Further to PSA brief of 24/10/07, PSA has had further discussions with officers in the Department of Health (DH).

Operative Date

After feedback from members and further discussions with the Department of Health (DH), they agreed that for all those reclassified this would come into effect from the first pay period on or after 1 July 2007.

Appeals

DH advised that there will be no appeals (or reviews) from this process. This is because all reclassifications out of this process are regarded as “management initiated” reclassifications for which there has never been appeal rights. Appeals are only available for those employees making a “personal” application for reclassifications.

The position not the person

Reclassifications are supposed to be based on the assessment of the position, not the person. This applies to both management initiated and personal applications for reclassification.

There are some exceptions, but this usually applies to research positions eg Medical Scientists where the level of research has increased, demonstrated by refereed papers or publications. This can also apply to employees who have achieved “specialist status” or advanced practitioner. Where the position is reclassified the incumbent is reclassified with their position.

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

DH have advised that this group of radiographers are NOT part of this classification review process. They are “out of scope”. PSA is still having discussions with DH, with the aim to have them involved. The option at present for these radiographers is to:

1. Write to the Chief Executive asking for their positions to be reviewed against the new classification criteria;

2. Lodge a personal application for reclassification;

3. With PSA assistance, put in a claim for underpayment of wages.

For comments, queries and discussion please contact Industrial Officer Ian D Peak at ian@cpsu.asn.au

PSA WORKING FOR MEMBERS IN HEALTH

26 October 2007