The Public Sector Workforce Division (PSWD) has written to the PSA outlining the process to guide the review of the new classification structure for Professional Officers, Medical Scientists and Grant Funded Scientists.

The PSA has been assured that the PSWD remains committed to the task of reviewing Professional Work Level Definitions. The PSWD is seeking to establish a review committee to commence the PSWD Professional Work Level Definitions review process in January 2008.

The Terms of Reference for the review process are as follows:

The South Australian Government Wages Parity (Salaried) Enterprise Agreement 2006 (the Agreement) introduced a new classification structure for Professional Officers, Medical Scientists and Grant Funded Scientists.

Appendices 5,6 and 7 of the Agreement contain the Work Level Definitions which establish the framework for the classification of positions.

Aim:

1. To review the implementation and operation of the Work Level Definitions in relevant public sector agencies i.e. Appendices 5, 6, and 7 of the South Australian Government Wages Parity (Salaried) Enterprise Agreement 2006 (the Agreement); and

2. To implement any agreed matters where appropriate.

Methodology

1. PSWD will convene a consultative group consisting of employee representatives. Parties are able to nominate 1 association representative and up to 2 member representatives;

2. PSWD will convene an employer consultative group – PSWD will seek nominations from the Chief Executives of SA Public Sector agencies.

3. PSWD will commence consultative groups in January 2008

4. Feedback can be orally submitted or in writing however all feedback will be recorded;

5. Submissions may be provided up to 16 March 2008

6. PSWD will provide the parties with a summary document outlining all submissions received and indicating which of these issues supported as an agreed matter.

7. The discussion paper will be provided to the consultative groups for consideration and comment by 28 April 2008.

8. PSWD will then consult with the relevant parties about appropriate mechanisms to implement any agreed matters.

9. Where PSWD determines that a matter is beyond the scope of the review and/or may offend the no extra claims provision of the Agreement, any such issue will not be included as an agreed matter.

10. For the purpose of this review the reference to 'no extra claims' is analogous to that contemplated in clause 21 of the Agreement

The PSA will be seeking to enlist two Work-Site Representatives as outlined in the PSWD terms of reference. In order to effectively assist in the development of a viable submission relating to the review of the Professional Streams, the PSA will establish a Working Group to have input into the Review process. The PSWD has requested that submissions to the review be submitted by mid March 2008. The PSA has issued a notice of meeting to establish the Working Group structure before the Christmas Holiday break.

As outlined in the PSWD terms of reference, the Review will be examining and considering the structure of the Work Level Definitions and will not consider any other matters relative to the Professional Stream. Currently the PSA is actively participating in negotiations with various occupational groups in relation to being translated into the Professional Stream, however such discussions are outside the framework of the Professional Stream Work Level Definition review agenda.

The PSA is committed to achieving an outcome through active negotiation and consultation that is beneficial to its Professional Stream members. Please forward any queries or registration of interest to participate to PSA Assistant Chief Industrial Officer Gayle Peak gp@cpsu.asn.au or phone 8205 3288.

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