News Flash

MINUTES OF MEETINGS
The minutes from the previous consultative meeting 17 May 2010 were provided to committee members as PSA had requested one week prior to the next meeting, allowing committee members time to read and prepare for the next meeting.  We thank SWSA for their effort to ensure minutes are provided in a timely manner.

The PSA/SWSA Consultative meeting 16 June 2010 went for almost 4 hours as there were minutes of 3 previous meetings to confirm/change and discuss all business arising.

TRANSITION BETWEEN DISCIPLINES – DISCUSSION PAPER
This document has now been provided to staff for consultation. 

COMPLAINT HANDLING POLICY DOCUMENT
 PSA received correspondence from SafeWork SA dated 27 May 2010 advising that a draft document would be circulated to all staff with a list of proposed changes with a view to having further comment and input.  PSA were informed at the meeting on 16 June 2010, that the document would not be available for some time as the references contained in the document need to be amended to reflect the new Commissioner’s Standards eminating from the PS Act.

MT GAMBIER IR/OHS OPS4/OPS5 POSITION
PSA were informed at the meeting that the above position was on hold to ensure workloads are consistent.  The PSA had previously expressed concerns in relation to the dual position and the PSA view that the position was under classified.

There was no consultation in relation to this PID and PSA is concerned that SafeWork SA will attempt to implement this position in all country areas as there is currently a ‘Country Operations Service Delivery Review’ in progress.

COUNTRY OPERATIONS SERVICE DELIVERY REVIEW
Donna Millar is the PSA representative on the Country Operations Service Delivery Review Committee.  The PSA had requested an update on this review and management have agreed to provide that at the next consultative meeting.  The PSA made it clear that the PSA representative is on the committee to participate but this does not constitute a consultative process.

PI POSITION IR TEAM
The new PI Position in the IR Team was filled and the successful applicant was from another team which has provided relief in relation to workload issues in the IR Team.  However we need to be mindful that these moves could in turn create workload issues in other teams.

FORMAL PROCESSES
The PSA informed management at the meeting that when the PSA enters into a formal process, there is an expectation that management will formally respond with any outcome as a result of that process.   It is not the responsibility of PSA work site reps to relay information to the General Secretary of the PSA. Our work site reps are valuable members that work between the members and the industrial officer; there is no expectation from the PSA that they would be responsible for any reporting in any formal process.

WORKLOADS IR TEAM
2FTE’s have joined the IR team to assist with the current workloads. An additional .5 FTE will be allocated to a staff member working off line to the team.  This provides a total of 2.5 FTE’s.   SafeWork SA were seeking 3FTE’s to address workload issues within the IR team, 2.5 has been achieved plus the PI Position appointed from outside of the team which carries a workload of .6 FTE. Therefore, in total, there will be an increase of 3.1 FTE’s in the IR team not 3.5 as was suggested at the consultative meeting. The PSA are satisfied that workload issues are beginning to be addressed.

HEICS INFORMATION OFFICERS
PSA requested at the May meeting that HEIC’s officers be paid higher duties whilst delivering TEVS. Management's response in the minutes (not at the consultative meeting) was that they should apply for a reclassification. PSA pointed out that members were not delivering TEVS as an ongoing position, only as higher duties. The request  therefore remains that HEIC’s officers receive higher duties when delivering TEVS. Awaiting a response from management.