journal december edition

FOR MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY & PUBLIC SECTOR UNION/CIVIL SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF WA

08FIRE SEASON: WE’RE NOT READY

Print Post Approved: Post No 602 669/00351

10 PRESS 1Triaging calls for Police assistance is a band-aid solution at best.

07 SLICE & DICEBarnett announces another 1.5% of cuts taking the total to 6.5% for the year.

08 ONE YEAR ONWith one of the worst fire seasons on record forecast we need more support.

+ PLUSFeatures from Education, Child Protection, Corrective Services and more.

J4: 2012

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Attention WA Public Sector employees

DisclaimerThe Journal is the official magazine of the Community & Public Sector Union / Civil Service Association of WA. All information within is authorised by Branch Secretary Toni Walkington, unless it is supplied by Members or advertisers. Views expressed in articles are contributors’ own and are not necessarily those of the CPSU/CSA. Statements of fact are believed to be true but no legal responsibility is taken for them. All material appearing in the Journal is copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission. The CPSU/CSA takes no responsibility for claims made in the advertising appearing within and does not endorse any of the products or services advertised (unless they are our own!)

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COVER STORIES 7 BARNETT'S PUBLIC SECTOR SELLOUT -

EVERYTHING MUST GO! Barnett adds 1.5% to his cuts tally, boosting the

total to 6.5%.

8 COVER: ANNIVERSARY SEES LITTLE CHANGE

One year on from the Margaret River fires have the recommendations of the Ferguson & Keelty Reports been taken on board?

10 PRESS 1 IF YOU MATTER. PRESS 2 IF YOU DON'T.

The Police Communications Centre struggles from a lack of staff with calls for assistance on the rise.

contents

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7

FOR MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY & PUBLIC SECTOR UNION/CIVIL SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF WA

08FIRE SEASON: WE’RE NOT READY

Print Post Approved: Post No 602 669/00351

10 PRESS 1Triaging calls for Police assistance is a band-aid solution at best.

07 SLICE & DICEBarnett announces another 1.5% of cuts taking the total to 6.5%.

08 ONE YEAR ONWith one of the worst fire season on record forecast - are we ready?

+ PLUSFeatures from Education, Child Protection, Corrective Services and more.

J4: 2012

CUTS ARE BACK

CUTS ARE BACK

7

ISSUE 4: 2012 5

10

REGULARS19 While you’re waiting

20 The gallery22 Media monitors

23 Legal Q&A

24 L&D Course Calendar

25 Member Benefits

OTHER FEATURES6 Seasons greetings Holiday wishes from your union.

11 Public sector contributes to CHOGM success

CPSU/CSA Vice President Gavin Richards receives Commissioner’s Commendation

12 Aboriginal Education branch gutted

13 Senator says 'no' to privatisation

13 Program gives taste of union life

14 Situation worsens for children at-risk

15 Last hurrah comes with a final word for Minister

15 Welcome commitment from the ALP

16 Rolling lockdowns continue

17 Bravery awarded

17 Overseas contract ended

18 Saving the service

19 New Federal Secretary elected

88

BOOK NOW FOR 2013: WWW.CPSUCSA.ORG/TRAINING

Professional development & training to make your work life better.

WITHOUT CPSU/CSA L&D TEAM WITH CPSU/CSA L&D TEAM

CPSUCSA-Training-Dec.indd 1 23/11/12 4:05 PM

On behalf of the CPSU/CSA Executive, Council and staff we would like to thank members for their support this year.

There have been many successful campaigns and events with one of the highlights being DELCON 2012 at the end of September.

2013 will be a big year with the State Election on March 9 where we will be highlighting the triple threat to the public service - Privatisation and Contracting Out, Cutbacks and Under-Resourcing and Insecure Work.

After consultation with members we have developed a 5-Point Action Plan as part of our Save Our Services campaign for the election.

It focuses on Sharing the Benefits of the Boom, Funding for Growth, Quality Services for Regional WA, No Privatisation and Fair Workplaces.

In March we have an opportunity to affect our plan by electing a State Government that values our public service and will invest in its future.

We look forward to all political parties putting their cards on the table and telling us their plans for the public sector.

2013 will be another year of challenges and we look forward to your continued support and help to grow your union.

Have a safe and happy festive season.

Seasons Greetings

Lea McKayBranch President

Toni WalkingtonBranch Secretary

Rikki HendonBranch Asst Secretary

ISSUE 4: 2012 7BOOK NOW FOR 2013: WWW.CPSUCSA.ORG/TRAINING

Professional development & training to make your work life better.

WITHOUT CPSU/CSA L&D TEAM WITH CPSU/CSA L&D TEAM

CPSUCSA-Training-Dec.indd 1 23/11/12 4:05 PM

Recent announcements by the Barnett Government of further funding cuts and job losses have caused significant concerns for our members and the communities they serve.

Most public sector chiefs were forced to reduce costs by 2% in this current year as part of an escalating reduction in funding with 5% cost reduction in 2015/2016. The latest cuts, announced in early October, increase this demand.

Government agencies are already struggling with the previous cutbacks and our members, along with senior management from various departments and agencies, have every right to be alarmed by the latest announcements.

The public will quickly realise that the latest cutbacks aimed at saving $328 million aren’t sustainable when they are not getting timely access to services.

When the State Budget was delivered in May the efficiency dividends in the Forward Estimates painted a grim picture, projecting four years of cutbacks. This follows a saving of some $300 million identified in the previous financial year.

Given the projections for future financial years Western Australia’s public service is going to be crippled even further

than it is now. The recall waiting lists at public dental health clinics will continue to blow out, more children under the State’s care will be waiting longer to be allocated a case worker and the queues will get bigger at Department of Transport licensing centres.

There are countless more examples where services have already been compromised and it is only going to get worse.

In the latest announcement the Barnett Government tried to convince the public that frontline services won’t be affected by saying that the cuts are aimed at ‘backroom’ functions. This fails to acknowledge the contribution many make to the delivery of services.

In World War II it was generally accepted that to have one person on the frontline you needed 100 in the supply chain. Currently in the army if you have one person on the frontline you need about 25 in the supply chain.

Anytime the Barnett Government considers a cutback to ‘backroom’ services the question needs to be asked – how many in the supply chain to do you need to deliver the frontline service?

That is a question we will ask as often as possible between now and the State Election on March 9.

Barnett’s public sector sellout - everything must go!

From Dec 21 there are

approximately

working days left until the State election.

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3

2

4

ISSUE 4: 2012 9

Anniversary sees little changeOne year on from the horrendous bushfire that destroyed 30 homes in Margaret River little has changed.

provide services and materials on the fire line during fire response incidences. Staff volunteering on these teams are paid an allowance after they volunteer to be on call one week in five.

Ms Walkington said the Barnett Government needed to urgently address the roster shortage and the level of remuneration needed to match major decisions made in the heat of the battle.

Some staff were on several different pre-form rosters as well as the first response crews because there were not enough people to fill positions when fires broke out.

Our members are concerned that the recent advertising for 52 staff was not a succession plan and was a band-aid solution at best. The people with the most experience when it comes to bushfires are current DEC employees so they are the ones most likely to apply for these positions.

These are the people with experience in the pre-form teams and with the cutbacks to government agencies there is no guarantee that these staff will be replaced.

It takes up to five years for staff to develop fire fighting experience and plans need to be in place now to entice people into the service and give them a reason to stay there.

The impact of the Department of Environment and Conservation’s lack of succession planning was highlighted in the media and at the Justice Standing Committee’s Inquiry into the State’s bushfire preparedness in November.

CPSU/CSA Branch Secretary Toni Walkington and delegate John Carter spoke of the impacts that the lack of staff would have on the department’s capacity to respond to bushfires across Western Australia.

Ms Walkington said some regions were already reporting that their effectiveness was being compromised by a shortage of experienced staff in certain roles, including a lack of experienced duty officers.

She said it took four to five years for a duty officer to gain adequate training and experience and if the department was hampered in its ability to plan ahead, it would struggle in future years.

“Experts are predicting we will have a bad fire season but it will be nothing compared to the fire season in five years if there are no experienced duty officers around,” Ms Walkington said.

“Report after report has acknowledged that baby boomers are walking out of the door in DEC and that void is not being filled.”

She said more staff retention and succession planning had to be done.

“DEC needs experienced people to manage these complex fires when they break out and that can only be done with proper succession planning.”

At a media event in Kings Park on November 22, Ms Walkington highlighted the 47 vacancies in DEC’s pre-form teams which

Toodyay, 2009At least 4 people injured & 38 homes destroyed.

c Photo by Fernando de Sousa on Flickr.

A commuter captures the beginnings of a fire in the Perth Hills from Bayswater.

c Photo by Wyrmworld on Flickr.

Toni Walkington talks to media at Kings Park on the Margaret River fires anniversary.At least 30 homes and businesses destroyed.

47 jackets laid out in Kings Park to represent the 47 vacancies in the pre-form fire teams.

CUT BACKS

1 32 4

Experts are predicting a bad fire season but it will be nothing compared to the fire season in five years if there are no experienced duty staff around.

10 THE JOURNAL

Press 1 if you matter. Press 2 if you don’t.

With calls to the Police Communications Centre projected to hit to 1.8 million in two years how many people do you think will

be willing to wait in a queue for help?

The introduction of new voice response technology will not solve the problems of long wait times or massive workload for staff at the Police Communications Centre that handles the 131 444 calls.

In early November Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan announced they would be introducing automated screening to deal with an overwhelming increase in the number of calls.

The centre fielded more than 1,100,000 calls last financial year and that number is expected to increase to more than 1.8 million by 2015.

CPSU/CSA Branch Secretary Toni Walkington voiced our members’ concerns that it was a band-aid solution at best in

various media forums including on Channel 7’s Today Tonight and local radio when the announcement was made.

“Getting people to press ‘1’ on the phone if they require immediate police attendance or ‘2’ for any other matter will not change the fact that the service will still struggle and that more operators are needed,” Ms Walkington said.

“Police Services are trying to do the best he can with budget restrictions but the Barnett Government needs to understand that more operators are needed to respond to the spike in calls.

“The new triage system may provide some relief for people who are requesting immediate police response but it will not alleviate the fact that more operators are needed to process the calls, no

ISSUE 4: 2012 11

matter what the priority may be.”

The communication centre has been understaffed for about four years and the CPSU/CSA estimates that at least 70 more full-time staff are required to bring the unit up to speed.

Voice response technology will not help staff respond quicker, particularly on the busy Friday and Saturday nights when there is a huge demand for a quick response.

There are about 140 people currently employed including administrators, call takers and supervisors.

The Barnett Government’s claims that budget cutbacks will not have an impact on frontline services is being challenged.

CPSU/CSA members are constantly saying they are not able to process calls in a timely manner.

There are examples of significant delays in responses included a case where it took 25 minutes to respond to a caller who said an offender broke into his house and stole a car.

This incident is classed as a ‘hot burglary’ which means police have to respond within 10 minutes if the offender is in a car or 15 minutes if they are on foot.

Ms Walkington said their members were constantly under pressure on a shift with some being physical ill.

“People are regularly stressed when they are making the call and the delays in responding by pressing ‘1’ on their phone will only add to pressure-cooker situations.

“The Barnett Government needs to reassess its cutbacks to essential public services in this state and the public needs to know the impact these decisions are having.”

CPSU/CSA Vice President Gavin Richards has been recognised for his work in the lead up to and during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth last October.

He received a Commissioner’s Commendation in recognition of his “commitment, dedication and professionalism in supporting the planning, operational phase and execution of Operation DEMILLE, which was achieved by effectively providing for the safety and security of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and all delegates to the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth in October 2011”.

Mr Richards was involved in developing and implementing a communications strategy leading up to the international event.

“It was a huge build up to the three-day event — we planned for almost a year,” Mr Richards said.

“It was worthwhile to see the whole event come together, as it showcased the State’s huge reliance on the public service.”

While the media focussed on the frontline an event like CHOGM highlighted the importance of public servants in the successful delivery of frontline services.

“CHOGM’s success would not have been possible without the support of Police staff, which is the point I want to stress.

“When I received the commendation, I had all my colleagues in mind, as every one of them contributed to the event’s success.”

Mr Richards said it was conventional wisdom that the military could not function without efficient logistical support and the Police service was no different.

He has been with WAPol since the early 1990s, having started in the public service in 1973, and has been awarded a WA Police Service Medal for diligent and ethical service.

TODAY TONIGHT FEATUREWatch the Today Tonight feature in full online at: www.cpsucsa.org/todaytonight

Public sector contributes to CHOGM success

CUT BACKS

A job well done: Gavin Richards receives his Commissioner’s Commendation from WA Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan.

12 THE JOURNAL

Aboriginal education branch guttedThe Department of Education’s Aboriginal Education branch has been gutted by major Barnett Government cutbacks.

In two years the branch, which aims to improve the education of Aboriginal students, has been trimmed from 25 staff to 15. By February 2013 numbers are expected to fall to seven, which experienced staff say is having a significant impact on delivering frontline services.

Travel to regional and remote centres has also been indefinitely cancelled, severely compromising the ability of the branch to deliver professional learning and support regional schools.

Schools supported by the branch are based in communities which often have an Aboriginal population of more than 50 per cent. These areas also tend to have a low socio-economic index and students that need additional support.

For a lot of these schools student participation and attendance is a challenge and they rely on the Aboriginal Education branch to build trusting relationships with local communities to improve student outcomes.

Now that the branch is unable to travel to regional and remote locations, members are concerned that building and maintaining these important relationships will become increasingly difficult.

Communication between the Aboriginal Education branch and regional and remote communities is now largely restricted to telephone and email.

Members report that this form of communication is much less effective than face-to-face contact, especially given that information and communication technology can be unreliable in some remote and isolated locations.

Teachers who elect to work in remote and isolated schools do so with the understanding of receiving ongoing support from the Department.

Members fear that reducing the level of support provided by the Aboriginal Education branch will make it even more difficult for these hard-to-staff schools to attract and retain teachers.

“Cutting resources to the Aboriginal Education branch places the educational outcomes of Aboriginal children in Western Australia at risk,” CPSU/CSA Branch Assistant Secretary Rikki Hendon said.

“The Barnett Government should be sharing the benefits of the mining boom by investing in the education of our State’s children, not slashing the Department of Education’s budget.”

CUTBACKS

... student participation and attendance is a challenge and they

rely on the Aboriginal Education branch to

build trusting relationships

ISSUE 4: 2012 13

Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers Senator Jan McLucas met with CPSU/CSA Branch Secretary Toni Walkington and our delegates from Disability Services Commission on November 8.

Talks focused on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that the Queensland Senator said would provide a lifetime approach to support people with a disability and provide better support for families and carers.

Senator McLucas said trials of the scheme would be launched in every other state except WA next year as negotiations with the Barnett Government were not as progressed as elsewhere.

Senator McLucas said, once introduced, the scheme would personalise support based on a plan that reflected the goals and aspirations of people with disabilities and their families.

Under the scheme people will have more control over the services and support they receive and the flexibility to explore and choose from a wider range of options and providers.

Delegates said the Barnett Government was using the NDIS as a reason to justify some of its policies to undermine or privatise state disability services, including the closure of the Community Social Trainer service and the establishment of the My Way Project.

Senator says ‘no’ to privatisation

It became clear from the discussion that the My Way Project is not at all comparable to the NDIS trials taking place in other states.

Senator McLucas was asked if the Federal Government would force the privatisation of state disability services through the NDIS.

She reassured delegates that NDIS will not force the State Government to privatise services, and, in fact, it is possible for the State Government to be contracted to provide direct service delivery through the NDIS system.

PRIVAT ISATION

CPSU/CSA organiser Janelle Sewell said this year’s intake was a dynamic group of women who all believed in what they were doing.

The experience included work placement at various government agencies along with meetings with key union officials and politicians.

Senator McLucas hears the concerns of CPSU/CSA delegates.

Participants with Rikki Henden (BAS) and Janelle Sewell (Lead).

Program gives taste of union lifeA group of female CPSU/CSA delegates were given an insight into the union movement when they participated in the 2012 Anna Stewart Memorial Project in September.

The five-day course is named after Anna Stewart who was a passionate Victorian union official and a long-time campaigner for womens’ rights, who died tragically at the age of 35 years.

The course is coordinated by the ACTU and UnionsWA and aims to encourage more women to get involved in the union movement and promotes leadership roles.

Specialist speakers covered issues such as domestic violence leave, support versus representation, gender-based bullying and harassment, cyber safety for women and girls, and insecure work for women.

14 THE JOURNAL

Situation worsens for children at-risk

The CPSU/CSA received internal Department for Child Protection emails in October that said staff may be “sacrificed” as the department struggles with a “dire” budget situation.

This was the basis for a major story in the Sunday Times on November 11 that said thousands of WA children living in dangerous homes and in need of protection were at risk because of the Barnett Government cutbacks.

Staff were told to get their spending under control and present plans on how they were to come in on budget.

“I don’t ever want to have to start laying staff off again…” the internal email said.

CPSU/CSA Branch Assistant Secretary Rikki Hendon said this was a clear example of frontline services being affected by the Barnett Government’s continual budget cutbacks.

“No government should be putting vulnerable children at risk to produce a budget surplus,” Ms Hendon said.

Staff vacancies in mid-October include 23.6 child protection workers, 13.6 senior child protection workers and two team leaders. The total number of vacancies equates to a complete case worker allocation in a regional office.

Child Protection must be exempt from the latest cutbacks.

Ms Hendon said they were concerned for the 122 case workers who were dealing with more than the maximum of 15 cases at once (a figure determined by the WA Industrial Relations Commission).

“Staff are now dealing with more cases and the government needs to reflect the increased workload with more staff and resources.

“The bottom line is these children need care, protection and support. We need a state government that will make this possible by employing more staff to help these vulnerable children.”

14 THE JOURNAL

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CUT BACKS

No government should be putting vulnerable children at risk to produce a budget surplus.

ISSUE 4: 2012 15

Former DSC Community Social Trainers recently protested to the Disability Services Minister Helen Morton that the decision to abolish their positions was a bad one. At at meeting at the Minister’s electorate office the former Social Trainers presented 600 postcards to the minister’s chief of staff.

Most staff took redundancy packages in July after originally being told of their fate last November, leaving more than 250 families out in the cold with no other private or public provider able to replicate their services.

The Community Social Trainers helped adults with intellectual disabilities develop skills to perform the kinds of daily tasks that most people take for granted such as cooking, shopping and catching public transport.

CPSU/CSA Branch Secretary Toni Walkington said it was important the Ms Morton understood there was no similar service offered in the non-government sector.

She said the department had already called in staff from group homes on short-term contracts to backfill the void.

“The Community Social Trainers were specialised in their field teaching people to be independent, rather than dependent.”

Staff who lost their jobs felt like they were abandoning their clients, having spent up to 30 years working with some families, and they wanted the Minister to understand the impact of this decision.

This is clearly another example of the government walking away from its responsibility to vulnerable people in our community as they continue to strip vital resources from the public service.

Last hurrah comes with a final word for Minister

MP Sue Ellery meets CST’s for lunch at Treasure Palace, Maddington.

ISSUE 3: 2012 15

The CPSU/CSA has welcomed the WA ALP’s ‘Building a Stronger Skilled Public Sector’ policy statement which commits to improving the State’s public service.

WA Labor leader Mark McGowan outlined the policy statement at a special Unions WA event in late September and follows his pledge to support the Save Our Services 5-Point Action Plan which has also been supported by fellow ALP MPs and candidates.

It is pleasing to note Labor’s commitment to permanent employment, a reduction of fixed-term contract employment, securing access to the WA Industrial Relations Commission along with training and development.

However our members have become increasingly concerned with the reduced investment in our public services through efficiency dividends and job cuts.

Welcome commitment from the ALP

The ALP policy omits references to the efficiency dividend/budget cuts and FTE ceilings and we have written to Mr McGowan to seek ongoing dialogue on these matters.

Currently many members are faced with working in public services where the State Government is contracting out its obligations to the community and forcing services to be run for profit, rather than for public good.

The CPSU/CSA has comprehensively consulted with its members to develop the five points of the SOS Action Plan (share the benefits of the boom, fund for growth, quality services for regional WA, no privatisation, and fair workplaces).

More than 16,000 CPSU/CSA members and countless West Australians have a strong interest in the future of the public sector they have committed their careers to, and depend on for essential services.

We will be communicating the outcome of our discussions with representatives of the WA Labor Party to help our members and the public make informed choices in the upcoming state election.

16 THE JOURNAL

Rolling lockdowns continueTwo escapees, two officers seriously assaulted, one member of the public injured.

Banksia Hill Detention Centre members locked detainees in their cells for long periods of time in mid October because they didn’t have enough staff to deal with the number of detainees in the system.

Detainee numbers increased when juveniles from the former Rangeview Remand Centre were transferred to the expanded Banksia Hill facility.

Members said they were short staffed before the merger and the extra detainee numbers added to a pressure-cooker situation.

Adding to members’ concerns were several incidents in which workers were threatened or assaulted by detainees.

On August 2 two detainees escaped after attacking a construction worker from the building site and smashing their way through a security gate with his vehicle.

Two juvenile custodial officers have been assaulted in separate incidents.

Ms Walkington said the problems stemmed from the Barnett Government’s ill-fated privatisation of a new prison for young adult males, now known as Wandoo (Aboriginal term for white gum).

“They have handed over the young adults facility to multi-national company Serco in a $171 million, 15-year deal originally planned for young adults from 18 to 22 years of age.

“However as a result of the Barnett Government’s insistence that the facility be run by private operators the model was changed to include offenders up to 24 years of age so that it was financially viable for private providers.

“We believe they will struggle to fill Wandoo in its current parameters and it will become a white elephant.”

PRIVAT ISATION

ISSUE 4: 2012 17

Staff speak out about the rolling lockdowns and the months ahead“We can’t get all the detainees unlocked at the same time, it is simply not safe so we are releasing them on a rolling basis.

“We want to be positive role models to the detainees and lead them away from a life of crime but our ability to do that at the moment is restricted and staff morale is incredibly low.

“Staff are worried there will be more assaults as the weather gets warmer and the detainees become more aggravated.

“Staff are being asked to come in and work extra shifts which a lot of them are doing and some of them are now feeling guilty when they say no and have a day off.

“We run to a skeleton crew but if someone calls in sick there is no one on a roster that can backfill that position.”

Staff are worried there will be more

assaults as the weather gets

warmer and the detainees become more aggravated.

Several of our members were recognised for their contributions to the community at the Corrective Services Public Service Awards in November.

Dion Storey won the Aboriginal Corrections Achievement Award for his implementation of the Roeburne Driving Forum (RDF) that aims to tackle the high rate of driving-related offences in the West Pilbara region.

The program is coordinated by the Roeburne Community and Youth Justice group and tries to reduce the high number of Aboriginal people involved in a range of driving-related offences and risk-taking behaviours.

Dion went on to win the Minister’s award that was selected by Corrective Services Minister Murray Cowper.

Fellow members Rachel Taylor and Elizabeth Bradfield received a Commendation for Bravery.

The Youth Custodial Officers from Banksia Hill were nominated for their actions on December 14, 2011 when they stepped in to stop an attack by a detainee on fellow officer Paul Ledingham.

Their actions helped to get the situation under control and prevented further serious harm to Paul.

The Department of Finance has confirmed that a contract to outsource an audit of leave balances for the Office of Shared Services staff has ended.

It has come to light that a substantial part of the work was being done off-shore, to be undertaken by workers overseas.

At a recent Joint Consultative Committee meeting we were advised that the contract had ended.

This follows pressure we put on the Barnett Government through the media.

Expressions of Interest will soon be called for the work to be done within WA and within the Department of Finance.

We now want to be fully briefed by all Departments and agencies where outsourcing has occurred, particularly overseas.

Public service rewarded

Overseas contract ended

ISSUE 4: 2012 17

18 THE JOURNAL

Saving the serviceIntroducing SOS Lifeguard and volunteer extraordinaire Jon Kaub

When most people think about enjoying their long service leave they often think of exotic locations and a relaxed lifestyle.

However one of our members, Jon Kaub, has taken a different path and decided to volunteer his time to the Learning and Development team at the CPSU/CSA on his extended break, looking to empower himself as much as possible.

“As Billy Thorpe sang, most people I know think that I am crazy,” Jon said.

But those who know Jon know that he is passionate about public service and what it stands for.

“I have spent the last 18 years of my working life in the public sector and throughout that time I have had a strong belief and commitment to the ethos of public service.

“This is based on knowledge and expertise in my field, giving objective without-fear-or-favour advice, team play, transparency, equity and fairness.

“The very reason that I’m volunteering do to this work is because I remain true to this ethos.”

Jon was always destined for a life in the public service – it was in his genes.

His mother Gillian was one of the first female inspectors at Worksafe and his dad, also Jon, was a senior project officer in the gold mining industry before moving to the Department of Resources Development and joining the CPSU/CSA council.

Jon said cutbacks to FTE numbers, budgets and resources had created a high degree of damage to the public sector.

He said, now more than ever before, it is important that members and the community know what is going on and that we prevent the dismantling of the public sector.

LIFEGUARDS SOS

Each word must contain the letter in the centre of the grid. Use each letter only once, no proper nouns, plurals or verb forms ending in 's'. There is one nine letter word.You may need a spare sheet for this one!45 (words) = Good90 = Great110 = ExcellentThere are 115 words.

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Take five with a cup and drag your eyes away from the screen - numbers or words, pick your poison.

while you're waiting...Puzzle ID

: ISS3-2012-003

5 9 1 3

7 9 1 3 8

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Puzzle ID: ISS3-2012-003

4 8 3 1 9 6 5 7 2

5 2 6 4 3 7 8 9 1

1 9 7 8 2 5 4 3 6

7 5 4 6 1 2 3 8 9

3 6 9 5 8 4 1 2 7

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9 LETTER BLOCKPROTECTED, detector, pottered, ottered, proceed, tetrode, cotted, deport, detect, dotter, petted, ported, potted, recode, redtop, rotted, teredo, ceder, coder, coped, cored, credo, creed, decor, depot, deter, doper, doter, epode, erode, opted, pored, roped, roted, toped, toted, treed, cede, code, coed, cord, cred, deco, deep, deer, doer, dope, dorp, dote, dree, drop, oped, peed, prod, rede, redo, reed, rode, teed, toed, trod

Solutions to JRN3-2012-003

Karen Batt is the new Federal Secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union/State Public Services Federation after winning the three-way battle that was declared in late November.

Ms Batt received 7864 votes (45%) to win over incumbent Federal Secretary David Carey 6654 (38%) and Belinda Sugden 2930 votes (17%).

The CPSU SPSF Victorian branch State Secretary went into the election with the backing of elected leadership groups from Western Australian, Tasmania, South Australia and Victoria, along with support from New South Wales activists and members.

“My election to the role of Federal Secretary will see the development of a coordinated and targeted response across all the states to the attacks that are currently being made by State Governments on the job security and terms and conditions of our members,” Ms Batt said.

Karen has worked closely with CPSU/CSA Branch Secretary Toni Walkington, Branch President Lea McKay, our Executive and staff over many years.

“I believe that the new role as Federal Secretary will allow me to support the efforts the CPSU/CSA is making in defending their members’ rights and the campaigning they are doing defending the jobs of our members against privatisation, outsourcing and labour hire at the hands of the Barnett Government.

“Together we can work constructively across Australia in the best interests of all our members.”

New Federal Secretary elected

Karen Batt, Federal Secretary for the CPSU/SPSF

20 THE JOURNAL

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1. DEC photo shoot & media interviews @ Kings Park November 22

2. White Ribbon Breakfast on Esme's Terrace, CSA Centre November 27

3. TPSA Members @ Dept of Education, Royal St November 14

4. Corrective Services Action Plan launch October 23

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5. Dental Health ballot information session @ CSA Centre October 22

6. Anna Stewart program September 21 & 20

7. Community Social Trainers lunch with Sue Ellery @ Treasure Palace, Maddington September 7

22 THE JOURNAL

MEDIA MONITORS

SEPTEMBERPRINT + ONLINEPay extraction move Weekend Courier (Rockingham) September 1, 2012

Hands off public sector, says union The West p6 September 4, 2012

More support for child welfare cases: Union WA Today September 4, 2012

College staff denied penalty rates: union Geraldton Guardian p2 September 6, 2012

Outsourcing to India Sunday Times September 16, 2012

Union claims WA firefighters work 28 days in a row WA Today Sydney Morning Herald Spetember 18, 2012

WA fire workers badly overstretched: union Perth Now September 18, 2012

Firefighters overworked The West September 19, 2012

Criminal checks fail kids Sunday Times p1 & 9September 23, 2012

WA targets public service Australian Financial Review September 27, 2012

OCTOBERPRINT + ONLINEWarning on school sick bays The WestOctober 1, 2012

WA Police plan 'on track' despite cuts Herald Sun October 8, 2012

WA Police cuts The Australian October 8, 2012

Staff stress disrupts juvenile jail The Australian p6 October 29

TV + RADIODemands for exemptions from hiring freeze ABC Radio & online October 17, 2012

High rate of absentee prison officers claimed ABC online and interview October 29, 2012

Union claims victory for media scutiny Sunday Times September 30, 2012

TV + RADIOUnion calls for more child protection workers ABC Radio News September 4, 2012

Curtin FM radio news: Child welfare cases Curtin FM September 4, 2012

RTR FM radio interview: Child welfare cases RTR FM September 5, 2012

Outsourcing to India Howard Sattler program 6PR September 13, 2012

Commitment sought on WA pubic sector ABC TV news September 16, 2012

Firefighters overworked 96fm breakfast news September 19, 2012

DEC and firefighting issues ABC Radio - South West September 21, 2012

Working with children checks concerns Sonshine FM September 24, 2012

Budget cutbacks will affect frontline services ABC Breakfast news & online September 27, 2012

NOVEMBERPRINT + ONLINEChild abuse checks overdue Sunday TimesNovember 4, 2012

Fire crews reluctant to burn off after death The West online November 7, 2012

Cuts put kids in danger Sunday Times p11 Herald Sun November 11, 2012

DEC resources under fire Albany Advertiser p1 November 13, 2012

$100 million technology overhaul sought by school groups Sunday Times p3 Herald Sun online November 17, 2012

TV + RADIOPolice Assistance Centre interviews (with Toni Walkington) 6PR Radio news ABC Radio news Howard Sattler (6PR) Today Tonight (Channel 7)November 9, 2012

ICT in schools interview (with Rikki Hendon)ABC Radio Southwest (Bunbury) November 20, 2012

Want your simple legal question answered?Email Q&[email protected]. Your email will remain anonymous, and questions and answers will be published in upcoming editions of the Journal.

Contacting Gibson & Gibson:Level 4, 190 St Georges Terrace | Perth WA 6000P: (08) 6313 6100 | F: (08) 6313 [email protected] | www.gibson-gibson.com.au

Gibson & Gibson can assist you with: » Personal Injury & Public

Liability » Motor Vehicle Accidents » Workers Compensation » Family & De Facto Law » Employment Law & Unfair

Dismissal » Commercial Law & Contract

» Commercial Litigation » Debt Recovery » Property Law, Leases &

Conveyancing » Wills & Probate » Inheritance Disputes » Mitragtion Agent No. 532689 » Sports Law

LEGAL Q&A 5 QUESTIONS YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO ASK A LAWYER

What does pro bono mean?The expression ‘pro bono’ can be used in two contexts; when referring to work which is done for the public good (‘pro bono public’ in Latin) or when referring to work which is done by a lawyer for free.

Why do lawyers wear wigs?Actually, we don’t any more in Western Australia. The Chief Justice of the WA Supreme Court abolished wigs in December 2009. The reason? Western Australia is simply too hot. In the time of Louis IV, wigs were a sign of social status and the height of fashion. Barristers’ wigs had their own distinctive shape and style. When fashion changed, barristers didn’t.

What is the difference between a statutory declaration, an oath and an affidavit?An oath is a promise to tell the truth, and can be made orally or in writing in the form of a statutory declaration or an affidavit. An affidavit is a document which is used to give evidence in a courtroom, and must comply with rules regarding the admissibility of evidence. Statutory declarations are oaths made in a form prescribed by legislation and are frequently used outside of litigation in everyday contexts, such as when applying for loans with a banki.

If I die without leaving a will, does it all go to the State?No. When a person dies intestate (without a will), his or her estate devolves in accordance with the Administration Act 1903 (WA). Most estates will pass to the closest surviving relatives and

dependants. The general rule is that spouses and de facto spouses stand to inherit first, children inherit second, parents third and siblings fourth.

What is appropriate court etiquette?If you are in the courtroom a court attendant will announce the arrival of the Judge with a knock on the door and by saying “all rise”. Everyone in the courtroom will then stand, bow to the judge when he or she bows, then be seated after the judge seats. When entering or leaving the courtroom, bow to the judge at the door to the court.

In civil trials, the plaintiff stands on the judge’s left and the defendant stands on the judge’s right. If you appear in person, you should stand when you are spoken to by the judge, and always stand when you speak.

For assistance with making a claim for compensation, contact UnionLink for a

referral to Gibson & Gibson. Your first 45 minute consultation is free.

i. Oaths, Affidavits and Statutory Declarations Act 2005 (WA)

24 THE JOURNAL

c image by Jenny Audring on Flickr

L&DCOURSECALENDAR

More information & bookings: www.cpsucsa.org/training

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MARCH

STATE ELECTION

JANUARYThe CPSU/CSA offices

reopen Thursday, January 3.

There are no courses schedule for January, we kick things off again in Feb.

Don't forget our very popular Lunch & Learn courses where we come to you and we bring lunch.

These sessions are open to all and provide compact versions of some of our more popular courses.

Our training team will deliver a short lunch-length training session suited to your workplace, your needs and your staff.

Topics range from simple 'Meet the Union' sessions, to more involved sessions, such as Conflict in the Workplace or OSH, to name a couple.

To book Members should use the TRAINING section of the website:

1. Log in at online: www.cpsucsa.org/training

2. Click the blue CONTACT ME button (near the top on the page)

- OR -

Email: [email protected] Call: (08) 9323 3800 and ask for training.

LUNCH & LEARN

ISSUE 4: 2012 25

c image by Jenny Audring on Flickr

MEMBER BENEFIT DIRECTORYAccommodation & TravelSTAFF PICK: Comfort Hotel PerthDiscounted rate for Members - $125/night for 2 people in a standard double room, including breakfast. Call 1800 888 678 and mention offer.

Government TravelLog on to www.government.travel and register to receive access to a range of benefits available only to Members.

RolfAirRolfAir scenic flights are offering Members an additional 10% off when booking online. Follow the special link in the Member Benefits section of the CPSU/CSA website.

Beauty & HairCharisma House of Beauty Present your Member ID to receive 15% off all services. Info: www.charismabeauty.com.au

STAFF PICK: Dream Skin & Body Spa Members receive 10% off treatments and $20 off a facial or massage. Bookings: 9301 2269

Light AestheticsMembers receive 20% off treatments and services. Bookings: 9398 5460

Cars & MotorDiscountNewCars.com.auVisit dicountnewcars.com.au/Unions for savings and discounts.

Drive Skills Australia 40% off a one-day defensive driving course. To book email [email protected]

Computer & ElectricalPLE ComputersShow your Membership card and receive trade pricing on your next purchase. Visit ple.com.au

EntertainmentSTAFF PICK: Claremont BowlsHUGE 50% discount: For a total of $40 you get bowls hire and use of gas BBQ. Extras players at $6 per head. Call 9384 0395.

STAFF PICK: Hydrant on Hay Short walk from the CPSU/CSA offices. Get 15% off all restaurant prices when you show your membership card. Bookings recommended but not essential.

Kidz ParadiseBuy 1 get 1 free when you show your Membership card. Call: 9472 8655 Info: www.kidzparadise.com.au

Movie Tickets (through ShopRite)Call ShopRite to save 30% on movie tickets for Greater Union and Hoyts cinemas.

Peel ZooMembers receive 15% off admission fees. Visit online at peelzoo.com for opening hours and more information.

SmartClubMembers offered a 30% discount on annual SmartClub membership rate. Info: www.smartclub.com.au Contact: 9330 0784

Florists & GiftsBeans & BunchesMembers receive 10% off purchase price on any one arrangement or bouquet ordered. Call: 9227 6754

STAFF PICK: FunktionartMembers receive 20% on flowers delivered in Perth metro area, with free CBD delivery. Present card or quote Mem ID to claim. Call 9322 1799 to order.

Petals Floral Network Members receive a 20% discount on the flower value of your order. Access through MB page www.cpsucsa.org/benefits to redeem discount.

Food & WineAmazing WaterMembers save over 55% on floor standing hot and cold filtered water cooler. Regular price $585 - Members pay just $249. Quote CPSU and call 1800 505 380 to order.

Botanica LiquorbarnPresent Member ID to receive corporate rate regardless of the purchase amount. Visit: www.botanicaliquorbarn.com.au

STAFF PICK: Dinner TwistHuge 50% off for members. They plan, they buy, they deliver, you cook. Info: dinnertwist.com.au

Pancakes at CarillionPresent your Mem ID to receive 15% off your total bill. Info: pancakesatcarillion.com.au

Red TurbanPresent your Mem card to receive 15% off your total bill. Info: redturbanrestaurant.com.au

STAFF PICK: Taste Bud ToursGet 20% off Speed Grazing tour in the Swan Valley. Bookings essential: 0412 244 201 Info: tastebudtours.com.au

Viet CoffeeVisit www.viet-coffee.com.au and get up to 30% off recommended retail online. Use code ‘CPSUCSA’ at checkout to get another 10% off.

Health & FitnessCBD Health SpaMembers offered $650 for 12 months (normally $795) OR $14.50 a week (normally $18 plus $149 joining fee). Both offers include personal training for 2 Months valued at $208.

Elite Massage Get $15 off all professional mobile massage services. Contact at: [email protected] for more info or call 0405 140 561.

Jetts FitnessMembers are offered half price joining fee of $49 (normally $99) and the corporate rate of $17.95 (normally $21.95) per fortnight. Visit www.jetts.com.au

Mt Lawley Out of Hours NaturopathFirst consultation is free, plus future visits receive a 10% discount. Call 9271 9458.

STAFF PICK: RockfacePresent Mem ID to get 75% discount on your visit including $10 harness hire. Call 9328 5998 or visit www.rockface.com.au

STAFF PICK: St John Ambulance coursesMembers get 10% discount on selected courses. Call 9334 1233 with you Membership ID for more information.

STAFF PICK: Universal Health NetworkMembers offered 2 x free bootcamps and 1 x 30% off massage. For more information call 1800 810 UHN (846).

YMCA Victoria AveMembers receive 50% off Quick Start joining fee and 25% Results Based joining fee. Call 9225 5925 for more information.

YogapassMembers receive 15 - 25% off classes. Visit the CPSU/CSA Member Benefits page online and follow the links.

Housing SuppliesSTAFF PICK: Complete Enviro SolutionsJoeycans: As seen on ABC’s The Inventors - Members’ only price of $20. Plus up to 20% off on a range of other products. completeenvirosolutions.com.au

Encap CleaningReceive a 10% discount on all services. Specialised cleaning of carpet and upholstery. Call 9440 6184 or visit: www.encapcleaning.com.au

HousespectMembers receive a 10% discount on all services by quoting Mem ID upon booking. Call 9383 1043.

New LawnsPresent Mem ID to receive 12.5% off. For more info contact [email protected]

STAFF PICK: Pots and MoreGet $30 off orders over $80 (38%).Five locations across Perth metro + Mandurah - visit a store with ID. Info: potsandmore.net.au

Waste Not Wood NotGet 20% off all products. Great for open fires, pizza ovens or to take camping. Contact 0421 897 680 for info and quote ID to purchase.

ShoppingHarbour TownPresent your CPSU/CSA Union Membership card at the Customer Service Lounge to receive a complimentary VIP card valid at over 40 stores at Harbour Town.

Retravision (Hay St store)Present Member ID and you will be given a special Cost Plus 5% price. This Member offer is exclusive to Retravision's Hay Street store.

For more great Benefits: www.cpsucsa.org/benefitsSee website for T&C’s. Benefits are

correct at time of print.

Professionals who deliver the help you need.Caring for Western Australians for over 105 years

When you need a lawyer you need to know you’re with lawyers who are genuinely in-terested - who are on your side.

Our aim is to give you professional advice,

practical guidance and the benefit of our

experience, without wasting time or money.

We can help you with:

• Family Law & De Facto Law

(Accredited Family Law Specialist)

• Personal Injury & Public Liability

• Workers Compensation

• Employment Law & Unfair Dismissal

• Commercial Law & Contracts

• Commercial Litigation

• Motor Vehicle Accidents

• Debt Recovery

• Property Law, Leases & Conveyancing

• Wills & probate

• Inheritance Disputes

• Registered Migration Agent No: 532689

• Sports Law

OFFICE

4th Floor | 190 St Georges Tce

Perth WA

[email protected]

www.gibson-gibson.com.au

FREE INITIAL 45-MIN CONSULTATION for Members

and immediate family

+61 8 6313 6100CALL TODAY FOR

PERSONALISED SERVICE

The exclusive discount buying service for Members

Save money on big-ticket items like white goods, gas and electrical appliances. Plus so much more!

Proudly boughtto you by theCPSU/CSA

1300 650 214 www.shoprite.com.auCall or visit us online today.

SHOP RITE ALSO OFFERS:

Vehicle Purchasing Service - in the market for a new car? Our experienced vehicle consultants can find you a great deal on a new or used vehicle.

Shop Rite Traders - there are over 50 traders providing discounts on a wide range of products and services to members.

Groceries - Cash & Carry access in Balcatta, Canning Vale and Bunbury. Access to Peters & Brownes Factory Outlet in Balcatta and Rockingham Foods Factory Outlet.

Friendlies Chemists - 15% discount* at Friendlies Chemists. *Conditions apply

Entertainment Values Books - hundreds of valuable offers from restaurants, attractions, Coles and more!

Discounted Movie Tickets - up to 30% discount on movie ticket vouchers valid at Hoyts & Greater Union

Step 3:You can choose to pick up your goods or have them delivered.

Step 2:Call Shop Rite on 1300 650 214 with the brand, model number and your best price

Step 1:Decide on the product that you want to buy

Professionals who deliver the help you need.Caring for Western Australians for over 105 years

When you need a lawyer you need to know you’re with lawyers who are genuinely in-terested - who are on your side.

Our aim is to give you professional advice,

practical guidance and the benefit of our

experience, without wasting time or money.

We can help you with:

• Family Law & De Facto Law

(Accredited Family Law Specialist)

• Personal Injury & Public Liability

• Workers Compensation

• Employment Law & Unfair Dismissal

• Commercial Law & Contracts

• Commercial Litigation

• Motor Vehicle Accidents

• Debt Recovery

• Property Law, Leases & Conveyancing

• Wills & probate

• Inheritance Disputes

• Registered Migration Agent No: 532689

• Sports Law

OFFICE

4th Floor | 190 St Georges Tce

Perth WA

[email protected]

www.gibson-gibson.com.au

FREE INITIAL 45-MIN CONSULTATION for Members

and immediate family

+61 8 6313 6100CALL TODAY FOR

PERSONALISED SERVICE

See us about a CUA home loan today!Call 9223 2100Drop into 321 Murray Street, Perth

Does your home loan make you feel invisible?

We see you owning your home sooner.

Fees, charges, terms & conditions and lending criteria apply. Full details available on application. Credit Union Australia Limited ABN 44 087 650 959, AFSL and Australian credit licence 238317. 175 Eagle Street, Brisbane QLD 4000. ALBWKprxCUA4022_REV120808

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journal december edition

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