GOVERNMENT REFUSES TO NEGOTIATE

PSA appeared before Deputy President Hampton of the South Australian Industrial Relations Commission today to report on progress in relation to Enterprise Bargaining negotiations.

The Association was represented by Legal Counsel and its most Senior Officials, General Secretary Jan McMahon, President Lindsay Oxlad and Assistant General Secretary, Nev Kitchin with a view to genuinely negotiate.

The PSA was most concerned that Government was represented by a three person legal team without senior DAIS negotiators present.

The Government objected to Deputy President Hampton overseeing any future negotiations.

PSA gave an undertaking to not take further industrial action, pending the outcome of a ballot.

This undertaking was given while reserving the right to be released by the Commission from the undertaking if the Government does not conduct itself in good faith.

Negotiations will now occur, with the assistance of the Commission, with a view to preparing a document to be the subject of a ballot, expected in one month. It is expected that the President of the Commission will allocate a Chair for these negotiations.

The PSA position is clear. Members deserve a fair and reasonable outcome.

PSA – FIGHTING FOR A FAIR AND REASONABLE DEAL

PSA Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher Ph: 8205 3200; Email: pgc@cpsu.asn.au

18 June 2004