News Flash

PSA MEETS WITH INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MINISTER

Senior PSA Officials met with Industrial Relations Minister, the Hon Michael Wright on Wednesday, 18 January 2006. The PSA was represented by President Lindsay Oxlad, General Secretary Jan McMahon and Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher.

The purpose of the meeting, which was sought by the PSA, was to identify the changes arising from the Federal Government's WorkChoices legislation which would impact upon SA Public Sector workers, and to propose mechanisms to protect members.

The PSA was particularly concerned that many members would come within the definitions of 'Trading Corporation' and therefore move from the State to the Federal industrial jurisdiction. The main areas expected by the PSA to be affected were Health, including Allied Health Professionals, TAFE/Universities and those members working in Statutory Authorities/Corporations.

The PSA put forward various proposals aimed at providing ongoing protection of existing benefits, even in those situations where members were to come under the Federal industrial jurisdiction.

Minister Wright was concerned that South Australian workers, including those in the Public Sector, would be harmed by the WorkChoices legislation and was supportive of proposals aimed at providing proper safeguards.

The Minister undertook to examine particular proposals put forward by PSA and to respond in the near future.

The PSA also identified the need for future meetings to discuss the composition of enterprises for Enterprise Bargaining purposes for those Agencies expected to be covered by the provisions of the WorkChoices legislation.

For enquiries please contact PSA Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher

Ph: 8205 3220; Email: pgc@cpsu.asn.au

19 January 2006