The State's Upper House of Parliament, the Legislative Council, late last week accepted the amendments made by the House of Assembly on Tuesday, 14 July.

These changes were reported in the PSA Brief issued on Tuesday.

The Bill will come into effect at a future date, on Proclamation.

The significance of these changes achieved cannot be underestimated. Without the support of the Liberal Opposition in both Houses of Parliament and Greens, Family First, Democrats and Independents in the Upper House who were willing to genuinely review the legislation, Public Sector workers faced the prospect of of a WorkCover style of outcome. Members will recall that on that occasion the Government's draconian WorkCover legislation was passed without amendment.

Due to the genuine role of the Upper House, 20 significant changes were made, 17 of which were adopted in the final version of the legislation now passed by both Houses of Parliament.

The new legislation, once proclaimed, removes the requirement for a minimum period of acting before a Higher Duties Allowance is paid, and also makes provision for payment in lieu of long service leave.

A copy of the amended version of the legislation will be placed on the PSA website as soon as it is available.

PSA Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher on 8205 3220 or e-mail pgc@cpsu.asn.au.