News Flash

HOUSING, FAMILIES & DISABILITY SERVICES REALIGNMENT REFORMS CONSULTATION PROCESS.

The PSA attended a further briefing on Thursday 4th May, in relation to proposed changes to Housing and Disability Services. The Government states that the intention of the changes is to provide a strong focus on integrated streamlined services for clients.

The name change of Children Youth & Family Services to Families SA from 1 July 2006 is to reflect the more broader Department for Families and Communities strategy of establishing connected service centres. There will be no structural changes it is simply a name change. The major changes will be within Housing and Disability Services. There will be no changes to Homestart.

The proposal outlines the Government's intention to change the employer from an Incorporated Health Unit (IDSC, ILC, JFS) under the Health Commission Act 1976. This will result in most disability workers in the public sector coming under the Public Sector Management Act. This will not change conditions of employment, except that employees under the PSM Act, have access to the prescribed Grievance & Appeals processes and conditions in Commissioner's Standards, instead of the Department of Health Human Resources Manual. Employees are still covered by the same Award and Award Conditions.

The PSA insisted that salary sacrifice entitlements within the disability sector are not reduced. Discussions are continuing on this essential issue.

Consultative Forums are being set up, with representation from the PSA. The Housing Services Reform HR Taskforce commences next week and the Housing Services Reform Taskforce will commence shortly. Disability Services consultation forums will be established once the current Boards have been dissolved.

Whilst the PSA has been assured this is not about job losses or efficiency savings, shared services may bring about savings that will be put back into service delivery areas. Management has accepted the PSA position that disability professions are undervalued. A significant incentive in training is required, as part of the re-investment of the savings in staff. For all staff to perform their work efficiently there needs to be a greater investment in Information Technology.

The PSA had ensured the Government's commitment to “No Forced Redundancies” is maintained.

PSA members who have concerns about these changes or would like more information are advised to contact the relevant Industrial Officer listed below.

DISABILITY SERVICES - Industrial Officer, Sue Cummins, email sc@cpsu.asn.au or 8205 3260
HOUSING SERVICES - Industrial Officer, Vanessa Ravenhill, email vr@cpsu.asn.au or 8205 3251

PSA - WORKING FOR YOU

9 May 2006