News Flash

The PSA appeared on its application in the Industrial Relations Commission on Tuesday October 11, 2010.

The PSA had lodged a dispute with the Department of Health over its failure to consult prior to its decision to cut over 50% of positions from this program.  This is required under clause 25 of the Enterprise Agreement.

The EA also requires that until such a dispute is resolved the proposed changes cannot be implemented.  Clause 26.2 “during any dispute the status quo existing immediately prior to the matter giving rise to the dispute will remain”.

In flagrant disregard of the EA, Department of Health were commencing the processes which would lead to the job loss.

Our members wanted the opportunity of hearing the rationale for the decision and then being able to show that by cutting this preventative program, the objectives of saving lives could not be met.  This would have grave impact on indigenous health.

In the Commission the Department of Health argued that their decision was a budget cut and therefore was not within the jurisdiction of the Commission.  This contradicts previous written advice from the Department of Health.

The Commissioner recommended that such consultation occur.  A meeting between Department of Health staff, PSA Industrial Officers and “Do It For Life” representative PSA members is scheduled for Monday 18 October 2010. 

The parties are required to attend at the IRC for a “report back” on Wednesday 27 October 2010.  Until such time the “status quo” prevails. Continuation of the status quo will be the subject of submissions  at that conference.

The PSA expects such consultation to be genuine as per clause 25.1.1

“25 CONSULTATIVE PROCESSES
25.1 The parties commit to the following consultative principles.
    25.1.1    Consultation involves the sharing of information and the exchange of         views between employee and persons or bodies that must be consulted and the genuine opportunity for them to contribute effectively to any decision making process.
    25.1.2    Employees and Agencies consult in good faith, not simply advise what         will be done”