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PSA MEETS WITH NEW DTEI CHIEF
EXECUTIVE
On Tuesday 30 May 2006 PSA President Mr Lindsay Oxlad and Industrial Officer Michael Thorpe met with the new Chief Executive for DTEI Mr Jim Hallion during which Mr Hallion advised the PSA of his plans to rejuventate and reinvigorate DTEI and his proposal to revise the organisational structure for DTEI to enable it to better respond to the Government’s policy prioities. Mr Hallion was assisted by the Director for Corporate Services, Mr Chris Oerman. Mr Hallion outlined his background, namely, 30 years experience in the public and private sector which includes experience in the former Highways Department, Department of Industry and Trade, Australian National Railways and, most recently, PIRSA. Although he has only been with the agency for a few weeks Mr Hallion stated that he was impressed by the dedication of DTEI staff and he sees it as his brief to enhance and improve the performance of the Department by improving existing structures and processes rather than implementing significant changes per se. He sees his role as making DTEI an employer of choice, developing staff to achieve their full potential and attracting the best and the brightest. Major Infrastructure Projects Mr Hallion advised that the Government has expressed its concern that DTEI is experiencing difficulty in delivering major infrastructure projects on time and within budget. There was thus an urgent need to adopt and implement new strategies and processes to manage the commercial realities of delivering major infrastructure projects in South Australia in 2006 and beyond due to the level of competition from the eastern seaboard States. Mr Hallion added that project cost over-runs arising from significant cost increases in fuel, labour resources, services/ utilities relocation and property acquisition will continue to affect major infrastructure projects and that such variations in costs must be managed effectively throughout the life of the projects. To ensure the delivery of major infrastructure projects within budget and on time, Mr Hallion intends to implement the “Gateway Review Process” (adopted in the UK and Victoria) which subjects major infrastructure projects to more rigorous control of costs and scope through the use of regular peer reviews during critical stages of the project. To ensure the efficient and cost effective delivery of major infrastructure projects in accordance with the Government’s requirements, Mr Hallion will establish the Office of Major Projects and Infrastructure. Mr Hallion emphasised the importance of resourcing that Office with staff who are able and motivated to achieve the required outcomes. At the outset this is likely to mean the secondment of Major Projects staff working on the major infrastructure projects presently underway. Notwitstanding this initial arrangement, a process will be established whereby staff may be seconded from existing Directorates to work on projects for various time periods throughout the life of those projects. Mr Hallion emphasised that placement into these projects would be seen as: Providing significant career development opportunities, Providing the opportunity for successful secondees to acquire and demonstrate leadership qualities. Not disadvantaging people because they would retain the right to return to their substantive position and classification upon completion of their involvement in the project. Mr Hallion also emphasised that secondment to a major infrastructure project should be seen as a benefit and re-emphasized that staff will not be disadvantaged and will retain the right to return to their substantive position and classification upon completion of their involvement in the project. Road Safety To ensure road safety is given the appropriate priority within DTEI a new directorate, “Road Safety Directorate” is to be established to reflect the government's priority in road safety, as evidenced by the appointment of a new Minister for Road Safety. It is envisaged that the Road Safety Directorate will comprise those areas within directorates which have a road safety focus and accountability. The Safety and Community and Transport Safety Regulation Directorates of the Safety and Regulation Division will be those areas of DTEI primarily affected by the establishment of the Road Safety Directorate with other areas possibly transferring as the need arises in the future. Other Matters Mr Hallion advised that the establishment of the Office of Major Projects and Infrastructure, and the Road Safety Directorate were a priority at this stage but foreshadowed a further review of existing directorates to ensure that their business operations effectively and efficiently deliver the Government’s and Minister’s policy priorities and objectives. To ensure DTEI staff have the skills to achieve the required outcomes on a sustainable basis, staff will be provided with the opportunity to participate in accredited management and other training programs which closely emulate the successful “Art of Managing” and “Leadership for the Future” training programs implemented in PIRSA. If
you have any enquiries on the matters in this brief please contact PSA
Industrial Officer Mike Thorpe on 8205 3284 or alternatively mct@cpsu.asn.au
PSA/CPSU WORKING FOR YOU 1 June 2006 |
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