Public Service Association(PSA) is consulting with TAFE SA and the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology(DFEEST) over many issues and this brief is a summary of these matters. Feedback from members is essential to ensure members concerns can be addressed. Please provide any comments to your Worksite Representative or Industrial Officer.

• Learning Resource Centre Review(Library Review)

  The Library Review Committee met on the 26th February 2009 to progress the Review to Phase 2. It was previously agreed that this phase would review career paths and the organisational structure of TAFE SA Libraries in line with the Skills Strategy Agenda. The Skills Strategy Agenda will drive this process and as such a new committee was established. This new committee will outline the next phase of the process. It is important to note that the PSA will be represented on this Committee by Barbara Staite(PO Rep) and Basia Helwich with Dianne Kolbig as the proxy. It is essential that members provide feedback to these Representatives to ensure that the views of PSA members are represented throughout this process.

• Hospitality Unit Changes

  It can be said, that the proposed changes to Hospitality caused much angst amongst members. However, HR have contacted the PSA and organised sessions for the PSA Industrial Officer to meet with the PSM Act staff who are affected. The proposed changes will involve TAFE SA South workers from the Adelaide Campus to consolidate the programs at the Regency Campus and fully utilise the facilities at Regency. It is essential that members contact the PSA if they have any questions or concerns about these changes.

• Skills Strategy Agenda

  The Skills Strategy is moving ahead throughout TAFE SA. This often manifests as a review of a unit or program. For each review, HR Principles have been agreed upon that will protect members rights throughout each review. The TAFE SA Network review is underway and the PSA encourages members to contact their Industrial Officer should they have any questions or need advice. For larger units that are under review the PSA will be invited to attend the staff information sessions. This is a great opportunity for members to meet their Industrial Officer.

• Public Sector Bill debate needs members at Parliament

  The PSA has been able to secure some support from the Opposition and Minor Parties and Independents to make amendments to the Public Sector Bill. It is critical that members demonstrate their support by attending Upper House Parliamentary sessions in the gallery on the 24th, 25th and 26th of March. The proposed bill not only gives Chief Executive "hire and fire" powers, but dramatically reduces your right to appeal decisions. Imagine not being able to appeal your dismissal or reclassification? If the Bill passes unamended, this may be the last chance members have to protest against the Government as a Public Servant. This means that you'd not be able to protest against the inadequate action on Climate Change, Save the Murray campaigns or the War in Iraq to name a few, without breaching the Code of Conduct and being subject to disciplinary action

• Review ASO Workloads in Educational Programs

  The PSA has been formally advised of a Review of ASO workloads and classifications of ASO's in Educational Programs and your Industrial Officer will be involved throughout this process. More information will be available once it is known.

• Institute Consultative Committees

  The PSA requires members to be actively involved in these ICC committees. This provides a great opportunity for members to consult with management on local issues. South and Regional ICC's need members to participate. Please contact your Industrial Officer or HR for more information.

• Review Aboriginal Employment Initiative

  A review has been announced for the Aboriginal Employment Initiative. The PSA was pleased to note that this review will actually add jobs to the existing structure. The PSA was invited to attend a staff information session and appreciated the opportunity to meet with the staff of this unit. HR Principles have been agreed to govern this process and the PSA encourages members to contact their Industrial Officer should they need advice.

• Consultation

  It is vital that members are aware that any significant change requires the agency to enter into consultation with the workforce and the PSA. Should there be any changes announced in your area please contact the PSA to ensure that your Union is aware of the agency's proposal. This will ensure that the PSA can provide accurate advice to members and negotiate with management.

PSA MEMBERS WHO STAND TOGETHER, WIN TOGETHER