PSA WITNESSES CONTINUE EVIDENCE 18 March 2005

PSA WITNESSES CONTINUE EVIDENCE

The Industrial Relations Commission Hearing continued before the Full Bench today. The expert witness called by PSA, Professor James Guthrie was today re-examined by PSA Counsel, Mr David Quick, QC following the end of the Government's cross examination of him. Professor Guthrie's evidence analysed Agency Annual Reports and State Budgets, establishing that there had been significant productivity improvement.

The second expert witness called by PSA, Dr Chris Briggs, provided evidence that modern Australian wage fixation was not based upon the CPI. Members will recall Government statements that its offer was fair as it was consistent with CPI. Dr Briggs is from the Australian Centre for Industrial Relations Research and Training (ACIRRT) at the University of Sydney. Dr Briggs also provided evidence on the favourable state of the economy.

PSA Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher also gave evidence concerning the structure and role of Government, salary movements in the Public Sector and the criteria for commissioning academic research.

The Commission will sit again on Wednesday, 23 March and Thursday 24 March 2005, during which the PSA case will be concluded and the Government's presentation of its case will commence.

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

PSA WORKING FOR YOU

18 March 2005