psa review magazine december 2010
DESCRIPTION
The Public Review is an official publication of the Public Service Association of South AustraliaTRANSCRIPT
PUBLIC SECTORReviewwww.cpsu.asn.au December 2010
GovernmentMust beHeld toAccount
Page 3
2010Year inReview
Page 4
Betrayed..continued
Page 6
BETRAYED
Massive, history making demonstrationsof anger and frustration have met theState Government’s betrayal of itsworkersand its community.
The largest demonstrations in decadeshave been seenasworkers and communitygroups have vented their disgust at a StateLabor Government which hasabandoneditsworkers, its communityand its principles.
The PSA and its members have beenspearheading this fight.
From the very outset, on September 16,when Treasurer Foley made clear hisintentionsto break promises,cut jobs, slashessential services, and throw enterprisebargaining principles off the table, the PSAhasbeen vehement in defence of the PublicSectorand thevital services it provides.
On Budget Day, PSA General Secretary
Jan McMahon labeled this unprecedentedattack as devastating for SouthAustralianfamiliesand for public sector workers.
“This Government hasbroken its wordand betrayed its workers,” Ms McMahonsaid. “It mustbeheld to account.”
“Make no mistake, many people willsuffer as a result of this Budget. Job cutsequal service cuts. There is no way vitalfrontline services will be able to bemaintained.
“These cuts are not necessary. OurState’s finances are in goodshape. This is apolitical act which doesn’t add up and wil lhurt ourcommunity.”
Broken promisesIn hisBudget, Mr Foleyannounced 3,750
public sector jobs would be shed over thenextfour years.
Continues page 6
The PSA will be a dynamic organisation focused on the needs
and aspirations of its members throughout South Australia as
the principal trade union representing workers who provide
community services to South Australians.
P2 PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW DECEMBER 2010
Secretary’sColumn
CORE BUSINESS
By JanMcMahon
I f thepastfewmonthshavetaughtusanything, it's that unions areat theirbest whenit comesto corebusiness.
The core business of sticking up formembers,sticking up for public sectorservices and sticking up for the SouthAustraliancommunity.
In response to the Treasurer's horrorSeptemberBudget,PSA membersmobilisedquickly andeffectively. Imprompturallies onthe stepsof Parliament House,writing totheir Members of Parliament, marchingthroughthestreetsof Adelaideandattendingelectorate office rallies were someof theactions which thousandsof PSA membershavebeeninvolvedin.
It is obvious that PSA members havebeenmotivated by a sense that the Budgetmeasuresarewrong,andthey are wrong onanumberof levels.
They are wrong becausewe know thatproposedcutsto thetuneof almost 4000 jobswill undoubtedlymeanservicecuts. We allknow there is nothing left to cut, the publicsector is beingrunon thebarestof budgetsasit is, andany moreefficienciesto be gainedare illusory.The factsarethepopulation hasgrown along with the demand for services.Budgetcutshavealreadybeenmade,and it isthe goodwill and dedication of memberswhich is keeping manyservicesafloat. It isthe community andSouthAustralian familieswho will suffer asservicesare reduced, andPSAmemberswhowill experiencecontinuedhigherworkloadsasaresult.
They are wrong becauseinstead ofnegotiating conditions in good faith, afundamental principle of collectivebargaining, the Government through theBudget is legislating away establishedconditions of employment. Long ServiceLeave entitlementswill be reduced andAnnualLeave Loading abolished.Andwhy?Becausethe Treasurerbelievedthat publicsector workers were receiving 'special'treatmentandhadentitlementsother workersdid nothave. If theTreasurerhadbothered todo any research,he would have discoveredthat many private sector employees do
actually haveAnnual LeaveLoading.
And what if we were receiving 'special'treatment?A career in thepublic service hasalways been aboutserving thecommunity.Itis acknowledged that remuneration isn't ashigh as the private sector, however theconditionsof employment wereupheld asanincentive to keepqualified, dedicated andskilled people in positions.TheGovernmentrunsthe risk peoplewill votewith their feeton the question of whether it remains anemployer of choice. Again, it is thecommunitywhowill suffer.
And finally, the budget measures arewrong because they are a betrayal. Abetrayal by a Government which said itwould listen to the people.A betrayal by anemployer who did not negotiate in goodfaith. A betrayal by a Premier who gave acommitment to a no forced redundanciespolicy who is nowprepared to renegeon.
I have been struck by the amazingsupport from PSA members during thisfight. The unselfi sh commitment to do theright thing and stand up for colleagues andthecommunity.
It is after all, about core values. Abouthavingaworkplace that is fair, abouthavinga Government that is accountable. Valueswhich include working together, with otherunions and the community, to ensure wemeet our commonobjectives. Thecampaignis not over until we have reached our goals.We havesaid this may take until the nextelection, however our commitment tomembers iswewill bethere all theway. It isourcorebusiness.
As we reach the endof the year, we cantakeamoment to look back onwhatwehaveachieved sofar. Wecanproudlysay thereareno regretsthatwe have stoodidly by andletthis attack go unchallenged. Thank you toeachand every member who contributed inwhatever way you could. Your efforts areappreciated andwill stand us in goodsteadasweprepare to campaign into thenew year.
May you and your family havea safe,healthy and Merry Christmas, and a HappyNewYear.
President’sColumn
BETRAYAL ANDBROKEN PROMISES
By Lindsay Oxlad
The Public Sector REVIEW is an official publicationof the Public Service Association of SA Inc and theCommunity & Public Sector Union (SPSF Group)SA Branch.
Comments, letters and editorial material to:
‘The Editor,’ Public Sector ReviewLevel 5, 122 Pirie Street,Adelaide, SA 5000.
Selected articles are published electronically onthe PSAWebsite at www.cpsu.asn.au
Tel: (08) 8205 3200 Fax: (08) 8223 6509Toll-free: 1800 811 457Email: [email protected]
Printed on partially recycled paper withbiodegradable soy-based inks by Cadillac Printing,64 Kincaid Ave, North Plympton, SA.
The Public Sector Review’s official publicationnumber is PP565001/0010.This edition isVolume44, number 13.
Responsibility for political content in thispublication is taken by Peter Christopher, Editor.
PUBLIC SECTOR
ReviewVision Statement
THE PSA WILL ACHIEVE THIS BY:• ensuring job security for members
• membership involvement
• effective management supported by trainedprofessional staff
• continual improvement of its operations
• improvement of members’ wages andworking conditions
• provision of industrial support and othervalued benefits to members
• promotion of the vital role of the publicsector in the economy and community.
Thewriting is on the wall for theRann Labor Government. It nolonger has the confidence and
trustof thebroadtradeunionmovementor its employees throughout the publi csector.
Quite apart from betraying the trust thatpublic sector workers placed in Governmentpromises that they were committed to theprinciples of collective bargaining and thattheywould honouragreementsnegotiated ingood faith, the recent actions by thegovernment to legislate away employmentconditions and entitlements are to bedeplored. They are testament to the moraland ethical bankruptcyof theGovernment ata time when it claims to be an employer ofchoice and a government that listens to andunderstandstheneedsand aspirationsof theSouthAustralian community.
The Rann Government can no longerclaim that it is committed to theAustralianLabor Party’s core principles and values. Ithas lost its moral compassandhas replacedcompassionand an unwavering commitmentto the well being of South Australianfamilies with an arrogant disregard for theneeds of the community, the spuriousargument that increasing the taxpayers’contribution to their superannuation isjustified and that political spin is anacceptable substitute for honest and opengovernment.
The questions that naturally arise fromtheGovernment’sactionsarewhat is next tobe legislated away, what is the value of anycollective agreement negotiated with andsigned off by theRannGovernmentandhowcan the State Industrial RelationsCommission meaningfully discharge itsregulatory andstatutory functions?
Probably moreimportantly for theSouth
Australi an economy, can the RannGovernment be trusted by business tohonour its contracts and commitments orwil l they simply legislate to overturn theircontractual obligationsas it suitsthem?
The Rann Government’s actions inneedlessly cutting public sector jobs at atimewhen thestate economyis buoyant andits revenues boosted by higher than expectedGSTinflows is mademoredeplorable by thefact that cutting 3,750 jobs will reduce thequantity and quality of services provided tothecommunityby thepublic sector.
Independent research commissioned bythePublicServiceAssociation clearly showsthat the State’s economic fundamentals aresound,that itsAAA credit rating is notunderthreat and that it is poised to grow stronglyand thereby has thepotential to enhance thewell being of the community. The publicsector job cuts are simply not necessary byanymeasure.
The Public Service Association, alongwith other public sector unions, willcontinue to campaign against the RannGovernment’s actions and will use everylegal andpolitical avenueavailable to seek tooverturn the Government’s legislation andminimisethemooted job cuts.
Themessagefor theRannGovernment isloud and clear – Workers United Will NeverbeDefeated!!
On a happier, personal, note I wish allourmembers and their families and friendsahappy Christmas and look forward to asuccessful year ahead notwithstanding thechallenges on the horizon. A special thankyou is also due to our WorksiteRepresentatives, Councillors andPSA staffwho have worked tirelessly over the pastyear on behalf members and SouthAustralian families.
PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW DECEMBER 2010 P3
Much, much more than just a health fund.
Health Partners is a registered private health insurer.
1300 113 113healthpartners.com.au
kwp!
HEA
10033_PS
A
Over 30 physiopartners.
2 opticalcentres.
Over 40 pharmacypartners.
5 dentalcentres.
The PSA fight against the Budgetimpactshas been rapid, multi-facetedandsteady.
This sustained fight will continueindefinitely to protect members’ rights andentitlementsandvital communityservices.
ThisGovernmentmustbeheldto account.
Thecampaignto datehasencompassedabroad rangeof strategies,including politicallobbying, the courts, media statements,advertising and community events andprotests.
Members’responseto the call to protesthas beenexceptional,reflectingthe level ofconcern and anger this Government hasgenerated.
The PSA hasalso worked to generatewide support from unions, similarlyappalled at the anti-worker actions of thisGovernment.Numerousmeetingshavebeenheld with abroadrangeof publicandprivatesector unions as well as regular meetingswith PSAworksiterepresentatives.
Almost daily interviews and briefingshave beenheld with radio, television andprint media,andthePSA hascommissionedeconomic reportswhich revealour State’strue financial position and the devastatingimpact thesecutswill have.
Other majoractivitieshave included:
Protests/rall ies
The first washeld thedayafter theStateBudget, on September 17, outsideFamiliesSA to protest reduction to anti-povertyservices.
This wasfollowedby:
September20,rally with warveteransoutsidetheRepatriationGeneralHospital;
September28, joint union rally outsideParliament Houseon theday theBudget wasfirst introduced;
October 6, rally outsideDepartment ofEducationreFamily Day Carecuts;
October 8, Public Sector Rally atStateAdministration Centre;
October 10, support for ParksCommunityCentre rally;
October 14, ParliamentHouseRallyinvolvingACTU President Ged Kearney,gaining nationalattention;
October 26, joint Public Sector/communityrally in VictoriaSquareandMarch to
This Government Must be Held to Account
Parliament Housewith similar ralliesheldacrosstheState;
November 3, rally outsideTreasurer Foley’sPortAdelaideElectorateoffice;
November 12,rally outsideMinisterConlon’sElectorateoffice;
November 17,rally outsideMinisterWright’s Electorateoffice;
November 25,Rally outsideMinisterO’Briensoffice
November 27,protestat ALP StateConvention.
Industri al Relations & Legal StepsOctober 5, PSA lodgesdisputewith Industrial
RelationsCommissionof SA regardingSecurity of Employmentcommitment;October 8, PSAlodgesdisputewith IRCregardingLongServiceLeaveandAnnualLeaveLoading reductions;October 13,conferenceat IRC;October 26,PSAappearsbeforeFull Benchof IRCOctober 27,decisionof Full Bench of IRChanded down;October 29,PSAlodgesdisputewith IRC relack of consultation onTVSPs;November 1, conferenceat IRC;November 12& 16,PSAbeforeSupremeCourt.
Employment Conditions and the BudgetBudgets are normally economicinstruments, rather than industrial.
2010changedall that.
The 2010 State Budget delivered byTreasurer Foley not only specified theGovernment’s monetary decisions, butreduced and removed employmentconditionsfor public sectorworkers.
An essential criteria forunion/managementnegotiations is that theyoccur in good faith, and also that theoutcomes are enforceable and binding onall parties.
It is absolutely fundamental that allparties have faith that the process is sound,otherwise the willi ngness to participate inwhat can be long andarduous negotiationsis at risk.
Put bluntly, why spend monthsnegotiating if theothersidecan simply walkaway from agreed outcomes.
In the lead up to negotiations PSA metwith Government, reaching in principleagreement on the fundamentals that wouldunderpin the actual bargaining process.These fundamentals included security oftenure and no lossof current conditions, aswell as recognising that extensive
negotiations were necessary on specificaspectsof thePSA claim.
S. 76A (f) of the Fair Work Act requiresparties to negotiations to “… adhere toagreed outcomesandcommitments…”
The current “Parity” EnterpriseAgreement contains some key clauses,including thefollowing.
2.2 In making and applying thisEnterprise Agreement, the parties arecommitted to:
2.2.4 Employment security for employeesbound by this Enterprise Agreement for theli feof theEnterpriseAgreement;
2.2.6 Existingconditionsof employment
applyingto aparty notbeing reduced…
No other employer could breach an
Enterprise Agreement approved by the
Industrial Relations Commission, yet this
Government has chosen to do so by the use
of legislation. No wonder publi c sector
workers feel betrayed.
PSA is continuing to use all available
avenues to challenge the Government’s
actions.TheRann Government is not above
thelaw andmustbeheld accountable.
P4 PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW DECEMBER 2010
The PSA Celebrates 125 Years of ServiceThe Public ServiceAssociation celebrates 125years of service this year.
Thatlonghistory since1885 hasseengreat victoriesandmassiveimprovementsin conditionsaswell asmanytumultuousevents,wars,depression, recession andmultiplefightsagainstill- conceivedGovernmentactions.
Throughoutthattime,ThePublicSectorReview– thelongestcontinuouspublicationin ourState–hasreportedon theseevents.
Since1888whenfirst published,it hasinformedmembersandfoughtfor therightsof ourcommunity.
Thisyearhasbeennodifferent.Therehavebeenmanyfights, andmanysuccesses.
As thepagesof this issueof ThePublic SectorReviewclearly show,thefight for rights, conditionsandservicesmust continue,andiscontinuing.
If 125yearsof history hastaughtusnothingelse, it hasshownthatunited,sustained effortsby ourmembers,andourcommunity,canprevail.
2010 ... A Year in Review
PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW MARCH 2010 P5
r
In the lead up to the March 20 election, the PSA put a seriesof Public Sector-related questions to the following parties
which currently have elected members in Parliament.Each party leader was given the same questions, and the
same amount of time to make their positions clear.Here are their responses.
ELECTIONSPECIAL
1. Job Security
Q. Will you guarantee that the no forced redundancies policy currently applicable in the SA Public Sector for positions and persons covered by the PSA will continue for the full term of the Parliament to be elected in March 2010?
A. The Rann Labor Government hasalways maintained the no forcedredundancy policy. We will continue todo so. There will be no forcedredundancies of tenured employeesduring the next term.This Government is a staunchdefender of the role of government,and the importance of public servicefor the community. We have steadilyrebuilt the provision of services to thecommunity by the public sector, afterthe savage cuts in services and staffunder the former Liberal Government.That Government pursued anaggressive privatisation agendaincluding core Government servicessuch as water, electricity, health andpublic transport, and it reducedgovernment services.This Government, by contrast, hasbuilt up the public sector each year.As at June 2009, we have increasedthe number of public sector workersby 20%. The Liberals slashed thepublic sector by 27.5% in their time inoffice - over 26,000 public sector jobswere lost.
A. The Liberal Party has already giventhe commitment to continue thecurrent policy on “no forcedredundancies” for the full term of thenext Parliament.
A. The Greens support the currentpolicy of no forced redundancies inthe public sector. We will oppose anymoves in Parliament to change thisposition.
A. Family First supports retention ofthe no-forced-redundancies policy atleast until March 2014. Job security isimportant for families. We areconcerned that the Government maybe breaching its no-privatisationspolicy by shifting hospital jobs withtheir proposed New RAH into privatesector provision, and our pledge doesnot extend to workers who are takingjobs away from the public service.
PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW MARCH 2010 P3
The fight against Public Sector job andservice cuts is well underway, with aseries of emotive and informative adssending a clear message to voters, andpolitical parties.
The television and radio advertisementswere revealed in late January in the lead upto the March 20 State election.
They were launched the day afterTreasurer Kevin Foley delivered his “mid-year” Budget review which showed theState’s finances were in better than expectedcondition.
The launch of the ads received prominentmedia attention with an audienceapproaching a million people. The ads havesince been repeated prominently in primetime slots to gain maximum exposure.
“This is a strong campaign with a simplemessage – cuts to vital Government servicesover many years are hurting SouthAustralians,” PSA General Secretary JanMcMahon said.
“Despite claims by the Government thatfrontline services are not being affected, thereality, as we all know, is very different.
“People are waiting longer for treatmentfor health services, more families are beingdenied help and a desperate shortage ofcounter staff means queues are gettinglonger and longer.”
The $200,000 advertising campaign,endorsed by the PSA Council, is thecornerstone of a larger overall campaignaimed at informing and influencing politicalparties and voters.
The ads aim to highlight some of theimpacts that job and service cuts are having– impacts which will only worsens if cutscontinue.
In one of the ads, a sick man waits forhelp on a stretcher in a hospital corridor asthe voice over says: “Because the staff in our
health service are stretched beyond capacity,people now have to wait longer fortreatment. The Public Sector is vital to yourfamily’s health.”
Another shows the frustration caused bylong queues: “Service SA is desperatelyshort of counter staff,” it says. “So peoplehave to wait an average of 20 minutes to belooked after. Are you just going to wait inline for even more cuts? The Public Sector isvital to serving your needs.”
The desperate shortage of staff to helpfamilies in need is the subject of another ad.“The Department for Families andCommunities no longer has enough peopleto respond to all those in crisis,” it says.“Less staff on the ground means morefamilies on the skids. The Public Sector isvital to protect people in need.”
The ads conclude with the tag line:“Whoever you vote for, vote for service notjob cuts.”
“All political parties, all candidates, needto be aware of what is happening in ourcommunity, in their electorate,” MsMcMahon said.
“These ads do not target one politicalparty or another – it sends the same messageto all. The community is being harmed ifpublic sector jobs and services are cut.
“It is important to remind all that ourPublic Sector is already struggling to cope.
“We have 18,795 fewer people employednow in the Public Sector than we did in1991, providing more and more services to apopulation which has grown by 214,000 overthe same timeframe.
“The Public Sector is already under-resourced and struggling from budget cuts.These cuts affect all South Australians, notjust those people who work in the PublicSector.”
Vote for Service not Cuts“DDeessppiittee ccllaaiimmss bbyy tthhee GGoovveerrnnmmeenntt tthhaattffrroonnttlliinnee sseerrvviicceess aarree nnoott bbeeiinngg aaffffeecctteedd,, tthheerreeaalliittyy,, aass wwee aallll kknnooww,, iiss vveerryy ddiiffffeerreenntt..”
PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon
PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW AUGUST 2010 P5
The PSA has expressed grave concernsover Government cost cutting stepswhich have slashed vital staff fromAdoption services.
In mid-July, members were advised thatkey personnel of Families and Communities’Adoption, Family Information and Post CareServices would be removed.
“Cutting senior and internationallyrespected staff from this vital service makesno sense,” the PSA told the media.
“Breaking up a highly skilledprofessional family for short term financialgain will abandon the people who need thishelp to their long term pain.
“Among those people are many whowere abused while in State care.
“In 2008, the Premier promised he wouldhelp them recover from the trauma they
suffered at the hands of the State.”
The Service is a “one-stop-shop” forpeople, mainly South Australians, who areaffected by past adoptions, people who areconsidering placing their child for adoptionand people who want to adopt a child.
It also provides services for people whowere previously in care who want to accesstheir files; people wanting assistance inoverseas adoption and people wantinginformation about their own adoption.
It provides help to adults who are former“wards of the State”.
“The inevitable outcome will be a loss ofservices and diminution of the quality ofservice to these people in need”
“Once again the most vulnerable willbear the brunt of this Government’sbudget cuts.”
The Public Service Association hashad a great response to the launch ofits “Doesn’t Add Up” Campaign,unveiled in the lead up to theSeptember Budget.
The community campaign waslaunched on the back of independentresearch which concluded the StateGovernment’s $750 million in proposedcuts to jobs and services are not neededgiven South Australia’s positiveeconomic outlook.
The press, radio and web campaignaims to give the community a voice on theeffects of job cuts, service reductions,longer waiting times and less support.
“Our members have a firsthandunderstanding of the impact job andservice cuts are having on SouthAustralian families and we feel it’simportant that their stories and those ofthe community are told,” PSA GeneralSecretary Jan McMahon said.
Share your story at
www.doesntaddup.com.au
r
Budget Cuts = Service CutsThe Treasurer has made a promise.This time, sadly, he is likely to keep it.
“There will be service cuts,” he hassaid, and they will come as a directconsequence of his forthcoming Budget.
The obvious question is: Why?
Why is the Treasurer hell bent onslashing budgets, cutting jobs anderadicating services?
Why hasn’t he changed the terms ofreference for his razor gang (the“Sustainable” Budget Commission) nowthat the global economic situation is farimproved and huge piles of extraFederal money are pouring into theState’s coffers?
And why wont he tell the people ofthis State who his Government is goingto stop caring for?
“We will have to look at someservices that we provide that we simplycan’t afford to provide into the future,”the Treasurer told media.
Yet, by any analysis, the State ofSouth Australia is traveling fairly well infinancial terms.
There is no risk to our Triple-A creditrating. We are not massively indebted.Revenue is increasing. Mining is on thecusp of a boom.
As the PSA commissioned researchshows, cuts at this stage to budgets,
services and jobs are counter-productive.They just don’t add up.
“Surplus,” the Treasurer repeats. “Wemust return to surplus.”
What he does not appear to be takinginto account is that his too rapid rush toeconomic surplus is leaving wreckage inits wake – “surplus” people no longeremployed or being cared for.
That is the inconvenient truth of thisTreasurer’s singular economicphilosophy. Surplus at all costs.
The impact of this philosophy,which Government Departments andAgencies have been wrangling with inrecent years, has been cut after cut aftercut to Budgets.
The Treasurer says this is “re-organisation” or “efficiency” and thatso-called “frontline” services are notbeing effected. That is not true.
Now he has abandoned that untenablestatement with his admissions that thisBudget will cut services. That is thetruth. And it is already happening.
The reality of its already painfulconsequences are all too evident.
From the sheer silliness of havingvolunteers as the frontline face of ourpolice stations, to the growing waitinglists and untold numbers of children leftat risk of abuse and neglect due tounder funding.
From Department Chief Executivesdown the line, the system is groaningunder the pressure. Workloads are out ofcontrol. Job vacancies are rising. Workermorale is rock bottom.
Among some of the cuts alreadybeing whispered or talked openly aboutare hundreds of jobs in the JusticeDepartment. The “rack ‘em, pack ‘emand stack ‘em” mentality apparently nowapplies to those seeking justice as wellas those already imprisoned.
PSA General Secretary JanMcMahon told media cuts in Justiceslashed to the heart of a caring, just andsafe community.
"What we’re talking about here isthe Government slashing 20 per cent ofthe workforce in core service areas thatare already overstretched, which willmean longer delays in cases gettingthrough the courts, less legal servicesavailable to community, and a lesssecure society,’ she said.
Ms McMahon said given the recentwindfalls in GST revenue and propertytaxes, it was both unnecessary and unfairfor the Government to inflict further painon the community by slashing servicesdirectly affecting people’s lives.
Other cuts include those to the “Do ItFor Life Program” (see story this issue)and feared cuts to breast cancer
screening programs.
The PSA’s position, supported byresearch is clear: PUBLIC SECTORCUTS ARE NOT NEEDED
The State Government, through theSustainable Budget Commission, can nolonger justify slashing $750 million fromthe Public Sector.
The Federal budget provided theSouth Australian Government with awindfall of $900 million - more thanenough to cover the budget deficit thatwas expected 12 months ago.
The economic situation hasdramatically changed and Treasuryneeds to recognise this.
”South Australian families areentitled to an adequately resourcedPublic Sector to enable the provision ofvital services to those most in need,” MsMcMahon said.
”The Public Sector has continuallyborne the brunt of cut backs wheneverthe Government of the day has facedfinancial concerns. This 'Treasury'position should not be allowed to gounchallenged to the detriment of SouthAustralian families and the community.
”The PSA calls upon the SouthAustralian Government to ensure thatSouth Australians are provided with theservices they deserve.”
Broken Familywww.doesntaddup.com.au
P4 PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW AUGUST 2010
The PSA has added its voice to the growinganger at the trial of South Australianconstruction worker Ark Tribe.
Mr Tribe is currently on trial and could faceimprisonment as a result of charges initiated bythe Australian Building ConstructionCommission.
The charges stem from his alleged failure toreveal who said what at a meeting of hisworkmates at an Adelaide building site. Themeeting was called to discuss their concernsabout workplace health and safety.
These charges have been laid under lawsmade by the former Howard LiberalGovernment, which the current Government hasfailed to repeal.
Secretary of construction union CFMEU,Martin O’Malley, recently spoke at a meeting ofthe PSA Council, outlining concerns for allworkers arising from Mr Tribe’s trial.
The PSA shares the concerns that this caseraises about the right of workers to assemble anddiscuss matters regarding their occupationalhealth and safety.
The PSA joins other unions in condemningthe laws which allow a worker to be subject toimprisonment for refusing to be interrogatedabout a workplace safety meeting.
One Law for All
Ark Tribe speaking at Rally
Jan McMahon with CFMEU Secretary Martin O’Malley
Uni ImpasseFuture failure of management to negotiate
regularly, fairly and appropriately is likely toresult in a ballot of members to takeprotected industrial action under the FairWork Act 2009.
At the University of Adelaide similaranger is also likely to spark industrial actionunless negotiations improve rapidly.
Industrial action has helped to achieveconditions in the past and will be used againif the situation continues to stagnate.
The pace at Flinders University has beenequally glacial.
However, the unions have recentlyreceived from management a revised draftclause on Classification for General Staff –considered a huge step forward.
There seems to be some light finallyappearing at the end of this particularlylong tunnel.
Enterprise bargaining negotiations at ourthree Universities have now enteredtheir third year with no end in sight.
Frustration and anger is bubbling asmanagements continue to stall and refuse toacknowledge the required changes in pay andconditions.
Unions involved in these protracteddiscussions first put in the log of claims forthese EBs back in June 2008.
To date none of the universities have putout salary offers that are remotelycompetitive compared with the numerousagreements reached so far at equivalentinstitutions nationwide.
At the University of South Australiadisgruntled unionists have threatened towalk off the job in the face of managementintransigence.
If service cuts are making your life harder, tell us why at
Authorised by Jan McMahon, General Secretary, PSA Adelaide, 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide 5000. PSA0015a
doesntaddup.com.au
The State Government is proposing $750 million in unnecessary
cuts to jobs and services in the September budget. With a $900
million GST & General Revenue windfall and a much better
than expected recovery from the Global Financial Crisis, this
slashing cannot be justified. If these cuts go ahead, we’ll all
bear the brunt of them. If you’re already feeling the effects
of job cuts, service reductions, longer waiting times and less
support, tell us about it at doesntaddup.com.au
Further cuts to services don’t add up.
P4 PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW MAY 2010
PS Unions Meet
Huge Back Pay Wins
Key Public Sector Union leaders metin April to discuss the perils of PublicPrivate Partnerships and their regularfailure to deliver the goods.
The meeting, hosted by the PSA, was
addressed by Professor Dexter Whitfield,
Director of the European Services
Strategy Unit and Adjunct Associate
Professor with the Australian Institute for
Social Research, University of Adelaide.
Professor Whitfield has carried out
extensive research and policy analysis of
regional city economies, jobs and
employment strategies, impact assessment
and evaluation, marketisation and
privatisation, modernisation and public
management.
He told the group: "Public
Infrastructure in the 21st Century is
confronted with new challenges - adapting
to climate change, meeting the economic,
energy, water, transportation and social
infrastructure needs of megacities in Asia,
megaregions in North America, European
city regions and older industrial areas.
“Yet Public Private Partnerships (PPPs)
and the global infrastructure market,
financed by investment funds and pension
funds, are fuelling a new era of public
asset sales.”
He said nine PPPs had failed in
Australia in the past decade with a
combined cost of $9 billion.
While PPPs were intended to transfer
risk and increase efficiency, innovation
and competition, in reality they often
resulted in delays and cost overruns.
The PSA has worked with memberswho have been underpaid and hasachieved more than $580,000 in backpayments for them.
Underpayment of members continuesto be a chronic problem across a broadrange of agencies.
The PSA has a very good record inachieving back pay for members –including several owed significant amounts.
The most recent cases involved anumber of members who were owedbetween $20,000 to $40,000.
Many of the underpayments haveresulted from:
• On call provisions of the Award notbeing paid, yet staff being required tobe available after hours (and frequentlycalled in).
• Staff being paid at a lower level thantheir actual responsibilities to savemoney. A typical example is wheresenior jobs left unfilled, with lower levelstaff required to undertake work ofseveral positions and exercisedelegations of unfilled higher level jobs.
From Left: Professor Dexter Whitfield, Jan McMahon and Lindsay Oxlad
�ontinued from page ����
Stockmarkets were tumbling and a global
depression seemed imminent.
Times have changed.
Money is once again rolling into State
coffers at an improved rate and much of
the pressure to cut $750 million of
spending to return to Budget surplus has
been removed.
Add into this mix, moves by the
Federal Government to take the cost
burden of health from the States’ bottom
line, a boost in GST revenue, and
increased tax revenue, and things are
looking far more optimistic.
The Treasurer must take this into
account in the context of the recent State
Election when he ponders, in secret, the
report of the “Sustainable Budget”
Commission.
Further cuts to Public Sector budgets
are not “sustainable”. Further cuts to staff
are not “sustainable”. And further cuts to
vital services, already suffering, are not
“sustainable”.
Slashing into these key elements of our
State’s community – the core areas which
sustain and provide care for us all – is not
acceptable.
NOCUTS - Fight for Services and Jobs
• Extensive overtime being required to
be worked, but pressure on staff not to
claim payment. This is not the odd few
hours now and then, but systemic long
term e.g. Monday to Friday workers
coming in every Saturday or 2-3 hours
many nights.
The PSA reminds members - and
management - that staff who are on call
overnight or on weekends are entitled to
payment for this disruption to their lives.
In a recent major media interview, PSA
General Secretary Jan McMahon said:
“There is no capacity for making further
cuts to the Public Sector without having a
significant impact on the delivery of
important services to our community.
“You cannot separate the loss of Public
Sector jobs from the deliver of frontline
services that have a direct effect on the
health and welfare of South Australian
families – they are interwoven.
“We know the Sustainable Budget
Commission is well advanced in its efforts
to find $750m in cuts; workers and the
South Australian community deserve to
know where that pain will be felt.
“Prior to the Election, the Government
evaded the question of what services
would be slashed in order to avoid
scrutiny. It must now come clean.”
The PSA is committed to getting these
messages out. It will fight to be heard. It
will fight to protect the people of our
community who will be harmed by further
cuts – who are already being hurt by the
cuts that have preceded them.
The South Australian Community has
every right to expect the Government to
maintain services.
Overcrowded Conditionsat Victor Harbor
PP6 PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW MAY 2010
It’s been a case of some pain and some gainfor members in two separate areas at theFlinders Medical Centre.
The common theme for both – as is true for anincreasing number of areas across the Public Sector– is increasing workloads due to budget cuts.
In the Pain Management Unit at the FMC localmanagers have acknowledged the workload issue,with no adequate resolution implemented.
Members have advised the PSA that workloadshave increased significantly over the past fiveyears. Changes in clinics and Clinicians’consulting times have created extra work as havechanges to referrals process.
“Staff are only able to manage the currentworkload by using overtime or time off in lieu(TOIL) on a regular basis,” said PSA GeneralSecretary Jan McMahon.
“Staff have accrued excessive TOIL but areunable to take it due to workloads. This situationhas been exacerbated by a recent direction that nofurther overtime or additional hours can beoffered.”
The huge workload is compounded by theregular criticism staff face from agitated patients,family members and health professionals who areincreasingly angry at the appallingly long waitinglist – currently two years.
Members are also stressed due to the growingbacklog of work they face each day and thenumber of tasks they are unable to attend to due tothe excessive workloads.
FMC Medical RecordsMembers within the Medical Records
Department of the hospital had similar concerns –and their working lives were made unsafe as aresult.
Members advised the PSA of dangers causedby overcrowded and unsafe medical records andstorage areas.
This situation again was caused by a lack ofstaff, time and due diligence on behalf ofmanagement.
Members imposed work limitations afternegotiations with management failed, initially, toresolve the problem.
Overcrowded working conditionsendured by members working forDisability SA at Victor Harbor will beimproved following intervention bythe PSA.
Raising serious concerns withmanagement, PSA members had been“working for some time in accommodationwhich is overcrowded and fails to meet thebasic provisions contained in the OHS&WRegulations.”
A worksite meeting clearly identifiednumerous issues in addition to theovercrowding.
And an independent report from theWorkforce Health & Safety Unit into theoffice revealed that most of the office spacedoes “not address the appropriate spacerequirements”.
The report summarised: “Given thenumber of staff that currently operate fromthis office there is not sufficient space
available to accommodate them. Both from alegislative compliance perspective and aperson’s general wellbeing, the current workenvironment is far from satisfactory.”
In response, the Departmentacknowledged that the office was “nowinsufficient for the number of staff employedby Disability SA”.
They offered a range of measures toincrease office space, decrease workloads andimprove the physical structure of the office.
Members have accepted these offers in
good faith and will hold off any potential
industrial activity pending the outcome.
“Management were well aware that this
office did not comply with appropriate
standards, yet they did nothing to improve
the lot of the hard working staff,”
“Members in this office did the right
thing in contacting the PSA to negotiate
improved conditions.”
Pain and Gainat Flinders Medical Centre
PUBLIC SECTOR
Reviewwww.cpsu.asn.au
May 2010
Uni EBStalemate
Page 3
Huge BackPay Wins
Page 4
AnnaStewartMemorialProject
Page 9
Jan McMahon with Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon and Health Partners
Chief Executive Byron Gregory
The PSA is closely monitoring
plans by the FederalGovernment
to assume control of health
functions currently financed and
control led by State Governments
as part of i ts overhaul of the
national health system.
PSA General Secretary Jan
McMahon recently attended a meeting
with Federal Health Minister Nicola
Roxon assheoutlined theproposal.
The PSA accepts that the national
health system needs reform. However,
Federal Health Plansuch reform must include genuine
consultation with all stakeholders,
including the PSA as the union
representingmany health workers.
State Premiers attendingthe Council
of Australian Governments (COAG) in
April approved the funding model for
the proposed structural reform of the
health system.
How the “ funded nationally, run
locally” model is ultimately
implemented, and its impact on
members’ entitlementsand conditions
will beclosely scutinised.
TheRannGovernment isback.
Far more seats that were safe are now
marginal. Even Ministers in traditionally
very safe seats can feellittle comfort from
the largeswingsagainstthem.
Year after year of cuts have taken their
toll. More agencies and departments are
struggling with growing workloads and
falling budgets.
The PSA’s public sector campaign
fired a warning shot. It aimed to further
educate the public about the very grave
risks facing the PublicSector, and what
job and budget cuts really mean.
Part of this campaign involved
examining Governmentclaims that it was
not cutting frontlineservices.
A report commissioned by the PSA
showed there is no clear line between
those who provide so-called “ frontline”
services and other members of the Public
Sector. Thevast majorityof membershave
a foot in both “backroom” and “ frontline”
services. They are notexcess numbers.
They are essential components of the
whole.
In coming months, the Sustainable
Budget Commission– a cynical pre-
election creation of the Government –
will give its report tothe Treasurer on
suggested methods tocut $750 mill ion
dollars in public spending.
This group is considering its options
largely in a vacuumwith virtually no
consultation with key stakeholders or
those who understand the true state of the
Public Sector and itsneeds.
At the time of the creation of the
Sustainable Budget Commission, the
world was in financial turmoil.
“PPrriioorr ttoo tthhee EElleeccttiioonn,, tthhee GGoovveerrnnmmeenntt eevvaaddeedd
tthhee qquueessttiioonn ooff wwhhaatt sseerrvviicceess wwiillll bbee ssllaasshheedd iinn
oorrddeerr ttoo aavvooiidd ssccrruuttiinnyy.. IItt mmuusstt nnooww ccoommee cclleeaann..”
Jan McMahon, PSA General Secretary
Continues page 4
NO CUTSFight for Services and Jo
bs
PUBLIC SECTORReviewwww.cpsu.asn.au
August 2010
One Lawfor All
Page 4
BrokenFamily
Page 5
Queen’sBirthdayHonours
Page 7
Commonsense finally prevailedin a dispute at the QueenElizabeth Hospital after firmintervention by the PSA.
Members in the Bio MedicalEngineering Department there wereinitially advised by management thatthey would be required to continue towork in their basement offices whilethe building above them was beingdemolished.
This raised considerable concernsfor members - both for their ownOHS&W and also for the safety ofpatients who rely on the sensitivemedical equipment they repair andmaintain.
Their concerns were aired in themedia by the PSA, prompting a re-think by the hospital.
QEH Safety Win“ T h e s e
professionalswere originallytold they wouldhave to stay attheir posts aswalls fell downabove them.”
“Dust and vibrations and noisewould have been intolerable anddangerous. These members rightlyrefused to work in such conditions.”
Initially management stuck by theirdecision saying staff would not bemoved, but further intensive negotiationsresulted in a change of heart.
“This was a victory of commonsense. Management had 18 months toplan for this and failed to provide forthe safety of their staff and patients.They finally made the right decision.”
Election Dangers
No Cuts NeededSocial Cost too HighThe world has moved on since the StateGovernment set up its “slash and burn”commission and the $750 million in cutsit was told to find are not now needed.
A major independent research reportprepared for the PSA spells out clearly howthe economic situation of our nation and ourState have improved dramatically since theGlobal Financial Crisis of a year ago.The report’s authors are AssociateProfessor John Spoehr and Eric Parnis of theAustralian Institute for Social Research atthe University of Adelaide.“The message is loud and clear,” PSAGeneral Secretary Jan McMahon said. “Ifmassive cuts were ever needed, they are notany more. The impetus to slash and burn, tosavagely cut services to people in need,simply no longer exists.
“If the State Government continues with
its massive cuts, it will come at a hugesocial cost.“To continue to claim the service cuts areneeded flies in the face of the evidence. Nocuts are needed. What our society needs areproperly funded services and a Governmentwhich listens to the needs of families and thecommunity.”
The report finds: “Despite globaleconomic instability the South Australianeconomic and budget outlook is positive,providing a foundation for growth ratherthan contraction in output, employment andbudget revenue over the medium term.“The State Government is well positionedglobally and nationally to pursue a strategyof prudent fiscal expansion and public sectorborrowing targeted at productivityenhancement and social inclusion.
Continues page 3
The ghost of WorkChoices is castinga dark shadow over the imminentFederal Election.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has donehis best to kill this “elephant in the room”,but voters have every right to be wary.
WorkChoices was a cornerstone of theFederal Liberal Party under John Howard. Itstripped rights and conditions from hundredsof thousands of workers and tore apart unfairdismissal laws and other protections.
Since the ALP gained power, they havelargely restored those rights and actedproperly to protect workers and families.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard playedthe leading role in campaigning long andhard against WorkChoices anderadicating that extremely unpopularlegislation upon election.
The PSA also worked very hard to ensurevirtually all members were shielded against
the dire consequences of WorkChoices underJohn Howard.
Most were protected thanks to anagreement with the Rann State Government.
There is no guarantee this protectionwould continue should WorkChoices berevived by Mr Abbott in one guise oranother.
In a clever piece of electioneering, MrAbbott signed a mock “death certificate” forWorkChoices in recent weeks.
“WorkChoices is dead, it’s buried, it’scremated,” Mr Abbott said.
Voters may well recall a similar pre-election promise by a previous LiberalLeader: John Howard.
In election mode in 1996 he said:“There's no way a GST will ever be part ofour policy.
Continues page 3Jan McMahon with Julia Gillard before becoming Prime Minister
PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW DECEMBER 2010 P5
Rallies, Rallies, Rallies!
HOLD THISGOVERNMENTTO ACCOUNT!
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workersand their employer, theGovernment,”shetoldABC radio in November.
“This is a thin edgeof thewedge. This isa government they bargained with andnegotiated with an agreement they thoughtwas fair and reasonable. And at the time, theGovernment thought it was fair andreasonable because they actually signedonthedottedline andagreed to all thesethings.
“Now they have changed their mindand are usingpowers that nobodyelsehas.It’s just terrible. I think it basically showsthat you are a liar and that your word cannot be trusted”
Ms Kearneyhas likened theactionsof MrRannandMr Foley to thoseof JohnHowardwho wasvoted out of office for his reviledWorkChoiceslegislation.
The fight continuesTo date thePSA hasco-ordinated abroad
range of community and Public Sectorrallies and protests. These have includedmarches on Parliament House, rallies atElectoral Officesand joint union campaignsagainst the decisions of this Government’sleadershipteam.
ThePSA hasalso engaged on an almostdaily basis with print, television and radio
media acrosstheState, highlightingnot onlythe attacks on workers’ rights but also thefull extent of the impact thesecutswill haveonourcommunityservices.
It has also supported campaigns againstthe potential demise of regional hospitalsand other services and the closure of theParks CommunityCentre – a decision sincereversed by theGovernment.
The PSA has been lobbying hardpolitically andalso taken numerouselementsof these attacks before the IndustrialRelationsCommissionof SA.
It has recently launched aSupremeCourtchallenge to the Government’s actions, andsought independent advice and academicreportson the true state of our finances andtheimpact thesecutswill have.
“We thank our members, and otherPublic Sector workers, as well as membersof other unionsand the communityfor theirsupport of this multi-faceted campaign thusfar,” MsMcMahonsaid.
“A s this year finishes, the fight willcontinue. This Government and its leadersmustbeheld to account for thesedespicableacts and the PSA is committedto take thisfight on right up to thenextelection.”
Continued from page 1 ...He said this would be achieved through
targeted voluntary separation packagesandnatural attrition.
Mr Foleyalsothreatenedthe job securityof his Government’s entire workforce –despite an ironclad promise before theMarch 2010 election from Premier MikeRannthattenurewassecure.
The PSA rapidly reminded the Premierof his promise,gainingwidespread publicityafter releasinghis pre-electionletter whichstated:
“Onething remainsvery clear.Aswedidprior to the 2006election,andaswe havedone repeatedly since that time, theGovernment recommitsfor the duration ofits next term to no forced redundancies fortenuredemployees.”
That black andwhite, written “promise”hasnow beencastasideby theGovernmentin an actof contempt.
In the same vein, this Government’sBudget has attacked the workers it reliesupon to provide its services.
That’s super Mr FoleyAnd on thevery sameday they launched
that attack, the Government voted forpoli ticians to receiveamassive70%increasein superannuation.
This shameful act provoked strongfeelingsthroughoutthecommunity.
“For politiciansto begiving themselvesamassive boost on the same day they areslashing jobsandservicesandputting up thepublic housingrent for pensioners is nothingshort of a disgrace,” PSAGeneral SecretaryJanMcMahonsaid.
Also in his Budget, Treasurer Foley, theMember for Port Adelaide, attacked theworking rights and entitlement of his
Government’semployees.
Hesaid hewasdetermined to cut thelongservice leave entitlements for the longestservingworkersandscrap leaveloading.
He stated that these provisions were“outdated” andfar in advanceof thoseseenin theprivatesector.
That wasnot only untrue,but it also failedto take into account that a huge number ofPublic Sector workersearn considerably lessthan their private sector counterparts and doso in the expectation of fair play from theiremployer and becauseof their desire to workonbehalfof our community.
TheRann andFoleyGovernment movedto strip away theserights via ParliamentaryLegislation linked to the Budget before theink was dry on the Enterprise Agreementsigned with their employees guaranteeingthem theseconditionswouldcontinue.
This act has broader implications forevery worker in this State, and has led tounprecedentedunity andanger among privateandpublic sector workersand their unions.
Mr Rann and Mr Foley have beencondemnedfor their actionsby a hugearrayof unions who havecalled for them to beremoved becausetheyhave lost their values.
National shameAmong those critical of the
Government's actions has been ACTUPresident Ged Kearneywhohas joined in thechorusof voicescondemningthem.
Ms Kearney has spoken at large rallieshere, side-by-sidewith thePSA.
She has said that workers around thenation are watching the events in our Statewith graveconcern.
“What we are seeing here is a StateGovernment legislating against an agreementthat was formed between Public Sector
P6 PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW DECEMBER 2010
BETRAYED
PSA Budget Impact Report: Is the CreditRatings Tail Wagging the Budgetary Dog?
ByJohnSpoehr*Over thecourseof thelasttwo budgetsthe State Government announced thatit will reduce public sectoremployment by around 3700 jobs. Ithas also said that it wil l create around1900jobsthroughnewinitiatives.Thismeans a net loss of around 1800public sector jobs, the largest loss ofjobs in South Australia since theclosureof Mitsubishi.
The impact of the State Government’spublic sector employment reductions willbe affected by the rate of take-up ofseparation packages. Our judgement isthat demand for separation packageswillbehighgiventheincentivesfor early take-up put in place by the State Governmentand plummeting morale in the publicservice. For this reason public sectoremployment losses are likely to outpaceemployment gains generated by newinitiativesin theStateBudget.
There is a high risk that theemployment reductions in the StateBudget will leadto signif icant losses of‘corporate knowledge’ and skill s whichare likely to result in short termproductivity losses in thepublic sector.
Expenditure cuts of the magnitude ofthose in theStateBudgetarea high priceto pay for the modest financial benefitsthat flow from a AAA credit rating,particularly when it wasapparent prior totheStateBudgetthattherewasno realisticprospect of a credit rating downgrade forSouthAustralia.
This was because of relatively robusteconomic conditions, low unemploymentandsolid growth prospects,particularly asa result of theexpansionof themininganddefence sectors and the bumper cropyieldson thehorizon.
Our modelling of the financial impactof acredit rating down-gradeindicatesthatthe cost associated with a one incrementdowngradeis actually very low – around$20million over four years or just 5% ofthe costof the upgradeof AdelaideOval.It looks li ke the credit ratings tail iswaggingthebudgetary policy dog.
*Associate Professor John Spoehr isExecutive Director of the AustralianInstitute for Social Research at theUniversityof Adelaide
Foracopy of thefull report by theAISRgo to: www.cpsu.asn.au
RENTAL ACCOMMODATION
Work in MurrayBridge?Sickof commuting?This1 b/r selfcontained unit is availablefor $90p/w (unfurnished)or $120p/w (furnished).RingJen on0412037968for moreinformation.
HOL IDAY ACCOMMODATION
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BLACK DOGZ SHACKThecurrentfeatured propertyis located98Purnong-MannumRoad, approximately 20minutesupstreamfromMannum.Thisstunningriver front residencewith modernfurniturethroughout is positionedright on thebeautifulRiverMurray.In theheart of someof thebestwaterskiingareaof SouthAustralia. Enjoy thebeautifulviewsof theRiverMurraywhilstenjoying the2 level home.Top level features4 bedrooms,1king, 2 queen and1 double/singlebunk,formaldinning,largelounge, fully equippedkitchen,bararea,mainbathroomandensuite in master bedroom.2 plasmaTV’s onein theloungeandtheother in themasterbedroom.Surroundmusicsystem,R/Cair-conditioner and fire placefor cozywinternights.Upstairshasabeautiful outsidedeckentertainmentarea.It alsofeaturesclear blindswhen nightsgetcoolandgasheatingis available.Groundlevel featuresgamesroomwith 2 leatherfutonbeds,PlasmaT.V., air hockey/snookertable,soccer tableandevenatabletennistable. Laundryandbathroom.Also availableare2singlefold-outbedsif needed.Thispropertyalsoincludesafreshwater system,BBQ facilities,paddleboatand2 waveskis.Landscaped surroundsandplentyof under-coverparking.Thisproperty sleepsup to 12people.Applicationssubjecttoapproval by landlord. Pricedfrom $880pernightMinimum 2night stay. BondApplies.3 bathrooms,4 bedrooms(sleepsup to12), Carport (fits 6 cars)FURTHERINQUIRES: SUZIEPAGNOZZI 0414867420
“OceanBreak” - Mi ddleton –Centrally locatedat Middleton, isan inviting homewith beautiful, bright beachstyle décor. It isclosetoMiddle Point andotherwell known surfingandswimming beaches,bakery, tavern and general store.Fully self -containedwith almost every modern day amenity to ensureacarefreeenjoyable stay. Features: 2 b/rms(sleeps6), electricblankets,pil lows, r/c a/c, colour tv/dvd/vcr radio/cd,microwave,stove, fridge/freezer, bbq& outdoor settings, fenced securegarden& carparking. Reasonablerates. Packages& vouchersavailable. Ph:0403271015or 83262619or [email protected]
PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW DECEMBER 2010 P7
FOR SALEPine Colonial Dresser (picturedright): Leadlight upper cupboards, 3drawers/cupboards in base. Goodcondition. $395 o.n.o. Ph: 0401 120 359
Piano - Toyo (Japan) full dimension, iron frame upright, walnutsatin finish. Superb condition $2750 o.n.o.Ph: 8353 2719
City Car Park for Sale - Space located in CosmopolitanCar Park, North Terrace. $40,000 o.n.o. Ph: 8431 3441
Collapsible Wheelchair $95 o.n.o.Auscare Walker with seat, light weight, as new - $85 o.n.oContact Ton on Ph: 8255 7303 or 0437 249 777
White 1996 HOLDEN COMMODORE VS II S $6,800,KM:191,000VSV8 SPacseries2, auto.Regularly servicedwithbooksandreceipts,cruisecontrol,tyres80%,Utemat,tow bar,removable ladder racksandsportsbars, soft tonneau,pioneercd, upgradedspeakers,sportsexhaust, loweredsuspension,goodcondition.Selling due to upgrade. for more: call Shawn0419865622
Wedding Dress- Size10,beadedbodice,satinto ground,lowback, hugesatin train inc, longsleeved,absolutelystunninggown. $25o.n.o.ContactSueon84492368
Hil ls swing set with slide - $500ono. Justdismantleandit isall yours for hoursof fun for you andyourkiddies. ContactAngeHiggs0434074674(GawlerArea)
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REAL ESTATE
Timeshare For Sale- 2 b/r apartment$3000o.n.o.Call Johnon0418307142for furtherenquiries
For Sale - Port Vincent - 3 ParsonsStreet- $169,500- Thisself-containedtwo b/r unit is oneof 8 unitscentrallylocated.Set in well maintainedgroundswith off streetparking,communalBBQ facilities,well equipped,justonestreetbackfrombeach& walking distancetomainstreet in town.Forenquiriesplscall Anthony on0418808804(after4.30pm)
For Sale - Melr ose- Excellenttimber-framedhousein centreofpicturesqueMelrose,SouthernFlindersRanges.Lrge lounge,fam-sizedmodkitchen,3 b/rs,2 sun/rmsandextrab/rs. Qualfurnishingsand fitti ngsinc carpets, curtains,blinds,light fittingsetc. Al l mdconsincA/C, oil heater.Dble garage.Easilymaintainedattract nativegdn.Birdli fe.Greatviews.Reducedto $185,000.All reasonableoffersconsidered.Tel - 83793163
House for sale in a quiet location in the heart of thebeautiful Barossa Valley - Nuriootpa - Thisneat15yearold 3bedroomhome is ona largeblock.A/C, painted throughout,newvertical drapesandnewfloor coverings.Drive throughlockupcarport, largesinglegaragewith concretefloor, powerconnected.Full lengthverandaatback,2 rainwatertanksandcubbyhouse. It alsohasroller shutterblindsandaverysecureback yard. Suit first homeowners, retiredcoupleor theinvestor. Price range$295,000- $305,000.FormoredetailsphonJohnon 0427541137or Carolon0409097437.
CLASSIFIEDS
Increasingly, the PSA is providing information to members on industrialmatters and other benefits via email. To ensure that you receive the verylatest information, please let us know if your email address changes. Just sendan email message to [email protected] with the details and yourmembership record will be updated.
INFO BY EMAIL
www.cpsu-spsf.asn.au
The federal office for State public servants, the CPU-SPSF (State Public Services Federation)has launched a new website, and all PSA members are encouraged to contribute material.The website has general interest areas, an online journal “The Public Interest”, a links page andspecific sections for women, schools, higher education and corrective services.As well as being a useful site to ‘bookmark’, website co-ordinator Ryan Heath believes yourviews and experiences need to to be up in writing to make the site work.If you have anything from a book review to a campaign victory in your workplace to report,email: [email protected].
FEDERAL WEBSITECPSU
Victor Harbor - Smuggler’sInn - CrozierSt.HolidayUnit toRent.2 Bedroom- Double& twin single,Fully furnished,AirConditioning,Television - DVD Player,Swimmingpool,Breakfast kit included,250mtoGraniteIsland,3.5KmtoEndeavourbay,Close to all facilities.For Further Inquiriesor to makea BookingCall DIANNEon
0406705071OR/MICHELLEon0414088301
PricingFrom$100pernight (4 people)off Peak.**Pricessubjectto changeduringEaster longweekend
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All youbathroombaritonesandtenorsout therewhowould liketo developthosevoicesandsinga rangeof musicfromGershwin to Operachorusestomodernmusicalsandbeapartof agroupof peoplewhohavebeeninvolvedin this for onehundredandtwentyyears(not thesamepeopleby theway).Apart fromthepleasureof developing abroader musicalknowledge, it isagreatde-stresserandanopportunityto beapartof agroupof interestingpeoplewith avariety of differentoccupationsandhobbies.TheAdelaideMaleVoiceChoir is alwaystrying to improveandbuild on its qualitiesto bring in newmembers,or evenjustfriendsof theChoir. If you feel youwould like to beapartoftheliving history of ourStateor would like to just comein andexperienceapracticenight,please ring oneof thefollowingphonenumbers: 82702628or 83321895.
DE-STRESSIN CHORD
P8 PUBLIC SECTOR REVIEW DECEMBER 2010
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Methods of PaymentPleasecompleteoneof the following sections
Direct Debit
PSAsubscriptionsare0.95%of yoursubstantivebasesalary (plusGST) to amaximumof theAS05rateandaretax-deductible.TheappropriateGoodsandServicesTaxamountwill alsobededucted.Unlessotherwisenotified,directdebitsoccuron thefirst workingdayof eachmonth.Below is theauthorisationfor yoursubscriptionto bepaidby directdebit.
To: TheManager
Nameof CreditUnion/FinancialInstitution_____________________________________________________________
Addressof CreditUnion/FinancialInstitution___________________________________________________________
I/we requestyou,until furthernoticein writing, debitmy/ouraccountdescribedin theschedulebelow,anyamountswhich thePublicServiceAssociationof SA Inc.,CommunityandPublicSectorUnion,SABranch(SPSFGroup)maydebitor chargeme/usthroughthedirectdebitsystem.
I/weunderstandandacknowledgethattheCreditUnion/FinancialInstitutionmayin its absolutediscretiondetermine:1.Theorderof priority of payment by it of anymoneypursuantto thisrequestor anyauthority ormandate.2.At anytimeby notice inwriting tome/usterminatethis requestasto furtherdebits.
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P S A M E M B E R S H I P A P P L I C A T I O N F O R M
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M E M B E R S H I P A P P L I C A T I O N F O R M
• Published six times a year
• Full colour pages
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• Regular features
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• News and views
Revi
ew
PUBLIC SECTORReviewwww.cpsu.asn.au
August 2010
One Lawfor All
Page 4
BrokenFamily
Page 5
Queen’sBirthdayHonours
Page 7
Commonsense finally prevailedin a dispute at the QueenElizabeth Hospital after firmintervention by the PSA.Members in the Bio MedicalEngineering Department there wereinitially advised by management thatthey would be required to continue towork in their basement offices whilethe building above them was beingdemolished.
This raised considerable concernsfor members - both for their ownOHS&W and also for the safety ofpatients who rely on the sensitivemedical equipment they repair andmaintain.
Their concerns were aired in themedia by the PSA, prompting a re-think by the hospital.
QEH Safety Win“ T h e s e
professionalswere originallytold they wouldhave to stay attheir posts aswalls fell downabove them.”
“Dust and vibrations and noisewould have been intolerable anddangerous. These members rightlyrefused to work in such conditions.”Initially management stuck by theirdecision saying staff would not bemoved, but further intensive negotiationsresulted in a change of heart.
“This was a victory of commonsense. Management had 18 months toplan for this and failed to provide forthe safety of their staff and patients.They finally made the right decision.”
Election Dangers
No Cuts NeededSocial Cost too HighThe world has moved on since the StateGovernment set up its “slash and burn”commission and the $750 million in cutsit was told to find are not now needed.A major independent research reportprepared for the PSA spells out clearly howthe economic situation of our nation and ourState have improved dramatically since theGlobal Financial Crisis of a year ago.The report’s authors are AssociateProfessor John Spoehr and Eric Parnis of theAustralian Institute for Social Research atthe University of Adelaide.“The message is loud and clear,” PSAGeneral Secretary Jan McMahon said. “Ifmassive cuts were ever needed, they are notany more. The impetus to slash and burn, tosavagely cut services to people in need,simply no longer exists.
“If the State Government continues with
its massive cuts, it will come at a hugesocial cost.“To continue to claim the service cuts areneeded flies in the face of the evidence. Nocuts are needed. What our society needs areproperly funded services and a Governmentwhich listens to the needs of families and thecommunity.”
The report finds: “Despite globaleconomic instability the South Australianeconomic and budget outlook is positive,providing a foundation for growth ratherthan contraction in output, employment andbudget revenue over the medium term.“The State Government is well positionedglobally and nationally to pursue a strategyof prudent fiscal expansion and public sectorborrowing targeted at productivityenhancement and social inclusion.
Continues page 3
The ghost of WorkChoices is castinga dark shadow over the imminentFederal Election.Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has donehis best to kill this “elephant in the room”,but voters have every right to be wary.WorkChoices was a cornerstone of theFederal Liberal Party under John Howard. Itstripped rights and conditions from hundredsof thousands of workers and tore apart unfairdismissal laws and other protections.
Since the ALP gained power, they havelargely restored those rights and actedproperly to protect workers and families.Prime Minister Julia Gillard playedthe leading role in campaigning long andhard against WorkChoices anderadicating that extremely unpopularlegislation upon election.The PSA also worked very hard to ensurevirtually all members were shielded against
the dire consequences of WorkChoices underJohn Howard.Most were protected thanks to anagreement with the Rann State Government.There is no guarantee this protectionwould continue should WorkChoices berevived by Mr Abbott in one guise oranother.
In a clever piece of electioneering, MrAbbott signed a mock “death certificate” forWorkChoices in recent weeks.“WorkChoices is dead, it’s buried, it’scremated,” Mr Abbott said.Voters may well recall a similar pre-election promise by a previous LiberalLeader: John Howard.In election mode in 1996 he said:“There's no way a GST will ever be part ofour policy.
Continues page 3Jan McMahon with Julia Gillard before becoming Prime Minister
PUBLIC SECTOR
Reviewwww.cpsu.asn.au
May 2010
Uni EBStalemate
Page 3
Huge Back
Pay Wins
Page 4
AnnaStewartMemorialProject
Page 9
Jan McMahon with Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon and Health Partners
Chief Executive Byron Gregory
The PSA is closely monitoring
plans by the Federal Government
to assume control of health
functions currentlyfinanced and
control led by StateGovernments
as part of i ts overhaul of the
national health system.
PSA General Secretary Jan
McMahon recently attended a meeting
with Federal Health Minister Nicola
Roxon assheoutlinedtheproposal.
The PSA accepts that the national
health system needs reform. However,
Federal Health Plansuch reform must include genuine
consultation with all stakeholders,
including the PSA as the union
representingmany health workers.
State Premiers attending the Council
of Australian Governments (COAG) in
April approved the funding model for
the proposed structural reform of the
health system.
How the “ funded nationally, run
locally” model is ultimately
implemented, and its impact on
members’ entitlements and conditions
will beclosely scutinised.
TheRannGovernment isback.
Far more seats that were safe are now
marginal. Even Ministers in traditionally
very safe seats can feel little comfort from
the largeswingsagainst them.
Year after year of cuts have taken their
toll. More agencies and departments are
struggling with growing workloads and
falling budgets.
The PSA’s publicsector campaign
fired a warning shot.It aimed to further
educate the public about the very grave
risks facing the Public Sector, and what
job and budget cuts really mean.
Part of this campaign involved
examining Government claims that it was
not cutting frontlineservices.
A report commissionedby the PSA
showed there is noclear line between
those who provide so-called “ frontline”
services and other members of the Public
Sector. Thevast majority of membershave
a foot in both “backroom” and “ frontline”
services. They are not excess numbers.
They are essential components of the
whole.
In coming months, the Sustainable
Budget Commission– a cynical pre-
election creation ofthe Government –
will give its reportto the Treasurer on
suggested methods to cut $750 mill ion
dollars in public spending.
This group is considering its options
largely in a vacuumwith virtually no
consultation with key stakeholders or
those who understandthe true state of the
Public Sector and itsneeds.
At the time of thecreation of the
Sustainable Budget Commission, the
world was in financialturmoil.
“PPrriioorr ttoo tthhee EElleeccttiioonn,, tthhee GGoovveerrnnmmeenntt eevvaaddeedd
tthhee qquueessttiioonn ooff wwhhaatt sseerrvviicceess wwiillll bbee ssllaasshheedd iinn
oorrddeerr ttoo aavvooiidd ssccrruuttiinnyy.. IItt mmuusstt nnooww ccoommee cclleeaann..”
Jan McMahon, PSA General Secretary
Continues page 4
NO CUTSFight for Services and
Jobs
The 2011 PSA Training Programwill be available in January 2011
PUBLIC SECTOR
Review
The PSA would like to take this opportunity tothank all PSA members for their contributions
throughout 2010!Best wishes to you, your family and friendsduring the festive season, for a safe and
happy Christmas!