News Flash

PSA MEETS MINISTER WEATHERILL

Senior PSA Officials met with Minister Jay Weatherill on Friday, 31 March 2006 to discuss his new additional role as Minister assisting the Premier in Public Sector Management.

The PSA was represented by President, Lindsay Oxlad, General Secretary, Jan McMahon, Councillor, Peter Hewish and Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher.

The PSA sought clarification on the Minister's new role.

The Minister advised that he has been given a brief to deliver major change directed at ensuring that South Australia had the best Public Sector possible. The Minister indicated that the Government was not looking to create a smaller Public Sector, but one which was dynamic. He placed particular emphasis on the need for consultation with the PSA and welcomed a PSA proposal for it to put forward agenda items for improvement.

The Minister recognised that the Government had given undertakings prior to the election regarding the maintenance of existing Public Sector conditions, including job security and these would be honoured.

The PSA highlighted the need for changes and funding to overcome many historical concerns, including many issues to do with recruitment and retention.

The Minister accepted an invitation from the PSA to address the PSA Council and to listen to its views, as well as providing information.

The PSA indicated that it and its members were not opposed to change, providing it occurred in a proper manner and was not underpinned by a cost cutting regime as compared to genuine efficiency improvements.

For enquiries please contact PSA Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher

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

3 April 2006