News Flash

PSA MEETS HEALTH MINISTER HILL

PSA met with the new Minister for Health, The Hon John Hill, on Tuesday 22 November 2005. The Minister was accompanied by Health Chief Executive Jim Birch.

The Public Service Association was represented by President Lindsay Oxlad, General Secretary Jan McMahon and Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher.

The following is a report of key “across the board” issues discussed.

PSA Membership

PSA informed the Minister of the classifications which PSA represents throughout the SA Health sector. This extensive range includes:

* Psychologists                         * Ward Clerks

* Social Workers                     * Medical Imaging

* Dentists & related                 * Laboratory Technicians

* Pharmacists                             * Administrative Officers

* Medical Scientists                 * Radiographers

* Occupational therapists     * Physiotherapists

* Audiologists                         * Dieticians

* Optometrists                         * Speech pathologists

Federal IR Changes

Under the Prime Minister’s proposed changes to Industrial Relations, virtually all SA Public Sector Health workers will fall under the Federal jurisdiction. This results from most Health workers not being Crown employees under the PSM Act, but employees of incorporated Health Units.

The PSA proposed that Health workers be brought back under the PSM Act in order to provide ongoing protection within the State Industrial jurisdiction. The Minister advised that legal advice is being sought regarding available options to provide suitable protection.

Chief Executive of Department of Health Role

PSA advised that while the Chief Executive was always willing to meet and discuss concerns, the Chief Executive is not the actual employer of most Health workers. Therefore, while the Chief Executive can influence outcomes, he cannot in many cases determine the outcome. This was of particular concern in several areas including redeployment, Human Resource matters being applied differently between health units and inconsistent application of policy.

Recognition of the role of Allied Health workers was discussed, with the Minister invited to visit members with the General Secretary as part of his familiarisation process.

Outsourcing

The PSA identified the need to remind Units of Government policy not to privatise or outsource functions.

Local issues

PSA raised issues which only affect particular groups of members. While not reported in detail here they include roster arrangements, proper use of child protection funding and the proper formal recognition of PSA as a registered industrial organisation.

Bullying

The hierarchical structure of health, including difficulty in recruitment and retention of people, can result in bad or inappropriate behavior not being properly dealt with. A clear policy statement is needed from the top about the standards that are expected, and a uniform method of dealing with complaints introduced.

Enquiries to Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher on 8205 3200 or email pgc@cpsu.asn.au

23 November 2005