News Flash

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PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION

PSA MEETING WITH MINISTER CAICA.

On Monday 5th March, 2007 the PSA General Secretary, Jan McMahon, President Lindsay Oxlad, Vice President Bev Martin and Acting Chief Industrial Officer Gayle Peak met with Minister Paul Caica.

The PSA raised a number of concerns including:-

(a) SHARED SERVICES

A number of Shared Service proposals are currently being considered by DFEEST.  PSA members are concerned that the agency is using data that does not accurately reflect the current work/service.  Members have also reported that many small Regional TAFE campuses undertake a variety of work for the Community.  These functions are not being taken into account in any analysis of the role of TAFE in the small communities.

The Minister undertook to check all data being provided to ensure it accurately reflected the current work environment.

The Minister also said that the agency was making every effort to ensure that people who might be displaced as a result of the implementation of a Shared Service, would not be disadvantaged.

(b)CONSULTATION

The Minister confirmed his commitment to consultation with the PSA.  He stated that he would ensure that the agency met all the requirements to consult with the PSA and its members in relation to any proposed changes.

(c)  REVIEW OF DFEEST     

The Minister stated that there was consideration being given to a broad review of DFEEST.  The Minister is keen to ensure that TAFE is able to be the learning institution of choice.  He stated that it was essential that TAFE were able to continue to provide an extensive public education curriculum.

(d) REGIONAL SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The Minister understood that any job cuts in regional South Australia would have a significant flow on effect to the community.   Whilst every effort was being made to take into the account the needs of the individual it was important for the long term sustainability of public education that DFEEST identify savings and work as efficiently as possible. 

PSA WORKING FOR YOU