On Wednesday 23rd April 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). SSSA representatives provided the WCG with the following update;

• Group 1A Tranisition – Existing DTF employees in corporate areas have moved location to SSSA in Westpac and Wakefield House. This comprised of approximately 75 people.

• Regional Redeployment – SSSA is facilitating meetings of agencies that have a regional presence to discuss possible employment opportunities for displaced employees. This Regional Liaison Group comprises of agency HR Directors and Managers. As a commitment has been given to regional employees that they will not be forced to relocate, it is the employer's responsibility to find suitable alternative employment. SSSA report that the process has been a positive one to date, with broad co-operation across agencies. In addition to administrative jobs being considered for potential redeployees, further training and career changes may be considered in finding meaningful work for those whose jobs are relocating to Adelaide. The PSA requested further data and information as it becomes available.

• Accommodation – Construction and fit out of Wakefield House is continuing in preparedness for group 1B employees due to move mid 2008.

• Internal Operations – Work is continuing to establish a number of internal operations including ICT strategy and business continuity plan.

• Discovery – Group 2 and 3 agencies have commenced a general discovery process.

• Salary Sacrifice – SSSA have received further advice from the Australian Taxation Office regarding the Fringe Benefit Tax ruling. SSSA and DTF are currently analysing the advice. The PSA is yet to receive any detailed information on this.

  Whilst meetings of the WCG provide operational updates on the Shared Services project, the PSA has been requesting a further meeting with DTF to negotiate outstanding issues and conditions of employment, and to raise critical issues which have not been addressed, including Salary Sacrifice and Human Resource Principles. PSA still maintains the position that no member should be disadvantaged through Shared Services.

  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 WORKING FOR MEMBERS