MAJOR CHANGES TO PS BILL 4 June 2009

MAJOR CHANGES TO PS BILL

The debate on the Government's Public Sector Bill is almost over in the Upper House, with most outstanding amendments dealt with by 9.30pm last night.

Significant amendments, which saw the following changes to the Bill, were moved and supported last night.

Power to terminate changed to the Commissioner for Public Employment, not Chief Executives.
Appeal provisions now have a Tribunal as a Grievance Commission, not the sole Commissioner proposed by Government.
Reclassification appeals can be heard by the Commission as well as matters relating to relocation.
In addition there are appeal rights to the Chief Executive and to the Industrial Relations Commission.
As a default, suspensions will be with pay, except that suspension without pay can be an option in limited defined circumstances.

The Bill will now return to the House of Assembly, where the Government will need to decide whether or not to accept the Legislative Council changes. If it does not the Government can allow the Bill to lapse or enter into negotiations in an attempt to reach an agreed outcome.

The debate has clearly demonstrated the value of an independent Upper House.

Opposition Leader in the Upper House David Ridgway led the key amendments last night, with vital amendments and support also from Mark Parnell (Greens), Robert Brokenshire (Family First), David Winderlich (Democrats) and Independent Ann Bressington.

(Peter Christopher, Chief Industrial Officer Ph: 8205 3220 pgc@cpsu.asn.au)

4 June 2009