting with members.

• PO-1 Progression Level 5 to Level 6 Increment Process - The PSA enquired as to when members would be assessed.  Management have developed a proforma assessment but are waiting for advice from PSWD and are keen for this to occur as soon as possible.  The PSA will be pursuing this matter with Human Resources.
  

• Staff Complaints - There was a general discussion in relation to management's concerns with staff who make complaints who wish to remain anonymous through the disciplinary process.  Management acknowledge that there are rules of 'procedural fairness' for staff, but will look at developing a better process for supporting staff.

PSA Industrial Officers for Disability SA, Families SA and Housing SA will be pursuing the above issues which require further discussions with the relevant Executive Directors.

Members will be kept informed of developments as they arise.

For further enquiries, please contact your Industrial Officer:

DISABILITY SA - PSA Industrial Officer, Sue Cummins on telephone 8205 3260 or email sc@cpsu.asn.au
HOUSING SA - PSA Industrial Officer Vanessa Ravenhill on telephone 8205 3251 or email vr@cpsu.asn.au