SADS FORUM 20 March 2009

SA DENTAL SERVICE INDUSTRIAL LIAISON FORUM

The PSA attends regular bi-monthly meetings with SA Dental Service Management and was represented by PSA Industrial Officer Margie Lindley. The following key agenda items were discussed at the meeting.

Public Sector Bill

The PSA advised that the Public Sector Bill had been passed in the Lower House and now will be considered by the Legislative Council (Upper House). Parliamentary debate is expected to be 24^th, 25^th and 26^th March 2009. PSA Members are encouraged to attend the debate, even if just within their lunch time.

The PSA has identified some of the key concerns with the Bill including:

Ability of Agency Chief Executives to terminate employment
Absence of a Grievance and Appeals Tribunal
Lack of ability for the new Grievance Review Commission to determine Reclassification Appeals
Suspension to be without pay, compared to the current option of with or without pay
The Code of Conduct is not limited to employment related matters
The role of the Commissioner for Public Employment is dramatically reduced.

2009 Enterprise Bargaining

The PSA advised that Enterprise Bargaining discussions were due to commence this year and that the PSA will be communicating and meeting with members from July 2009 in regards to this.

Workload Issue

The PSA attended a meeting with staff at the Salisbury Dental Clinic raising concerns with regards to the ratio of OPS3 staff compared write other dental clinics within SA Dental Service. Dr Geoff Franklin, General Manager, Statewide Dental Services has agreed he would investigate this issue and provide a response back to the PSA.

Definition of Business Travel

The PSA sought clarification from SA Dental Service on their definition of 'business travel' that was being applied when staff were required to travel to an SA Dental Service Dental Clinic, pick up a government car and then proceed to their 'headquarters' for the day. The PSA consider that these staff are 'on duty' from the moment they pick up the car, hence should be paid from the time they collect the government vehicle. Dr Geoff Franklin made a commitment to investigate and a response will be provided to the PSA.

Dental Therapist Classification Review

The PSA has received a response from the Department of Health with regards to the classification review of Dental Therapists and Dental Hygienists. A meeting with members was held on 10^th March. A meeting with the Department of Health personnel, the PSA and a member of the Dental Therapist working party is being arranged for the end of March to convey the results of this meeting of members.

Commonwealth Dental Health Program

Dr Martin Dooland reported that the Commonwealth Dental Health Program had been delayed due to the Senate not agreeing to transfer chronic disease funds from Medicare to the Commonwealth Dental Health Program. If these Commonwealth programs were in place, there would be many benefits for the eligible people of South Australia. Other benefits would be the employment of more Dental Therapists and other staff within the School Dental Service to bring recall periods back on schedule and more resources would be put in place to upgrade clinics not listed for the GP Plus Centres.
Dr Dooland indicated he will forward further information to the PSA.

The PSA welcomes any issues members may wish to raise at future industrial forums. Please forward any issues to Margie Lindley, PSA Industrial Officer on mcl@cpsu.asn.au. Worksite Representatives who may wish to attend Industrial Liaison Forums should also contact Margie Lindley on mcl@cpsu.asn.au or telephone 8205 3285.

PSA WORKING FOR SA DENTAL SERVICE MEMBERS

20 March 2009