News Flash

DENTAL CRISIS CONTINUING:

The Public Service Association met with SA Dental Officers this morning to report back the recommendations from yesterdays South Australian Industrial Relations Commission voluntary conference before Commission Doyle. Those recommendations are here.

This meeting was attended by President Lindsay Oxlad , General Secretary Jan McMahon and Assistant General Secretary Nev Kitchen.

At this mornings meeting, PSA Dental Officers discussed the Commissioner's recommendations which included the meeting of parties as a matter of urgency to consider the following issues:

• The quantum of the attraction and retention allowances, including a date of operation.

• Salary sacrifice arrangements.

• Professional development arrangements; and

• Review of classification structure

At this meeting the PSA Dental Officers passed the following motion unanimously.

“That this meeting of PSA Dental Officers condemns the Department of Health for failing to take genuine steps to address retention and recruitment issues and to secure the sustainability of the Public Dental system.

This meeting of Dental Officers notes the statement and recommendations of Commissioner Doyle of the South Australian Industrial Relations Commission on Monday 23 July 2007.

South Australian Dental Officers call upon the Department of Health to genuinely negotiate with PSA to address vital recruitment and retention issues, prior to next Tuesday's report back to the South Australian Industrial Relations Commission.

Dental Officers are available at any time to negotiate a resolution to this crisis. Members call upon the Department of Health to formally advise the PSA General Secretary, in writing, of improvements to the current offer as a matter of urgency to enable the commencement of genuine and productive discussions.”

PSA Dental Officers voted today to not engage in any industrial action pending the report back to the Commission next Tuesday 31 July 2007 at 9.15am.

Should you have any queries please contact PSA Industrial Officer Kathy Tsorvas on 8205 3271 or email kt@cpsu.asn.au

24 July 2007