On Wednesday 12th March 2008, Public Service Association (PSA) President Lindsay Oxlad and Industrial Officer Josie Barbaro attended a meeting of the Shared Services SA (SSSA) Workforce Consultative Group (WCG). These meetings are in addition to regular meetings scheduled with SSSA and the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF). SSSA representatives provided the WCG with the following update;

• Transition Status Update – Revised transition dates have previously been reported. Group 1A comprising DTF Staff will transition at the end of March, with the rest of Group 1 moving 1^st July. Group 2 is scheduled to transition in September and Group 3 in December 2008.

• Regional Visit – Minister Wright conducted a visit to Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Whyalla in February 2008. As a result of the visit, regional employees raised concerns about the level of consultation which has resulted in fortnightly communication from Shared Services to Regional Managers. PSA members used the opportunity to provide frank feedback to the Minister, including concerns about the loss of positions from regional areas, consultation and work opportunities once jobs move from regions.

• Communication – Staff briefings for Group 1 were recently held. In addition to improved communication with regions, SSSA have developed a range of communication strategies for the lead up to and following transition, including face to face meetings and fact sheets.

• Risk Management – An Operational Risk Framework has been developed, including a Risk Register. Due diligence processes are also being conducted with Agencies. SSSA are operating under the principle that service will not be compromised following the transition.

• SSSA Policies – Workplace policies (eg: flexitime, voluntary flexible work arrangements etc) are currently being developed and drafts will be provided to the PSA for comment.

• Impact of Public Sector Bill – The PSA is concerned about the impact of changes to the PSM Act on transitioning employees, including those currently employed in Health. SSSA advised employees will be fully informed about the implications of moving to the PSM Act.

• FAQ's – The PSA suggested more Frequently Asked Questions be developed and included on the website, including topics such as redeployment, regional job opportunities and transitioning between Acts.

  The PSA will continue to raise critical issues which have not been addressed with Government, including Salary Sacrifice and Human Resource Principles. PSA members are continuing to meet to discuss possible actions if satisfactory responses are not provided. If you have any queries, or concerns regarding the above report, please contact PSA Industrial Officer Josie Barbaro on jxb@cpsu.asn.au or 8205 3295.

PSA/CPSU WORKING FOR MEMBERS

13 March 2008