Many occupants of positions that will be transferred to Shared Services SA, (see www.sharedservices.sa.gov.au) will suffer considerable financial and other losses. The greatest impact is on members employed in metropolitan and country hospitals.

Early this year members were asked to fill out forms advising of their potential losses and these were then sent with an accompanying letter to the Under Treasurer by the PSA.

The response of 27 March 2008 from the Under Treasurer in part stated that the loss of Salary Sacrifice benefit would only be $2,865 per annum, but employees transferring to Shared Services could retain these benefits for a 12 months transitional period.

Members in Health are able to take advantage of Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemptions if they decide to Salary Package (Clause 7 Parity Enterprise Agreement). This FBT exemption will be lost if they move to Shared Services SA.

Government has made the decision to implement Shared Services to make cost savings. THIS SHOULD NOT BE THE EXPENSE OF MEMBERS RESULTING IN LESS TAKE HOME PAY AND REDUCED CONDITIONS.

Over the past 6 weeks the PSA again surveyed members. The responses show an average loss in excess of $5,000 per annum. This includes loss on average of $3,500 due to change in tax status for Salary Sacrifice and then increased child care costs and traveling costs.

For country members who elect to transfer to the city based Shared Services SA, the costs are greater. For those who elect not to transfer there is an uncertain future and potential financial loss.

Health members who have not already done so should complete a “Statement of Potential Loss” form and return to the PSA.

For enquiries please contact Ian D Peak, Senior Industrial Officer on 8205 3294 or email:ian@cpsu.asn.au