Public Service Association of NSW Post Office approved PP 255003/01563 ISSN 1030–0740 RedAugust–November Tape 2016 www.psa.asn.au Privatisation regulation in PSA’s sights The PSA is leading the fight to block a new regulation that strips redundancy rights from all public sector workers in privatisations.

• understand whether members comparable employment by the are prepared to take action over non-government sector body. the regulation if lobbying and At the moment, transfers have legal avenues do not achieve involved compensation for public the desired outcome. servants. The PSA secured a meeting with The planned changes mean the Reverend Fred Nile, who employees are not eligible controls the balance of power in for compensation if the non- the Legislative Council. government sector job is In August, PSA General Secretary ‘comparable’. Anne Gardiner was joined by ‘Comparable’ may fail to properly CPSU/SPSF Branch President account for: Mary Court from Schools, Glen • the medium-term risk to Barlow from Corrective Services wages and conditions via new and Jane Howrylak from Trustee Enterprise Agreements and Guardian (pictured) to • possible exposure to less meet Reverend Fred Nile. The redundancy pay delegation sought Reverend Nile’s • reduced job security support for a disallowance motion to stop the regulation that is • loss of favourable provisions being put to the Parliament by • the risk of working for the Shadow Minister for Industrial unscrupulous operators. Relations Adam Searle. Recent transfer arrangements to The PSA had called members other privatised bodies have been more generous, although offers Anne Gardiner, Glen Barlow from Corrective Services, Jane Howrylak from Trustee & Guardian and CPSU/SPSF Branch looking for Christian Democrat President Mary Court from schools Party supporters and active have diminished over time. participants in Evangelical churches to find people willing to The Government Sector a cross section of our members to • educate members on the talk to Reverend Nile. Employment Amendment speak about the regulation. regulation and its effect Nearly 60 members told There is still (Transfers to Non-Government The list of names, generated • ascertain whether members Organisers they would meet the Sector) Regulation 2016 under the by the PSA’s Strategy and had read our e-bulletins on the Christian Democrat leader to seek regulation Government Sector Employment Policy Directorate, comprises of his support on the issue. time to vote approximately 6800 members Act 2013 was brought in by • brief members on our political Under the proposed GSE randomly selected from a strategy to have the amendment the Baird Government without regulation, a government worker to keep the representative cross section of disallowed in Parliament whose sector agency is transferred consulting public sector unions. worksites from our database. • invite members to participate in to a non-government sector body Staff in the PSA Organising The purpose of the telephone lobbying politicians to support is not entitled to any severance PSA strong Directorate have been telephoning calls was to: a motion of disallowance or redundancy payment if offered Anne Gardiner From the General Secretary Defending public services is exactly what we have done

When I was voted into office as the banner of Defending Public It is through the Defending Public step in its efforts to signal to the anything and some of whom are PSA General Secretary in late Services. Services campaign and the hard community what they risk losing. being investigated for fraud. 2012, the union did not have a This overarching campaign was work and dedication of the PSA’s TAFE is a world-class vocational focus to underpin its work. kick started in August 2013 with a staff and delegates that the The secret sell-off trainer that equips people with union has now become the go to the skills the state needs moving It did not have a central clearly series of meetings across the state. A second advertising campaign brand for the media and within forward. defined rallying point it was The PSA’s cars were badged with titled “Stop the Secret Sell Off” the broader community as the working towards or under which it Defending Public Services. has now been launched. Pray that the electrician you call was operating. defender of public services in NSW. has done more than a two-week In April 2014, the PSA launched The theme was determined by The PSA, the important work of private training course. No organisation can function its first ever statewide advertising this year’s Annual Conference members and concerns about the Similarly with ADHC, which is effectively without a blueprint campaign to promote the attendees. and a goal which was why I provision of public services to the being totally privatised, leaving no importance of our members’ work. A 30-second advertisement was introduced – via the PSA’s Central community now receives regular safety net for those with high-end Titled “Which direction are aired on radio in Sydney, Goulburn, Council – the union’s first ever coverage in the media. needs, and no choice for others. we headed?”, it alerted the Newcastle, Bathurst, Wollongong, Strategic Plan. We have even broken into The The private sector isn’t going community to the attack on Tweed Heads, Central Coast, Daily Telegraph which traditionally to offer the same specialised But more than an internal driver public services. Dubbo, Grafton and Wagga. has not exactly been sympathetic services as ADHC currently does. was needed. It is being supported by roadside The ad was launched by respected to either the public sector nor the Why would it? How will they What was additionally required billboards in prominent locations political commentator Jane Caro union movement. make a profit if they do that? was a clear statement of intent across the state, including a prized and screened on television, in Keep up the good work to members, in the face of the In fact we have made media site on the Alfred Street Harbour cinemas and online. highlighting Mike Baird’s secret relentless attacks under firstly inroads to the point where we are Bridge approach. By the end of the campaign in July, sell-off. the O‘Farrell and now the Baird now asked to write opinion pieces A website has also been set up at it had generated almost 68,000 It’s a secret that is far too Government, that the PSA was on issues important to the union stopthesecretselloff.com.au. fighting for you and the services views on YouTube. in what is a clear sign of the important to keep – for the sake Once again, the aim is to alert you provide so expertly each day The ad was subsequently degree to which the profile of the of the future of NSW. the community to the fact the across NSW. rescreened in cinemas in Sydney PSA has been elevated over the Anne Gardiner NSW Government is selling off and regional areas between last few years. General Secretary A declaration to the community everything it can to the highest January to March, 2015. was also needed, to inform the We have had several articles bidder who in turn provide a public that the PSA is fighting In addition, billboards were published on matters from prison cheap low cost (to them) service. to preserve and, where possible, displayed highlighting the work of overcrowding and child protection The decimation of TAFE is a tragic expand the services they require specific groups. to the importance of union example in which the Government and rely so heavily upon. An online campaign using youth- governance. is blindly giving countless millions For that reason we decided the focussed Friendlyjordies promoted On the back of these efforts the to cheap private operators who work of the PSA would be under our vital work. PSA has taken another major are unqualified to train anyone in

Win for PSA in PSA/CPSU wins Pillar fight redundancy provisions for Newcastle University The PSA/CPSU has been in dispute with the University

More than 90 percent of Pillar of Newcastle (UoN) over its treatment of members in employees who voted have accepted Infrastructure and Facilities Services whose positions were a three-year agreement preserving slated for outsourcing. conditions in the face of the potential privatisation of this government business. UoN declared our members a formal hearing occurred in Once notified, members will detached on 31 May, even though Newcastle on 16 August 2016, then have an opportunity to The first year will see a 2.5 percent pay they were required to continue choose voluntary separation or rise, followed by two percent and 1.5 where Commissioner Saunders in their jobs until an external redeployment. percent rises over the following two years. was asked to determine the contractor could be obtained correct interpretation of the UoN has been ordered “to This important win means greater security and the outsourcing process enterprise agreement regarding withdraw the detachment notices of conditions and entitlements. completed. The Go-Live dates the circumstances of when an issued by it to employees in Ninety percent of responses to an earlier were September for Logistics and the Infrastructure and Facilities employee can be detached. survey submitted by PSA members October for Security. Services area, other than those supported accepting the three-year The PSA/CPSU claimed UoN With a number of affected employees who have already agreement. was in breach of the enterprise members in attendance to show notified the University of their Two earlier staff ballots were held and lost. agreement by detaching staff their support for the dispute, election for voluntary redundancy, The first rejected Pillar’s proposal for a whilst they were still required to Commissioner Saunders handed and not re-issue a detachment one-year agreement, and the next threw perform their duties. down his decision that afternoon, notice to any such employee out a two-year enterprise agreement. The dispute revolved around the favouring the PSA/CPSU’s until such a time as the position occupied by the particular The PSA ran successful campaigns against interpretation of clause 22.1.1, interpretation of the agreement. which reads “where a position is employee is no longer required”. both the earlier ballots. It is now clear UoN cannot detach This great win will provide clarity The PSA will continue to fight to keep no longer required the incumbent staff whilst still requiring them to and surety for our members as Pillar in the Illawarra. may become a detached staff member. The detached staff perform their usual duties. UoN continues its program of member will be notified in writing Members will remain in their extensive restructuring.

Pillar plays an important role in Wollongong’s economy. as soon as possible.” positions until the outsourcing Photo Adam Taylor, Destination NSW The matter was progressed to takes place at which stage they can the Fair Work Commission and be notified of becoming detached.

2 – Red Tape August–November 2016 Billboards keep prison message in public eye Member profile Carmen Wells The PSA will continue to promote its In addition, Stop the Secret Sell-Off, a Unit leader, Community Corrections campaigns against privatisation with a campaign aimed to highlight the Baird number of billboards throughout NSW. Government’s underhanded fire sale of public assets is underway, with billboards As reported in the previous issue of near the Sydney Harbour Bridge and in What does your job involve? and leave. I then review any offender Red Tape, billboards near Dubbo and Wagga Wagga, Bathurst, Lithgow and files with regard to considering the in western Sydney highlighted the I am a unit leader at Nowra Community Wollongong. risk assessments and case plans importance of public-run prisons. Corrections, Corrective Services NSW. The image for Stop the Secret Sell-Off Community Corrections is responsible as developed by the Community These billboards are now in Cessnock and was voted on by members at the PSA for the provision of Pre-Sentence, Corrections Officers (CCOs). I might also Grafton. Annual Conference this year. Home Detention, Community Service be required to vet any reports that are Order, Extended Supervision Order, required for the courts or the State Intensive Correction Order and Pre- Parole Authority, and meet with CCOs to Release Reports to Local and District discuss any contentious issues related Courts and the State Parole Authority. to an offender or their management. In addition, we supervise offenders My job is essentially to make sure on Parole, Probation, Home Detention, the Service Delivery Standards and Extended Supervision Orders, Intensive Key Performance Indicators are met, Correction Orders, Bail Supervision and whilst also providing leadership and Community Service work. mentoring to officers. In 2012–13, Community Corrections What do you enjoy about your job? managed more than 16,000 offenders on community-based orders, provided There is a wealth of research that approximately 21,000 pre-sentence proves, with effective and targeted reports to the courts and provided more supervision and intervention, we than 3,500 pre-release reports to the can make a considerable impact on State Parole Authority. Our main aim is offending behaviour. I believe the Sign to help Stop the Secret Sell Off of NSW to reduce the impact of offending on work Community Corrections do is public services the community and provide effective often forgotten in the broader Justice management and supervision of environment, with the focus usually on Unlike other states, NSW has not given the Auditor General legislative powers to offenders in the community. our uniformed colleagues. But it is an follow the money. essential part of the greater response The Baird/Berejiklian Government is the only administration in Australia without What is a typical day at work? to crime in NSW. I enjoy knowing that the necessary laws for independent financial scrutiny and accountability. the work I do can and does impact on A typical day at work for me as a team recidivism and enjoy learning about This is despite billions of tax payer dollars already being handed to the private sector. leader involves the allocation of all new research and strategies to further community-based work to the officers, But you can make a difference. the vision of Community Corrections. Go to stopthesecretselloff.com.au and sign the PSA petition calling on the NSW with consideration to workload and Government to: other impacting factors like training 1. protect our valuable public services from privatisation 2. introduce “follow the money” laws for financial scrutiny and accountability.

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August–November 2016 Red Tape – 3 Steve Turner From the Assistant General Secretary The PSA faces many challenges

We currently have one of the most But around the world there are sector changes and how public But in 2013, this all changed. We are looking at how to better fit popular leaders in the country signs people have had enough sector employment is declining as We began thinking about how our organising efforts with today’s running our state. of a system which benefits an a share of Australian jobs. we could use the resources economy and alternative models Mike Baird is a Premier who says elite few rather than society So why then, when unions are we had to get the union the of membership. For example, we are currently trialling our first ever all the right things socially but as a whole. The rise of Alexis saving Australians from ultra- influence it needed in the now member-reward program. acts in a fiscally conservative way, Tsipras, Jeremy Corben and Bernie conservative agendas, are we hostile Coalition Government Sanders, together with Greece’s running a very neoliberal agenda. facing a decline in membership? environment. We are investing in repeated rejection of the EU’s The ACTU recognised the communication to help us shape Big popularity and small We re-organised our internal austerity measures and even continuing decline in unionism and prosecute a persuasive public government with limited services resources to allow us to continue Brexit, are all seen as indicators and following a leaders’ forum to provide services in a time of argument for a government that are his aims. that people are rejecting this early in the year, their March increasing need while building invests in building a great society. Recently, as part of the PSA’s philosophy. There appears to be Executive endorsed a program the union’s capacity across the And our figures show that its capacity building, our Strategy & resentment against being forced of six union-wide taskforces membership. We transferred working and we are beginning to Policy Unit invited the University to increase our dependence on comprised of union officials the PSA’s Training Unit into the arrest the decline. In 2014 and private enterprise for services to of Sydney’s Associate Professor and senior staff to “investigate Organising Directorate to ensure again 2015 we had more people which we all should have equal, Damien Cahill to speak to staff opportunities for innovation that delegate development and join the union with less leaving unfettered access. on the durability of neoliberalism and growth”. The PSA proudly training was member-focused. than each previous year. – the ideology promoting a In Australia, unions have proven to participates in these taskforces. We built the Member Support Are we finished? No. Is there still reduced role for government in be the leading force for positive This is an exciting step forward Centre to ensure that all much more to be done? Yes. the economy and society, a greater change against these ultra- for our movement which needs members had equal access to The MSC is still new, we need reliance on private enterprise conservative agendas. to do better at working together. industrial support. to continue to refine and build along with the belief that Federally, the ACTU’s ‘Better Too often we work in isolation This also helped free up on what has been achieved so competitive markets will solve all Futures Campaign’ which asked from each other but by working Organisers to focus on member far. We need to keep listening of society’s ills. voters to ‘put the Liberals together on our common engagement and development, to members and broaden our last’, highlighted the Turnbull challenges, combining our In his talk, Damien told us that campaigning and building accessibility. We need to keep Government’s plans to outsource resources, we can reshape the neoliberalism is deeply embedded PSA visibility and network investing in communication Medicare, reduce funding to debate about quality work and in the reward systems and development in the workplace. and building upon our member decision making processes of education and cut public services. rights in Australia. networks and training of our We began trialling outreach governments and all of society’s It was this union campaign Arguably, unions could have acted delegates and activists. We need activities in workplaces and in institutions. For example, in that almost rolled Turnbull out differently and sooner. Australia- to keep developing more and the community, like workplace the public service, performance of Government. Certainly the wide, unions have been declining more resources for members to blitzes, community door-knocking; indicators for the senior ranks message for Turnbull was clear: since the early 1990’s. Closer access when they need them and outbound calling and our member may be linked to reducing staff don’t privatise and don’t cut to home, the PSA’s membership we need to keep building strategic listening programs. We even began expenditure. government spending. decline started in 2005 which was alliances with other unions and In NSW, the effect of this is now also the year our numbers peaked using social media in earnest. public sector stakeholders. At the PSA Annual Conference, being seen with Baird’s recent at 46,244 members. We started working with other So yes, the PSA faces many we heard from Kerry Barlow, a decline in popularity where the By 2012, the PSA membership unions, like APESMA, ASU and the challenges, but we are not alone. political economist, about the August ReachTEL poll result puts had fallen seven percent. This MUA in Transport NSW and RMS; Unions are the sum of many parts. government reforms and the Casino Mike slightly behind the is despite working under a the ETU in our door-knocking Together we are all members of labour market. Opposition Leader as preferred state Labor Government, a work; ASMOF and the NSW Nurses a great, supportive union, that is She outlined the “need for capital Premier. relatively comfortable operating in ADHC; and again with the itself, part of a strong and vibrant to constantly carve out new areas At this year’s PSA Annual environment and increasing Nurses and Teachers Federation in union community that will fight of profitability, and the ideological Conference, Professor of numbers of PSA industrial staff. our schools. for each other now and for the push to break the back of unionism Employment Relations at Griffith Still over that whole time we We made it easier for people to long term. which has been traditionally strong University David Peetz outlined didn’t change how we operated. join the union by enabling online Steve Turner in the public sector”. the decline in unionism in We just kept looking in dismay at joins and giving all Organisers Assistant General Secretary This began with Thatcher in Britain Australia and worldwide. He also the declining figures, hoping for a a laptop to take into workplaces and is still rolling on strongly. highlighted the effects of public different result. with them. Worker safety is for all, PSA tells inquiry The PSA is pushing for an enquiry into the safety of emergency workers to apply to all public sector workers. The PSA has completed a The PSA’s submission highlights clearing investigations, while last • “In Community Services, workers constables] are not classified as submission on behalf of members the many and varied roles carried October public servant Curtis in Child Protection roles face Emergency Service personnel, to the NSW Legislative Assembly’s out by PSA members and the risks Chen was shot outside State risk on a daily basis” nor do they have additional Committee on Law and Justice. they face on a daily basis while Police Headquarters in Parramatta. • “In Disability Services the protections, despite the fact they are authorised to use firearms in performing their duties on behalf The PSA submission points out members working in group The Inquiry, launched in May 2016, of the community, and therefore their duties” “approximately 5000 Corrective homes also face severe risk of is investigating violence against recommends it cover “all public Service Personnel, both within violence” • “Legal Aid solicitors and emergency service personnel. servants at risk of violence while custodial and the community … Public Prosecutors … can find • “Court officials in many The PSA has made it clear the performing their duties”. frequently face violent situations”, themselves as targets for jurisdictions remain at issue is much wider. “The PSA has over 10,000 citing the cases of Correctional defendants and the victims of increasing risk from violence members in high-risk roles Officer Jason Gould, who was crime.” PSA General Secretary, Anne within their work environment” within the public service who struck in the face with a pool ball, The full submission is on the PSA Gardiner, was interviewed on are not considered by the terms suffering serious injuries in 2011, • “Juvenile Justice members face website. this subject in 2014 by The Daily risk every day in the custodial of reference in this inquiry,” and Correctional Officer Wayne Individual submissions are Telegraph, where she was quoted: reads the submission. Smith, who was killed by an environment” encouraged; submit them via “As communities are getting less Two years ago, Department inmate in 2007. • “Despite the increasing parliament.nsw.gov.au. tolerant in general, our public of Environment and Heritage Other sections of the PSA responsibilities … standing watch servants are being placed at inspector Glen Turner was membership were included in the as frontline security on major more risk.” murdered by a farmer over land- submission: government buildings, [special

4 – Red Tape August–November 2016 ADHC members march to Mike PSA members marched on the Manly electoral office of Premier Mike Baird to protest the privatisation of Disability Services. In July, members met at the Manly ferry wharf, then marched through the seaside suburb to the Premier’s office. Speakers included Assistant General Secretary of the PSA, Steve Turner, Shadow Minister for Family and Community Services Tania Mihailuk, and a number of PSA members employed in Disability Services whose conditions are under threat. The march received favourable coverage in the local press and The Daily Telegraph. Supporters from other unions joined the march.

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August–November 2016 Red Tape – 5 Sue Walsh From the President Baird off balance

He is not even half way His once permanent beaming smile is All while he and his colleagues are Members have done a terrific job, through his new term in now faltering. madly giving the green light to the sell continuing to provide first-class service to Nothing dramatic has occurred, but rather off of as much of the public sector in the people of his state under very trying Government but the gloss is his handling of a succession of issues NSW and the state itself. circumstances. coming off Premier Mike Baird. have lead to a fall from grace and all by In turn, those private operators will But we must stay united and strong. his own hand. provide the service for the least cost to The PSA and only the PSA provides the themselves – which means quality for The Premier has established himself it the consumer falls through the floor – buffer to shield members from the worse seems as a law unto himself. while forcing them to pay a premium for of what this Government has and will No consultation for him, not even with the pleasure. continue to throw in our direction. colleagues, just, it seems, Captain’s calls. The Liberals have never been great Attempting to fight back on your own or There was his decision to merge councils friends of the NSW public sector, dating worse, just give up, is exactly what this which was about nothing more than back to Nick Greiner’s massive slash-and- Goverment’s wants you to do. making life easier for developers. burn exercises, but Baird and co have Back the PSA and it will back you. reset the benchmark when it comes to Then there was his move to stop And sign up any colleagues who are not the greyhound racing industry in its contempt for you as public servants and PSA members. tracks along with countless associated the services you provide. livlihooods, which is now, not surprisingly, The past few years, firstly under O’Farrell Our strength is in our numbers. the subject of a backlash from within the and then Baird, have been difficult to say Sue Walsh Government’s own ranks. the very least for the NSW public sector. President

PSA meets PSA supports anti-asbestos action with FACS

The PSA joined the Secretary Electrical Trades Union over workload (ETU) in marching on After recent correspondence and media attention over workloads, the PSA met Premier Mike Baird’s with FACS Secretary Michael Coutts- office over the NSW Trotter and Deputy Secretary Deidre Mulkerin on Monday 15 August. Government’s inaction on Steve Turner, Assistant General Secretary, removing asbestos from led a delegation that included Thane Pearce, Senior Industrial Advocate, Micah power boxes. Thompson, Caseworker and Brendan McMenamin, Chair of the DC. The ETU says documents obtained through In recent weeks the PSA has been visiting freedom of information showed at least staff and talking about the challenges 29 current and former Ausgrid employees they face at work. had been diagnosed with asbestos- related diseases — including asbestosis, The meeting with the FACS Secretary mesothelioma, and lung cancer — between followed recent correspondence 2002 and 2012. highlighting staff concerns over resourcing, workload pressures and their ETU organiser Mark Buttigieg says that impact on staff health and wellbeing. with the imminent sale of the company, workers feared the NSW Government was The Secretary stated FACS shares the trying to pass the buck, leaving a future PSA’s concerns on workload and the need owner to deal with the problem. to properly support staff. “Huge amounts of asbestos remain across As part of this discussion, the PSA pushed the electricity network, from substations for greater use of the workload planner, in the city to transformers in suburban the benefits of better planning and the streets,” Mark Buttigieg says. importance of managing workloads, including regular quality supervision. “Most concerning is the fact that much of this asbestos is friable, which means the FACS supported this approach and the individual fibres are loose and — when PSA agreed to revisit, review and where disturbed — can easily be inhaled. relevant update the tool following the roll-out of Child Story in 2017. “This is the most dangerous form of asbestos, with even the smallest number In a joint statement, FACS and the PSA of asbestos fibres capable of causing agreed to a position on the work load debilitating and even deadly diseases.” planner. Additionally, Dr Martin Daly at the School of Human Ethics at Western Sydney University is undertaking research into the health and safety of employees working in child protection. He has asked the PSA to distribute his details so people can contact him if they are willing to participate in the research. The PSA encourages all workers within Community Services in FACS to participate as this will provide valuable information and inform future discussion on health and safety and workforce planning.

6 – Red Tape August–November 2016 School GA wins fight PSA assures staff The PSA lodged an application As a result, PSA staff and General formal and informal performance over injections for unfair dismissal with the NSW Assistant representatives have management programs. Industrial Relations Commission taken the transportation of As a result the PSA has been The PSA reiterates to members in of insulin can be fatal or seriously for a General Assistant who was dangerous goods to the DoE assisting a number of members damage a child’s health. terminated due to allegations of Schools Joint Consultative who are in this situation. schools they should not perform poor performance. Committee. injections as this is regarded as an There are also risks with using PSA staff and representatives invasive procedure and outside of needles such as needle breakage, Whilst individual details are The PSA will continue to push the have also succeeded in forcing the their statement of duties. needle stick injuries, bleeding and confidential, the application by transportation of dangerous goods Department of Education to consider the potential biological risks to the PSA in support of this member until a resolution which considers a standard operating procedure for The PSA is aware the Department, the staff member that must be resulted in a win the member was the WHS requirements and protects resetting circuit breakers. without consulting the union, has happy with. the rights and health of General requested members ‘volunteer’ to assessed and managed. The PSA will provide an update Assistants has been secured. perform injections for students as The PSA holds the view that As part of this individual matter, on the final standard operating clinical issues such as dosage, the transport of dangerous goods There have also been a number procedure once the Department part of diabetes management. where to inject, how to inject, by the General Assistant in his of enquiries from PSA members has considered the feedback from The Department’s position is: private vehicle was a serious relating to General Assistants correct needle use and the correct the PSA. • an SLSO can volunteer to consideration. in schools being placed on timing of insulin injections are undertake this procedure under all issues best dealt with by a a ‘diabetes management plan’ qualified and competent health • the SLSO can undertake a care professional. procedure if they are trained It is also noted that the ‘training’ PSA takes stand at people’s • the procedure falls within provided for prescribed medication ‘prescribed medication’ does not cover injections. privatisation inquiry • the SLSO is eligible for an The Department has third party allowance under the prescribed providers they can go to in order medications policy. to provide health care for students with complex health care needs. The PSA disagrees insulin injections fall within prescribed By law, the child has a right to medications and believes an education and your refusal to the procedure should not be perform medical procedures does performed by SLSOs. not abrogate this right or mean the child won’t get to go to school. The PSA regards diabetes management including such However, performing the things as blood sugar level procedure may enable the Department to avoid its The PSA has made a submission to an inquiry on privatisation. testing, injections and anything responsibilities to students. Hosted by Public Services International, the People’s Inquiry involving the administration of Into Privatisation took place in early September in Sydney, insulin into a child’s body as an If members are coerced or Newcastle and Wollongong, looking into the community effects invasive procedure. pressured into “volunteering” the sell-off agenda is having on bodies such as TAFE and to perform tasks outside their The PSA is concerned for the hospitals. statement of duties, they should safety of the student and the contact the PSA. Assistant Secretary Steve Turner and other PSA SLSO because of the potential representatives gave evidence. risks associated with these serious procedures – an incorrect dosage

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August–November 2016 Red Tape – 7 Arts college fight imitates life Sydney College of the Arts staff give first-hand accounts of their work to resist the University of Sydney’s move to ‘reimagine’ the PSA helps keep art Faculty into non-existence. schools independent The proposed merger of the PSA (CPSU) Delegates and staff universities’ art schools was attended several meetings and scuppered after action from the rallies in protest of the takeover PSA and other organisations. plan. On 21 June, Sydney College of Industrial staff approached the the Arts (SCA) staff were advised various Institutions to gather that the University of Sydney information in relation to the planned to allow UNSW Art & Heads of Agreement, and to seek Design to merge the fine arts a more detailed understanding courses, effective January 2017. of the proposed changes. Conflicting reports over the To this end, PSA (CPSU) wrote to weeks that followed indicated UNSW Vice Chancellor Ian Jacobs the National Art School may also on 6 July. have been involved in the deal. Despite the schools’ merger As technical and administrative being stopped, there are plans support staff at all three to move Sydney College of the organisations would have Arts to the Camperdown or As professional staff and proud from its website, shutting down to diminish and ultimately been affected by any proposed Darlington campus next year. PSA (CPSU) members at the enrolments for 2017. ‘disappear’ the visual arts faculty. changes, the PSA (CPSU) In August University of Sydney University of Sydney, we have Many postgraduate students have What is at stake with the move expressed grave concerns about students and staff of the cautiously celebrated a big win invested a lot of money to travel to to main campus is the loss of a job security, lack of consultation, rallied at The Madsen Building in the first battle to save Sydney Sydney to engage with the unique significant and globally respected and the practicalities of to protest the University’s College of the Arts (SCA). facilities and specialised teaching centre for excellence in art accommodation and timeframes. relocation plans (see story left). The University signed a Heads programs on offer at SCA. education including specialist When Industrial and Organising The PSA (CPSU) supported this of Agreement that proposed a world-class ‘making’ facilities, Lack of meaningful consultation staff met with PSA/CPSU student ‘strike’ and their right ‘merger’ with both the National highly skilled technical staff who with both staff and students President Grant Wheeler on to protest against this counter- Art School and the University of are professional artists in their 4 July to devise a strategy to resulted in angry town hall productive plan that jeopardises NSW Art and Design (UNSWAD), own rights and a unique approach best approach this situation, it meetings with both University and both the quality of education at which was made public to staff to art education. was agreed the primary focus Faculty Senior Executives. the University and the jobs of its and students in June. So, as professional technical staff, was to be on stopping the members. Public student actions – It was not clear how many our next battle begins, with help takeover of SCA by UNSW. supported by staff, the Sydney arts academic staff would be from the PSA (CPSU), to respond Following this meeting, community, PSA (CPSU) members employed at UNSWAD, but the to the DCP document. Organising staff developed – included an impressive ‘silent University was clear that all On 17 August, students, staff, PSA a campaign strategy which vigil’ on the steps of the Art professional staff positions would (CPSU) members and community involved liaising with student Gallery of NSW at the opening of be lost, along with major facilities groups including Friends of Callan groups, alumni, supporters within the Archibald Prize. essential for students to complete Park rallied on main campus, with community, and the NTEU. the courses and degrees they had Five weeks after the proposed the PSA (CPSU) and the Students’ signed up for, including the Glass, merger was made public, Vice- Representative Council providing Ceramics and Jewellery and Object Chancellor Dr Michael Spence buses to transport students from studios and workshops. notified all staff and students the Rozelle to Camperdown and SCA Glass workshop is Heads of Agreement had been printing and distributing flyers internationally recognised for its terminated; a huge win for us all. and posters. PSA exhibits quality progressive approach and is the However, the University was With passion, focus and only remaining facility in NSW. ready with its Plan B: downsizing intelligence, our collective gallery and museum staff The Jewellery and Object studio SCA into a part of the Faculty voices reverberated around the is only large-scale jewellery of Arts and Social Sciences, sandstone facades of the Main The PSA’s submission to an inquiry the efficiency dividend, with studio in NSW that offers highly which meant a move from its Quadrangle to the windows of the on cultural institutions has linked overall staff numbers restored respected and technically unique current location in Callan Vice-Chancellor’s office. “deleting the positions of trained to 2005 levels comprehensive national Park, Rozelle to Camperdown; What he heard was cheering in and experienced public servant • cuts to the Australian workshops. essentially a dissolution and acknowledgement of the first employees and the quality of Museum be reversed so it services offered to the public in This studio hosts both visiting dismemberment of SCA. battle won, and a determined cry has professional expertise NSW galleries and museums”. commensurate with its artists and international Meanwhile, both professional for a fight that is far from over. collection and status masterclasses and provides an and academic staff waited A further rally opposing the In its submission to the opportunity for artists to work on anxiously to receive the Draft Plan changes was held on Government’s Inquiry into • Art Gallery of NSW management both large and small scale projects. Change (DCP) from University 7 September. Museums and Galleries, the PSA should operate in a way which The Ceramics studio attracts many management. stated “we observe that funding ensure senior management and support for galleries and remains truly accountable to esteemed ceramicists from all over Seven weeks later, the DCP museums has been under attack staff the world. document arrived, with few by the NSW Government, including The University pulled the listing of surprises as it confirmed the • although the Museum of via wider programs of cuts such the Bachelor of Visual Arts degree Universities thinly veiled intention Applied Arts and Sciences as the efficiency dividend”. opening a site at Parramatta Stating “efficiency dividends is unanimously supported by for arts and science prevail at members, it must also maintain Commonwealth and State levels”, its presence in its current the submission advocated their Ultimo site removal from the Powerhouse • the NSW Government Museum. investigate the decision to The submission, which has been effectively abolish the NSW sent to the NSW Upper House Migration Heritage Centre, inquiry, made a number of which was part of the recommendations: Powerhouse Museum. • the NSW Government ensures Galleries and museums have decisions on funding and reform suffered under Baird. of museums, galleries and the Valuable exhibits at the Australian arts more generally Museum are now protected by low- cost contractors, the Powerhouse • the NSW Government provides Museum’s Ultimo site is being public data on Full Time circled by property developers and Equivalent staffing trends for all there have been staff cuts at the its galleries and museums and Art Gallery of NSW. the reasons behind these trends • the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences be made exempt from

8 – Red Tape August–November 2016 Remembering John Kaye

This year the PSA lost one of its most celebrated members, Greens NSW MP John Kaye. Dr Kaye, a member of the Legislative Council in the NSW Parliament since 2007, died in May from a devastating and unrelenting cancer. I was lucky enough to work closely with privatisation of TAFE, travelling to David Shoebridge on the same debate his relentless illness for long enough to John in his office for more than five years. colleges across the state to meet with the previous night. I knew it was true. accept it in person. However, the news of He was a mentor, a friend and a comrade. students, staff and teachers and their Such was his commitment to collective that life membership gave him enormous Like many people in NSW, I miss him dearly. union representatives and hear their action and the protection of quality public pleasure in his final days. When he was elected to Parliament John stories firsthand. services for the community, that he did The May 2016 PSA Annual Conference joined the PSA, being the union with John loved these trips, returning to our not want to reduce the issue to a mere also passed a motion to posthumously coverage of Parliament House employees. Macquarie Street office two or three days “pissing contest”, as John put it. confer life membership on John in In my five-and-a-half years as a workplace later brimming with his typical unending He was beloved by Greens NSW members. recognition of his contribution to not delegate at NSW Parliament House, John enthusiasm and inspiration for new He was preselected three times by the just the PSA, but to public life and to the was the only MP to attend mass meetings strategic directions for the campaign to membership to winnable positions. Once union movement in particular. of members. stop cuts to TAFE. in 2004, as the lead Senate candidate Later that day, many PSA conference That is how John saw himself, a public He was a media darling. It didn’t matter for NSW, second on the ticket behind Lee delegates and staff travelled from the servant and a union member. In 2013, how small the media outlet or how Rhiannon for the NSW Upper House in conference venue to the City Recital Hall the NSW Coalition government passed remote, journalists could always be 2007 and lead Upper House candidate in to attend a public memorial in John’s legislation that made MPs the hirer and assured of a few choice quotes and a the 2015 state election in which he was honour along with up to 1000 Greens firer of their own staff and allowed MPs media release from John Kaye. He put comfortably re-elected. members and supporters, MPs from across to sack electorate officers for no reason TAFE issues on the map long before it In that election, I believe it was testament the political spectrum and other comrades whatsoever, with little notice and reduced became popular to do so, but it gave him to his unparalleled work ethic and from the trade union movement. redundancy entitlements. John not only no pleasure when his dire predictions dedication to public service that saw him John was farewelled by family and friends railed against the passage of the bill about the privatisation of TAFE were achieve the highest number of below-the- at a small private burial at Waverley on the floor of Parliament and voted proven to be accurate. line votes by any other NSW Legislative Cemetery. He is survived by his partner of against it, but even after it became law, he When John became too unwell to work, Council candidate. 30 years, public school teacher and union flatly refused to accept that he was our he spoke often about how desperately he A number of honours and tributes activist, Lynne Joslyn. manager. wanted to get better so that he could get flowed John’s way since his death. The By Kelly Marks, former long-term staff I often joked with John that as a PSA back to his Save TAFE campaign. One of NSW Teachers Federation created a new member in John Kaye’s office, former PSA workplace delegate at Parliament House his proudest parliamentary achievements Public Education Champion Award to be NSW Parliament House workplace delegate I was free to be as militant with the was securing the support of the majority presented at their annual conference, and and Central Councillor chamber’s management as I wished of MPs in the Upper House for his Save John was the inaugural recipient. The because John, as my hirer and firer, TAFE private members legislation. Federation’s TAFE Teachers Association was the most unlikely of MPs to take John kept his wicked sense of humour conferred on him life membership. advantage of his new power. Certainly, in right to the end, providing those closest Unfortunately, he was unable to fight an industrial relations sense, he was the to him with a tremendous amount of best “boss” one could imagine. comfort. In his final days he told his friend In his academic career before politics, John and Greens colleague David Shoebridge was a member of the National Tertiary that he was considering requesting Education Union. He was so attached #saveTAFE be carved into his tombstone. to his previous union, he continued his Many PSA members would also be membership once he became an MP aware of John’s strong opposition to despite also being a PSA member. the privatisation of ADHC, and his deep What struck me after John’s death was the concern for the plight of some of the most public commentary on the extraordinary vulnerable members of our community. breadth and depth of his contribution to After his speech in Parliament on the NSW politics. From political donations National Disability Insurance Scheme to Packer’s new casino, John seemed to Enabling Bill 2013, many ADHC members be everywhere. The NSW Opposition contacted our office to thank him for the Leader Luke Foley joked in his address to most articulate explanation of the impacts Parliament following John’s death, that of the legislation they had heard from the ABC would have to find new content anyone anywhere. for its morning news radio bulletins, as It wasn’t just the workers in TAFE and it seemed like every second day featured ADHC whose pay and conditions John grabs from “Greens MP John Kaye” on one fought hard for. In 2011 he spoke for topic or another. more than six hours in Parliament in the However, PSA members would be most filibuster against Barry O’Farrell’s wage familiar with John’s work in support of freeze legislation. He told me later that the public sector and public services. it was a piece of cake and he could have He campaigned alongside many PSA spoken for longer, but he did not want members and organisers to stop the to pass the record set by his colleague

August–November 2016 Red Tape – 9 Parks dispute taken to IRC

The PSA has launched a dispute with the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) over the deletion of five area manager roles.

Two of the five roles are in The Commissioner provided Narooma, with additional assistance and supported the positions in Wollongong, principles of the PSA’s application Coonabarabran and Tenterfield in and requested OEH write to the the firing line. PSA and clarify what additional transitional arrangements would The PSA believes the OEH made be put in place after the removal the decision without consulting of the five roles. the union, failing to prepare a change-management plan and The PSA requested a role sought to replace critical area description for the transition roles managers with Grade 9/10s who and also requested information on would not have the necessary who would be eligible to apply for skills to undertake these roles. those roles. The PSA argued OEH did not follow The PSA also requires information on what functions would be the Consultation Arrangements undertaken by Regional Managers Guidelines 1997. in supporting the transitional roles. The Commissioner supported the The lost area PSA and believes that OEH should managers are just have had a Change Management Plan in place prior to allowing the part of the Baird regional managers to leave the Government’s attack organisation The Commissioner supported the on the state’s national PSA request the matter be stood parks system. over for four weeks and have it relisted if the PSA was not satisfied with the response from OEH. The Voluntary Redundancy Fewer area managers puts at risk Program Guidelines states a the security of the 30 million VR offer must not be made annual users of the NSW national in circumstances where its parks system. acceptance would: “adversely The lost area managers are just affect the delivery of services”. part of the Baird Government’s Also, OEH did not follow the attack on the state’s national Agency Change Management parks system. Guidelines, Clause 4.2 – agencies Facilities at threat of privatisation or part of agencies, undergoing include camp grounds at Lane significant organisational Cove National Park, the most change are required to prepare accessible camping facilities for an organisational change- residents of Sydney. management plan and submit to Ranger ranks have been reduced the Director-General of the agency from 261 to 202 in five years. cluster for approval. OEH reported to the IRC these Fire-fighting is just one of the roles filled by NPWS employees, such as area manager roles are not Jules Bros and Kim De Govrik. significant to the running of NSW National Parks.

Going to bat for PSA forces greater injured workers consultation from FACS A PSA submission to the State “The calculation should be Insurance Regulatory Authority has amended from PIAWE to PIADE; In March 2016, the PSA took the consulting on. The Department Relations formally lodging our demanded that overtime be taken pre-injury average daily earnings.” Family and Community Services will not consult on many issues claims. (FACS) to the NSW Industrial raised by the PSA such as: into account when determining The PSA recommended non- The union is discussing the Relations Commission (NSW shift workers’ pre-injury average pecuniary benefits not be included • no forced transfers following at the Disability Transfer IRC) over its failure to consult weekly earnings (PIAWE). in any calculations of the PIAWE, • protection of salary increases Committee: on transfer arrangements in the In a letter to the authority’s as this would devalue the workers’ post transfer • conversion of all eligible long- planned privatisation of Disability executive director, Carmel Donnelly, compensation payment. term temporary employees Services. • an improved employment the PSA said instead of working on “Many of our members are in guarantee period • district transfer planning As an outcome of the dispute, average weekly earnings, it should modestly paid roles and this could the NSW IRC recommended a • legally binding enforcement of • conscientious objection for be determined on a daily method have significant negative impact. for shorter periods. minimum six-month moratorium protections genuine religious, cultural or “For instance, shift workers who on directed staff transfers other discriminatory reasons “For periods of less than seven • improved transfer payments. work in remote locations benefit and the establishment of a days, the calculation should be In June 2016, the PSA received • consultation and supports from subsidised residential “specific purpose” consultative based on the percentage rate of formal correspondence from for clients without family or accommodation. The rationale committee to deal with transfer daily income,” she wrote. Treasury affirming the agency’s advocacy support of this is to entice employees arrangements for staff. “For example 95 percent of PIAWE to locations where employers stance and outlining the proposed • mobility pathway information. Since the last hearing in the NSW for a seven-day period with two experience difficulty recruiting staff. terms and conditions of staff IRC in May, the PSA has been days’ workers compensation can transfers to the non-government This would place further financial meeting regularly with FACS and result in almost $0 payment for sector. hardship on employees who make NSW IRC representatives to raise lost time. a workers compensation claim.” This letter does not address many issues of concern to members of the concerns of members. “In contrast, calculation by the and push for fairer protections. The PSA will continue to fight for daily income results in a living However, our main area of fair transfer arrangements and wage payment for the time lost. disagreement is what we are has written to NSW Industrial

10 – Red Tape August–November 2016 Land Council Community Corrections flex agreement under attack agreement The PSA is pushing to ensure employees in Bargaining is underway for a new Aboriginal Land Community Corrections retain their flexible Council enterprise agreement. working conditions.

Since March, the PSA/CPSU Bargaining • access to two days’ compassionate The push from the NSW Government and In a letter to Commissioner of Corrective Team has met with Management six times. leave for each instance of death or the Wages Policy Taskforce (WPT) is for Services, Peter Severin, PSA General Departments to have one agreement. Secretary Anne Gardiner pointed out “to Management and staff representatives serious illness of a family member. reduce the current Flexible Working Hours on the Bargaining Committee reached Purchase leave provisions will remain However, the PSA is working to ensure Agreement will not only be detrimental in-principle agreement on the complete unchanged. employees with special conditions attached to their employment retain to members, but also Corrective Services package of proposed changes on 2 August. The Executive has asked for more time special provisions, including all Corrective NSW as our members within Community The list of agreed changes was to consider the PSA/CPSU’s request for Services staff. Corrections hold a pivotal role in presented to the NSWALC Executive on the following additional improvements achieving participation in programs and Currently members in Community 19 August. to current conditions, including: reducing reoffending”. Corrections have a maximum of five day For the most part, their response was • a vastly superior consultation clause banking, a four-week settlement period Anne Gardiner added the officers play an positive. with a clearly defined process, and a and 10 hours’ carry over. important role in addressing the state’s However, they did not approve all of commitment to genuine consultation spiralling rates of incarceration. This enables staff to take up to nine days’ the changes recommended by the • clear guidelines for the restricted flex leave in a period. “To improve inmate productivity is to Committee, and there are still some use of temporary employment, and a ensure that they are participating in Staff in Community Corrections are often outstanding issues. process for conversion of temporary programs to reduce reoffending.” required to work after-hours, meeting While negotiations are still ongoing, staff to ongoing/permanent with clients who are holding down the PSA/CPSU has secured some wins, • access to long service leave pro-rata daytime work. including: after seven years. • no increase to core time PSA/CPSU and the other staff • adjustable bandwidth provisions will representatives agreed to put forward a now be available to all staff, not just pay claim of 3.75 percent percent for the PSA pushes to keep sport centres open first year, and 3.25 percent for each of those in the zone offices The PSA is fighting the Government’s The PSA has written to members of the remaining three years of the new EA. • better dispute resolution procedures, threats to privatise the Office of Sport (OoS). both houses of NSW Parliament to seek The response from the Executive is to such as the right to request Despite a Chief Executive’s recent report support for the continuation of the Sport tie a pay rise to performance. independent investigation praising Sport and Recreational Centres and and Recreational Centres, which are run • the retention of travel provisions The PSA/CPSU has made it clear it is the high service standards staff provide, the by highly qualified, professional public opposed to any moves to link pay to servants who presently are bringing in • access to paid domestic violence leave continued uncertainty regarding the future performance. In particular, we have of these centres has caused major stress more revenue than ever before whilst • paid parental leave entitlements for grave concerns about how performance and anxiety for members. offering a very high standard of service for foster carers will be measured, what milestones the community. The PSA has written to the OoS Chief • non-primary caregivers will now have need to be met, and how to deal with Executive, Matt Miller, expressing its The union will also contact the Teachers access to two paid weeks of other staff adversely affected by operational concern for the future of the eight Federation to seek support and assistance parent leave decisions beyond their control. affected centres, and your union has a for our opposition to any form of • NSWALC will pay superannuation contact person in each centre to keep privatisation in the Centres. during periods of paid parental leave members up to date with changes.

Upd@te & c nnect. J in the PSA nline tod@y. 1 2 3 Join Update Keep up to www.psa.asn.au online your details date with online the PSA

The Public Service Association is an active, member driven union that successfully asserts members’ interests and advances the value of public services for the people of NSW.

Authorised by Anne Gardiner, General Secretary, Public Service Association of NSW, 160 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000

August–November 2016 Red Tape – 11 Looking back on LPI By Phil Ireland

As the PSA fights to stop Land and Property Information being parcelled out to the private sector, one retiring member looks back at a career in a public service vital for the people of NSW.

After just over 40 years of putting in Next came the steep learning curve of an appearance at the ‘salt mine’, I have new technology, LiDar. This took a lot to decided to call it quits. get my head around it and many would It’s been quite a journey; looking back I can’t agree; I still haven’t got my head around believe where the last 40 years have gone! it. It has been an interesting process and viewing many locations in a different I started at Land and Property Information light. This has taken me up to the present (LPI) in May 1976 as one of the first date and is my final involvement in my local intakes, I was assigned to Joan work with LPI. Campbell in Rural Cadastral. Joan was a Much has been said about your true cartographer in every sense of the workmates that you meet on the journey. meaning and you learnt very quickly to How true it is to say that your colleagues adapt to her very strict expectations or make your work life. Yes, some you don’t you were in for pages of corrections. get on with, but most you do. That is After a while of this and being normal in any organisation. The laughs prompted by a colleague, I transferred along the way, touching on many day to to Photogrammetry where most of my day experiences of people that become time was spent plotting medium-scale friends over the years; these experiences topographical maps on Kern PG2s and make it all worthwhile. the old A6 under the supervision of some Finally, I’d like to encourage you to of the characters who are remembered consider your union and become involved. for many antics that no longer would be Over the many years I’ve been, firstly tolerated in today’s work environment. as a POA Councillor then as a Delegate There were the stints on shift work in the with the PSA as well as Vice Chair in the Orthophoto Groups on the Topocart as OFSI DC. I have personally witnessed well as Large Scale Mapping on the B8s. the dedication of people just like you to I had the opportunity to go to Western help maintain what many of you take for Samoa to kick start their mapping granted, your pay and work conditions. The program, initially for one year, which at constant fighting with the Government for the request of the Samoan Government your pay and conditions and what goes turned into two years. I was asked to stay on behind the scenes with Court battles, on but family needs bought me back to negotiations and such. Bathurst. It was a memorable time. The PSA is trying on your behalf to ensure your standards that you’ve become used When Medium Scale Mapping was wound to. Remember though, the union is you. back, there were stints in the GNB, Urban Being organised is your ticket to success Cadastral and in the early digitising group in the current volatile environment. when the DCDB kicked off. Remember your membership benefits Then came the opportunity to become as well; Did you know that you have involved with mapping the entire Western insurance coverage as a member for travel Division of NSW in four years. Almost to and from work? Non-members don’t! 12 years later we nearly finished, I think I wish you all the best for the future. It’s there were only two areas to complete been a pleasure to know you all and don’t but technology had made the Kern PG2s forget to say g’day if you see me in the redundant so the project came to a halt. street. I’m retiring in Bathurst; I like the Those years I consider were the best years place and plan to do more of my many of my time with LPI, mapping blocks then hobbies, pushbike, motorbike, radios, the field work that ensued afterwards. I hiking, travel, work around the house and had the opportunity to travel nearly every of course no doubt much running around road in western NSW, carry out aerial field with my five grandchildren. completion on occasion and visit many places that otherwise wouldn’t be seen. There was a brief involvement in the NSW Road Directory, when Western Division mapping finished, which gave the opportunity for more field work visiting many of the towns to ensure quality control of the product. I enjoyed the many kilometres driving around NSW. PSA submission into Trustee and Guardian police oversight The PSA has made a submission to the As the union which represents civilian NSW Government’s review of the state’s staff in Police and the aforementioned staff walk off job police force. agencies, the PSA is a major stakeholder Staff at the NSW Trustee and Guardian of service delivery is much less efficient The NSW review and analysis of oversight of in this process. walked off the job in September as part than the old method. NSW Police aims to create a single oversight On 9 July 2015 the PSA met with Andrew of an ongoing dispute over damaging Further meetings with the CEO following model that holds Police to account. Tink, the person commissioned by the reforms that seek to reduce staff from the release of the report have failed to The oversight function is currently NSW Government to undertake the review 182 down to 120 positions and close 11 address members’ concerns. undertaken by NSW Police, the NSW and provide recommendations. out of 19 offices across NSW. Members are fighting hard to protect Ombudsman’s Office, the Police Integrity In our meeting with Mr Tink, the PSA A pilot implemented to trial new systems the services provided by the Trustee Commission and the Parliamentary stressed that any amalgamation should has failed to address the numerous and Guardian to the community and Committee on the Ombudsman and the not displace our members currently concerns raised by the PSA and a report save jobs and to ensure that a workable Crime Commission. undertaking roles pertaining to Police prepared by Price Waterhouse Coopers system is implemented. Critical incident investigations into oversight. indicates that the proposed new method Police are conducted by the Coroner and That is, members in such roles should not WorkCover NSW. have to re-apply for their positions.

12 – Red Tape August–November 2016 US turns its back on private prisons The US Justice Department has announced a plan to phase out privately run federal prisons.

In a memo, Deputy Attorney General Sally As such, all contracts between the federal Yates said private prisons “simply do not government and private prison operators The medium-security United States Penitentiary, provide the same correctional services, will not be renewed as they lapse. Leavenworth, in northeast Kansas. programs, and resources; they do not save The decision affects only the 195,000 substantially on costs; and as noted in a inmates in federal prisons, a small recent report by the Department’s Office percentage of 2.2 million people in US jails. of Inspector General, they do not maintain Many states will continue to house the same level of safety and security”. prisoners in private facilities. The memo says declining numbers of The Department of Homeland Security prisoners in the federal system has will continue to use private immigration reduced Washington’s dependence on detention facilities. private operators. PSA puts prison benchmarking under watch Push for Records battle The PSA lodged a dispute on benchmarking • Failure to consult and provide details of on Monday, 1 August 2016. The President of proposed changed responsibilities and continues the NSW Industrial Relations Commission details of changes to roles and functions diverse called the parties to attend the Commission We further seek the assistance of Local media has supported employees at on Wednesday, 3 August 2016 to discuss the the Commission to have Corrective leadership a government authority under threat of matter prior to allocation. Services NSW provide risk assessment An inquiry by the Human Rights privatisation: State Records. The President has subsequently documentation that supports the stated Commission has found leadership in The Western Weekender Penrith covered a allocated the dispute to Commissioner intent of increasing safety of staff and Australia, including that of state public visit to the Kingswood facility by Prue Car, Tabba. inmates. services, is overrepresented by people of the ALP member for Londonderry. The dispute listed by the PSA seeks the We also seek the assistance of the Anglo-Celtic backgrounds. Privatising State Records will not just put assistance of the Commission in the Commission in having Corrective The report, Leading for Change, found staff conditions at risk; it will potentially following areas: Services NSW place on hold the pilot 82.26 of federal and state public service put confidential information about NSW • Failure to consult on proposed changes benchmarking until such time that issues secretaries and heads of department were citizens into the wrong hands. to staff and Correctional Officer numbers raised have been satisfactorily answered. Anglo-Celts, with 15.32 of other European PSA Assistant General Secretary Steve Turner background, 1.61 of an overseas non- met with State Records Authority director white background and 0.81 identifying as Geoff Hinchcliffe in March this year. indigenous. State Records manages the NSW archives Workers comp – collection. change for better W.G. McNally Jones Staff LAWYERS The PSA has been working The PSA will make a submission to the review of these laws by the Law & Justice tirelessly to roll-back Committee of the NSW Legislative Council, Proud to unfair changes to workers highlighting the issues of most concern to compensation laws made by our members and their families. be lawyers Unions NSW will also be making a the NSW Government in 2012. submission, focussing on the experiences of injured workers returning to work. for the PSA Tattersalls Building, Level 10, 179 Elizabeth Street Delegates handbook hits Sydney NSW 2000 The Octagon, Level 1, Suite F PSA shelves 110 George Street Parramatta NSW 2150 The PSA has released its most recent Delegates Handbook. Parramatta Office By Appointment Only The latest version of the handbook keeps delegates up to date with Phone: 02 9233 4744 Fax: 02 9223 7859 how they can better represent PSA members. We have accredited specialists in Personal Injury, Employment There are guides to organising and Industrial Law. We can also provide legal advice and the workplace, handling members’ representation to all PSA members on: issues and information on industrial relations law. Litigation | Wills | Conveyancing There is also practical information Family law including de facto relationships on matters such as meeting Police matters | Discrimination | Deceased estates procedures and dealing with workplace complaints. Superannuation & disability claims Copies are available for delegates General legal advice from the PSA via the website or by calling 1300 772 679. As members of the PSA you are entitled to the first consultation free of charge. To make an appointment, call 9233 4744 and quote your PSA membership number. Note: Work related matters must be referred to PSA industrial staff in the first instance. They will advise if a lawyer is required.

August–November 2016 Red Tape – 13 Super News Keep the faith and remember, you’re still in the driver’s seat Andrew Vogt

Australia’s 45th Parliament has now officially resumed, with superannuation central to the Government’s budget-repair measures.

Since my last article, the Coalition was It’s attracted little coverage, but could and what you should try to save in the re-elected with a one-seat majority in the impact your savings goals and retirement meantime. Surprisingly few people know Lower House and a new collection of cross- lifestyle. One estimate has the proportion what they’ll need to live on in retirement. bench MPs holding the balance of power of couples expected to achieve a Thinking about these sorts of things is in the Senate. Still awaiting passage at comfortable retirement income reducing time well spent. the time of publication is $6.5 billion in from 62 percent to 51 percent. This will At some point, your trust in the super savings, including a raft of super changes. mean tighter criteria will apply to the system may need to combine with your Generally, both the Coalition and amount of assets that can be held before trust in a super expert to help you further Opposition have stated their commitment the Age Pension is reduced. improve your savings. Licensed financial to a more equitable super system, which is Between the proposed changes and the advisers can help you develop a savings good news for the average fund member. known changes what should super savers plan if needed. (That’s useful if you’re Among the proposed changes to super are: do? How should you manage your super juggling mortgages and kids, and can’t right now and plan ahead? decide how much to contribute or how.) An • A new lifetime cap of $500,000 on Regardless of the outcome of proposed adviser can also adapt the plan when your after-tax contributions for those up to changes, being proactive about super circumstances and the super rules change. age 75. This would take effect from is a positive way to take control and to For those new to the idea of advice, it may 3 May 2016 and apply to all after-tax assess your options – super remains a feel challenging to lay out your finances contributions made since 1 July 2007. highly tax-effective way of saving for to a stranger. A good adviser should build Andrew Vogt is First State Super’s General • A lowering of the annual cap on retirement. All major parties see the need genuine trust with you over time, and give Manager of Financial Planning. before-tax contributions to $25,000 to have a superannuation system in place, you priceless peace of mind that your This is general information only. Financial for everyone regardless of age. This so super savers should keep their faith savings are under control. A good starting planning advice is provided by First State means the current caps of $30,000 and in the system. Also, debate about super point is your super fund’s helpline. Most Super Financial Services Pty Ltd AN 37 096 $35,000 for those under and its rules isn’t always bad. It can lead funds offer general limited advice at no 452 318, AFSL 240019. 50 years of age and those aged 50 to a better system. Super has never been cost to members. You can also ask about years or over respectively are no longer static, which is why we suggest planning fee for service advice, if your finances are expected to apply from 1 July 2017. proactively and considering trusted advice complex, and as well the qualifications of • If your super balance is under $500,000, on complex changes. their advisers and if in any one year you don’t reach Another tip is to learn as much as Remember, stay proactive and keep your before-tax contribution limit, you can. Read widely, follow public your faith in super. The system is still a you will be permitted to ‘catch-up’ by debate and stay grounded with reliable concessional environment with tax-free carrying forward your contributions for information. I like the Australian withdrawals from age 60. That’s not up to five years. Securities & Investment Commission’s bad! Expect ongoing public discussions • A $1.6 million cap will be placed on the MoneySmart website, for example. Or about improvements to super from total amount of super you can transfer spend a regular half an hour browsing time to time – each time this happens to a tax-free income stream. your super fund’s online resources. super savers get a bit savvier. It’s still your super and your savings: which Keen readers will also know that, as a It’s also helpful to stay focused on your makes today a good day to start your result of the 2015 Federal Budget, the savings goals. Ask yourself, what sort own discussion with your super fund, Age Pension assets test will change of retirement do I want to have? If financial adviser or both. from 1 January 2017. This means fewer retirement feels too far away, crunch some people will be eligible for a part-pension. numbers. Find out how much you’ll need Unions stop Heritage sell-off Action from the PSA and CFMEU has kept the NSW Public Works Heritage Death of statutory Services in state hands. body sees slew of Like so many other NSW assets, Heritage Services were in the Baird Government’s sell-offs sights to be handed to the private sector. The dismantling of the Sydney Around 40 stone masons, scaffolders and Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA) roofers have been maintaining some of has opened the floodgates for the Sydney’s oldest buildings for over 20 Baird Government to sell off its prime years but in June 2015, Finance Minister harbourside properties. Dominic Perrottet announced their jobs As reported in The Daily Telegraph, “five would be outsourced. hotels hugging the Harbour – the Four However, the Government failed to Seasons, Shangri-La, the Ibis and two consult and was forced to the Industrial Novotels – along with the West Quay Relations Commission three times just to apartment building overlooking the release information on proposed sale Sydney Opera House and a swath of The PSA and CFMEU campaigned around public recreational land in the Darling the unique skills the workers have and Quarter will be sold in coming months”. what a loss to the community it would be These planned changes, teamed with if their jobs were privatised. the sell-off of public housing in Millers NSW Public Works Heritage Services care Point, are yet another result of the sell- for structures such as the Department everything mantra that has gripped the of Education building on Bridge Street, Baird Government. Sydney (pictured).

14 – Red Tape August–November 2016 PSA implementing General Training better standards Courses SYDNEY METRO REGIONAL TRAINING Dealing with bullying in the Wollongong workplace Role of the Delegate Tuesday 20 September Tuesday 18 October Dealing with member issues Newcastle Wednesday 19 October Dealing with member issues Achieving workplace flexibility Tuesday 6 December Wednesday 26 October Role of the Delegate Tuesday 1 November + Wednesday 2 November Dealing with restructures Tuesday 15 November Dealing with member issues Wednesday 7 December

COURSE OUTLINES: Role of the Delegate INFORMATION TWO-DAY COURSE: discusses the These courses are available role of the delegate and active at no charge to PSA/CPSU members: what delegates do, members. delegate protections, organising Non-members wishing to attend skills, recruitment, working our training will need to submit with issues, union values and a membership application first. involvement. Any member can Participants are responsible for The PSA is committed to meeting • A dedicated Employee Relations • The union negotiated and learn from this course and is their own travel and other costs the highest standards of internal and Governance Officer was implemented the first ever PSA welcome to apply. governance. engaged on a full-time basis in Staff Enterprise Agreement in incurred in attending training. Dealing with Member Issues • In May 2015, the PSA Rules November 2014. May 2016, with the three PSA Venues internal unions. ONE-DAY COURSE: for delegates were amended to reintroduce All training courses are held at • The PSA published information who want to develop their ability a prohibition against donating • A merit selection process is PSA House, on its financial management, to assist members with individual any funds or resources of the promoted when engaging PSA 160 Clarence St, Sydney – unless including annual financial workplace issues. The course PSA to any political candidate, staff. otherwise stated. statements and the will look at how to deal with group or party. • A Member Complaints NB: Lunch is not provided. remuneration levels of the individual issues by using the • The PSA’s first Strategic Plan Resolution process was problem solving framework, and Tearoom facilities available with General Secretary and the was introduced in June 2014, implemented in August 2015. by developing advocacy skills. tea, coffee, fridge and microwave. Assistant General Secretary, Members can be assured that which includes a commitment Dealing with Bullying in the Special needs which have been confirmed by the PSA manages our collective to implement and report Workplace If you have a disability and/or against recommendations made Mercer Consultancy to ensure resources properly and promotes ONE-DAY COURSE: designed to special needs, please contact by the ACTU in its Union Good they accord with equivalent work transparency and accountability. assist members and delegates the PSA training staff when you Governance Handbook. done by public sector workers. in dealing with bullying and enrol. harassment at work. Special leave for trade union Achieving workplace flexibility training PSA/CPSU DIRECTORY ONE-DAY COURSE: this Most state public sector course looks at the benefits members are entitled to paid PSA EXECUTIVE Privatisation advocate Trade Union Training Leave. Your Anne Gardiner, General Secretary of workplace flexibility and what flexible work practices delegate/organiser will be able Steve Turner, sees the light to provide the details. Assistant General Secretary exist in the NSW public sector. Sue Walsh, President It will examine what you can do to access and implement Cassandra Coleman, Senior Vice President these flexible work practices, Wendy Hurry, Vice President by providing negotiation and organising strategies. Nicole Jess, Vice President Dealing with restructures SYDNEY GPO Box 3365 This one-day workshop outlines 160 Clarence Street the PSA’s whole-of-union SYDNEY 2001 approach to supporting members Phone: 1300 772 679 through restructures, and Facsimile: (02) 9262 1623 provides resources and strategies Membership changes: for members undergoing 1300 772 679 workplace change. It utilises Red Tape: 1300 772 679 case studies, discusses the role Email: [email protected] of members, delegates and staff, Distribution of publications: and can be targeted to specific 1300 772 679 agency situations. Website: www.psa.asn.au CENTRAL WEST REGION BATHURST CONTACT BY EMAIL: [email protected] Phone: 1300 772 679 CENTRAL COAST-HUNTER REGION NEWCASTLE A former advocate of privatisation these lovely headlines in The Phone: 1300 772 679 has finally come around to the Financial Review saying, ‘gosh, PSA’s way of thinking and labelled what a successful sale, look at NORTHERN REGION Red Tape privatisation “severely damaging” the multiple they achieved’,” he LISMORE Editorial Production: PSA Communications Unit for the economy. remarked. Phone: 1300 772 679 Design: Go Media Design Phone (02) 9319 6066 In an address to the Melbourne “Well of course they bloody well Printer: Torch Publishing NORTH WESTERN REGION Economic Forum, chairman of did — the owners have factored TAMWORTH Enquiries: PSA Communication Unit 1300 772 679 the Australian Competition and in very large price rises, because Phone: 1300 772 679 Consumer Commission Rod Sims there’s no regulation on how they Managing Editor: Anne Gardiner, General Secretary SOUTH EASTERN REGION (pictured) said privatisation had set the prices in the monopoly. Issue Editors: Murray Engleheart & Jason Mountney WOLLONGONG resulted in too many public assets “How dopey is that?” Writers: Jason Mountney & Murray Engleheart Phone: 1300 772 679 sold as private monopolies, with – with significant input from members SOUTH WESTERN REGION higher prices the result. Contact the PSA WAGGA WAGGA “So what happens is they become Phone 1300 772 679 Fax (02) 9262 1623 Phone: 1300 772 679 privatised, of course you get Email [email protected] Visit www.psa.asn.au

August–November 2016 Red Tape – 15 Your life preserver when the going gets tough

The PSA takes its members’ fights straight to the top. Whether it is a march on the Premier’s electoral office or a case in the Fair Work Commission, your voice is stronger when in unison with others, so join your union, the PSA. United we stand, divided we beg.

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