PSA MEETS WITH CHIEF EXECUTIVE DPC

Public Service Association

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PSA MEETS WITH CHIEF EXECUTIVE DPC

Senior PSA Officials this afternoon met with Warren McCann, Chief Executive of Department Premier and Cabinet concerning changes arising from the Budget. The PSA was represented by General Secretary Jan McMahon, Assistant General Secretary Nev Kitchin, Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher and Senior Industrial Officer Ian Peak.

This report is forwarded to members across the Public Sector as several of the items are of general application and interest.

Key areas discussed were the transfer of some DAIS functions to DPC, the abolition of the Office of Public Employment (OPE) and the abolition of the Security Office within DPC.

In respect to the transfer of DAIS staff to DPC no physical relocation or change of duties will occur in the short term and Mr. McCann reaffirmed that in the event of the future abolition of any positions, staff's job security is secured.

While the OPE is to be abolished, the Commissioner for Public Employment's statutory role will continue. The PSA raised the need for adequate staffing to allow the Commissioner to carry out the statutory role of the position. The Commissioner will report directly to the Premier.

The Security function together with the people performing duties within it will be transferred to SAPOL and Justice.

The PSA was advised that the requirement that all positions at ASO6 level and above be advertised externally will be suspended from today.
This is a positive development which has been sought by the PSA for some time. This applies to positions equivalent to ASO6 - i.e. PSO3, OPS7, TGO5 and Medical Scientist 3 or above.

Natural attrition was confirmed as the key process to reduce staffing numbers.

The PSA identified a number items that will require ongoing attention including consistency of employment conditions across the Public Sector, with this being particularly important with the OPE being abolished.

Chief Executives of Agencies exercise delegated authority from the Commissioner in respect to employment conditions. Mr. McCann made it clear that such delegation could be withdrawn in the event of inappropriate application. The PSA advised the need for further discussion regarding this matter due to a number existing concerns. The PSA also highlighted the need to develop and update classification criteria.

Mr McCann advised that a review of the PSM Act was underway and that consultation with the PSA will be necessary once the Government position is clearer.

Ongoing consultation will occur regarding the above issues.

PSA WORKING FOR YOU

27 September 2006