News Flash

BUDGET UPDATE

PSA officials and Industrial staff are currently visiting the most
significantly affected worksites and establishing members views and concerns regarding the Budget. Members recognise the importance of the job security guarantee obtained by the PSA but are also very concerned about the implications of the Budget on their workloads and the services they provide. Members on contract are also concerned that such contracts may not be renewed

Senior PSA Officials, President Lindsay Oxlad, General Secretary Jan McMahon, Assistant General Secretary Nev Kitchin and Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher met with Minister Weatherill this morning. The Minister confirmed once again the Government's job security guarantee and that there would be no voluntary separation packages offered at this time. In response to PSA questioning about the proposed 1600 job cuts, the Minister advised that approximately 600 of these would result from the introduction of Shared Services and the remainder
from the abolition of DAIS and OPE and the 0.25% Efficiency Dividend.

These cuts were to occur over a four year period. The PSA expressed concern about the lack of detailed information and the adverse impact upon members and the community.

A special meeting of PSA Executive was held this afternoon.

The General Secretary reported on action underway by PSA, including Industrial support, preparation and distribution of information to members, worksite visits, media coverage, analysis of documentation and preliminary meetings with Ministers and Chief Executives.

The PSA Executive determined to intensify the current campaign to ensure that members and the community are not harmed by the Budget which cut 1600 jobs, introduced Shared Services, abolished Agencies and introduced an Efficiency Dividend of 0.25% on Agency Budgets, with the campaign to focus on ensuring the protection of members jobs, job security,
conditions of employment, workloads and the ability to deliver services to the community.

Members wishing to provide information or requiring an urgent visit to their worksite should contact their PSA Industrial Officer or Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher where greater confidentiality is important.