News Flash

The purpose of the Workforce Consultative Committee is to provide a consultative forum between Shared Services SA Management and the PSA as the recognised Union within Shared Services SA.

On Tuesday 18 August 2009, PSA attended the Workforce Consultative Meeting and was represented by Mr David Sharrad, PSA Councillor together with PSA Senior Industrial Officer, Dolly Costello.

The following key agenda items were discussed.

SPECIAL LEAVE WITH PAY AND FAMILY CARERS LEAVE

The PSA initially raised the issue of interpretation of special leave with pay (SLWP) provisions preventing SLWP applications from being approved. Shared Services Management advised that a communication plan has now been activated to reinforce the correct process for SLWP applications to all people leaders in Shared Services SA. This also includes written communication to all directors and follow up meetings with HR, Account Managers and Managers/Team Leaders in each line of business.

Members are advised to contact Human Resources department Shared Services SA in the first instance should they be experiencing any difficulties in obtaining their appropriate leave provisions. Members should also contact the PSA if they need any advice or assistance.

SA HEALTH CLASSIFICATION REVIEW

SA Health have endorsed the final report including all recommendations. All 68 employees who submitted an application for review have now been advised formally in writing by Shared Services SA. The advice also includes the section of the report relating to their substantive positions outlining the reasons for the assessors recommendation.

NOTICE BOARDS FOR PSA MATERIAL

Facilities and Accommodation Section of Shared Services SA advised that there are notice boards on each floor of Westpac House, however, not every floor in Wakefield House had a notice board available.

Facilities and Accommodation are now in the process of obtaining quotations for the fit-out of the remaining floors in Wakefield House. Procurement processes will need to be undertaken. A further update will be provided at future meetings until completion of the fit-out.

TRANCHE 3 HR AND ICP SERVICES

The PSA queried whether there was any formal agreement as to the in-scope HR Services for Tranche 3. Mr Damien Bourke advised that elements of the original 2006 mandate of in-scope HR Services were close to being finalised but as yet have not been approved.

The PSA also queried whether there was any in-scope ICT Services for SA Health to transition in the near future. Mr Damien Bourke advised that ICT elements of the original 2006 mandate of in-scope services are still being considered. There are complexities involved in the transition of ICT Services for SA Health. Therefore, for business continuity purposes and for ease of transition, it would be likely that SA Health would be one of the later agencies to transition across.

WAKEFIELD HOUSE RECYCLING PROGRAM

The PSA raised concerns about the recycling program recently implemented in Wakefield House. The PSA was advised that this is a whole of Government program implemented in all Government owned buildings as part of the Government Green Policy. Work is currently being undertaken within Shared Services SA to obtain further information about the Government's recycling program.

24 August 2009