Together with Legal Counsel, PSA was represented by General Secretary, Jan McMahon, Assistant General Secretary, Nev Kitchin and Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher.

The purpose of the Directions Hearing was to deal with the PSA Application for Discovery of relevant Government documents and to set dates for the formal Arbitration for the Salaries Case.

PSA provided further explanation regarding the documents sought and also indicated that it was able to start its Salaries Case from 10 March 2005, recognising that documentation was likely to be required by the Commission prior to this date.

Given the fact that it was the Government's Application to refer the matter to Arbitration rather than negotiate, PSA is astounded that the Government indicated that the 10 March date proposed by PSA for the start of the case could be too early.

The Full Bench adjourned the Hearing and is expected to deliver a decision shortly.

As previously advised, the Full Bench will hear evidence regarding the maternity leave aspect of the case on 28 February and 1 March 2005.

Members will recall that this Arbitration Case arose from a Government refusal to genuinely negotiate, and its opposition to ANY interim increase. PSA members have made it clear that the Government's original offer was not good enough, particularly when compared to productivity and efficiency improvements introduced in the Public Sector and the well deserved increases provided to Nurses and Police.

(Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher on 8205 3201 or email pgc@cpsu.asn.au)

PSA WORKING FOR A FAIR DEAL!