The new Public Sector Bill removes the current clause 32 “Review of remuneration level of position” in the PSM Act.

This currently allows for a 3 person panel, including a PSA nominee and a delegate of the Commissioner of Public Employment and is therefore independent of the agency in which the employee making the reclassification application works, to review the application. If the panel determines that the classification level should be increased, this is binding on the Chief Executive.

With the government insisting that agencies make savings through staff reductions by non-replacement and TVSP's (reduction of 76 [64 plus 12] FTE's in DPC) remaining staff have increased duties, often of a higher work value, which could increase their classification level.

The intent of the government's Bill is to give more power to Chief Executives and to make them more responsible for achieving budget cuts.

To expect Chief Executives to reduce staff and budgets and also have the final say on reclassification applications may create a conflict of interest.

The PSA insists that the independent,expert review panels and processes be retained.

The Bill has passed the Lower House of Parliament and is due to be debated in the Upper House, the Legislative Council. PSA has advised the Opposition and Independents of the many faults and concerns with the Bill and expects it be amended or defeated.

PSA encourages members to attend the debate in the Upper House of Parliament, scheduled for the 24^th and 25^th March 2009.

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