PSA members may be aware that there will be changes to the DECS district boundaries in 2009, as a result of a decision of the South Australian Government to align Government Departments into common boundaries.

DECS will be reducing the districts from 18 to 12 in line with the Government decision. The PSA has met with DECS regarding the implementation of the changes; DECS is keen to use this change as an opportunity to look at how district offices may work better with the equitable distribution of resources, and has asked for feedback and ideas from PSA members. The PSA has visited District Offices to discuss issues and receive feedback from members to present to DECS as part of the consultation process. The PSA is expecting to meet with DECS shortly and will update members as soon as there is any further information.

Some of the concerns identified by members include:

• Accommodation - It appears that the Southern and Northern districts will increase in size quite substantially. District Offices do not have the space to fit in any more people.

• How will DECS ensure an equitable distribution of resources to offices and ensure a fair process in determining where employees are placed? PSA members feel the process during the Realignment in 2004 was not done well.

• PSA members require full consultation and wish to be genuinely involved in the implementation process. Once again members were disillusioned by the process during the previous Realignment.

• Resources for Country Offices

• Workload

PSA members who would like to provide feedback or have queries about this issue can contact, PSA Industrial Officer, Kerrin Martin on ph: 8205 3292 or via email, kjm@cpsu.asn.au

PSA: ASSISTING MEMBERS IN DECS