This edition contains the following items: #BustTheBudget rallies; Time to heed electricity privatisation lessons; E-Oz Annual Conference; Child care regulation is not red tape; Retail win for young workers; Help lay a solid foundation for the union movement in the Pacific into the future; NSW: Stop the power sell off; World Public Service Day; Bridges Renewal funding round launched; Local councils share ASU concerns over adverse Federal Budget impact; plus more.
The articles all relate to the blog of Greg McLean, ASU Assistant National Secretary: http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/categories/listings/greg-mclean
ASU at #BustTheBudget rallies across the country
http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/general/140627-bustthebudget-rallies More than six weeks ago, the Abbott/Hockey Federal Budget hit Australians so hard, that the resulting anger continues to shape the public dialogue today. The Coalition Government is continuing to hold firm to their draconian plans for Australia, despite the widespread outcry. Let's show them that we will not forget or be lulled into passivity – take action! The latest national action is rallies across the country on Sunday 6 July and this weekend if you're in Tassie. Note: Tasmania's #BustTheBudget action is this weekend in Burnie – download the flyer here The union movement will rally to Bust The Budget across the country and we are calling ASU members and friends to join these actions. We need to let the Federal Government know in no uncertain terms that their Budget will not be tolerated. We need to impress upon Abbott, Hockey and co that their Federal Budget does not...
Time to heed electricity privatisation lessons from Victoria & SA before it's too late
http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/energy/140626-heed-electricity-privatisation-lessons Both Queensland and New South Wales are embarking on a road that may lead to electricity privatisation, but those states should heed the lessons learned by their southern neighbours who tread that path nearly 20 years ago. We know from bitter experience that "competition" in electricity does not result in lower prices for consumers, nor other touted benefits of privatisation. Privatisation doesn't lead to cheaper prices Both Victoria and South Australia privatised their electricity sectors years ago, in Victoria's case, nearly 20 years ago, and in SA nearly 15 years ago, so the effects of privatisation should be very clear by now. The problem is that both Victoria and SA have the highest electricity prices in the country! Privatisation promised cheaper prices, but Victorians and South Australians are paying more than anyone else in Australia. When electricity was still in public hands in Victoria in 1994, electricity was amongst the...
To ASU local government industry division branch representatives, Re: sport and recreation in local govt
Recently I meet with Services Skills to discuss the following issues , from an ASU local government industry perspective - Below is a list of questions we are interested in getting your feedback: What are the challenges faced by the industry? What are the current trends you are seeing in your industry? What are the skills needs/workforce development needs that are being seen in your industry? Current impact of the training package on your industry? Accessibility of training and education for the industry. What affect is VET reform having on your work force? We have also outlined below some further points that we are interested in getting your feedback on during the discussion. Cross sectoral impacts: Tourism and our sector Health and our sector State/National Standards, Regulations, Legislation: Adventure Activity Standards
2014 E-Oz Annual Conference
E-Oz Annual Conference 2014 by June 30 to receive the "Early Bird Special" discount on your registration. Please follow the link below to view the 2014 E-Oz Annual Conference information pack, which includes a range of conference packages and the conference registration form. Click here to register We look forward to seeing you in Perth in October for the conference. The E-Oz team. http://e-oz.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a325a7ca60994ad46dc533ba1&id=ed56ada6bd&e=83f8463110
Child care regulation is not red tape 25 June 2014 By Chifley Research Centre
http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/localgovt/140625-child-care-regulation Childcare regulation isn't red tape. It stops our kids getting hurt, or sick, and makes sure they play in a nurturing environment. It makes sure that they are properly supervised by well-trained staff. As a parent, I strongly support the National Quality Framework for childcare and oppose any moves to get rid of them. By Ryan Batchelor, first published 24 June 2014 by the Chifley Research Centre, republished with permission Click here to read this article on the Chifley Research Centre website A review of the National Quality Framework is set to be announced today by the Abbott Government. The Assistant Minister responsible for childcare has apparently signalled that proposed ratios are too strict, and that staff certification requirements are seemingly impossible to deliver. The timing of, and need for, the review is odd given the comprehensive Productivity Commission inquiry currently underway. Attacking red tape is the issue de jour for...
Draft new provider standards - ISC
Minister Macfarlane gave the keynote address at the ACPET ACCI Skills Summit in Canberra today. The main aspect of the announcement was the release of draft new provider standards, which seek to remove some of the more contentious aspects of the Standards that the NSSC tried to get through before they were dissolved. They haven't put up the full speech yet, but some more info can be found here: http://www.vetreform.industry.gov.au/news/minister-industry-outlines-his-vision-vet-reform There is an opportunity to provide feedback over the next month. We will keep you informed as this all unfolds. Thanks, Mat Glasson Industry Manager - Sport, Fitness & Recreation Manager - Language, Literacy & Numeracy (LLN)...
Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association - Advice from SDA on retail win for young workers
http://100percentpay.com.au/ Retailers attempt to rob young workers of pay quashedAn attempt by retail representatives to rob 20-year-old workers of their pay has been crushed, with the court todayruling in favour of the workers.The National Retailers Association today made an unsuccessful application to the court seeking to stop 20-year-oldsbeing paid 95% of the full wage from July 1.The Fair Work Commission ruled in March this year that 20-year-old retail workers are being paid unfairly, and thatthe industry should begin the process of moving to pay these workers full adult rates. Currently, 20-year-olds are paid10 per cent less than their 21-year-old co-workers.The Fair Work Commission ruled that the move to fair rates of pay for 20-year-olds should occur in two phases – 95per cent pay from 1 July 2014 before moving to 100 per cent pay on 1 July 2015.Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association Secretary Joe de Bruyn said the court's...
Help lay a solid foundation for the union movement in the Pacific into the future
If you haven't already, please make a financial contribution to support the Pacific's next generation of union leaders in their campaign for workers' rights and fairer Pacific communities. Donate to our end of financial year appeal today One in four Pacific Islanders lives below the poverty line, with some workers taking home as little as 50c AUD per hour. Workers in Pacific Island countries and their trade union leaders want this to change and they understand that effective organising around workplace and community issues is the best way to bring about real improvements in the lives of workers and their families. You can help - How to donate To donate online, please go to the appeal webpage and follow the instructions at the bottom of the page. Alternatively, you can download and return a donation form or phone our office on freecall... http://apheda.org.au/getinvolved/1401338676_5801.html
NSW: Stop the power sell off - taking the fight to the Federal Senate Comment from ASU National Office
NSW: Stop the power sell off - taking the fight to the Federal Senate - Comment from ASU National Office"Applauded Senator Dastyari and his actions on behalf of the community and the electricity industry, "Politicans should see this leadership by the Senator and follow his lead, as this is an important step and one other politicans should follow." "The Senator's speech raises important issues such as: asset sales like this will deprive the community of jobs, quality public services and, of course, the longer term returns of monies from state owned corporations for use in other public services, as these assets return to government over 1.5 billion dollars per year, which is a lot if money over the next 50 or more years," ASU Assistant National Secretary Greg McLean NSW: Stop the power sell off - taking the fight to the Federal Senate24 June 2014 By ASU-NSW US Branch (USU) Watch... http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/energy/140624-nsw-stop-the-power-sell-off
World Public Service Day - with tax justice, we can end poverty and inequality 23 June 2014 By Public Services International (PSI)
http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/publicsector/140623-world-public-service-day-with-tax-justice-we-can-end-poverty-and-inequality From the south to the north, Public Services International affiliate unions are working together across borders to end tax havens, tax avoidance and corruption, and to bring in progressive tax systems that are properly resourced and enforced. Tax justice enables public spending for the common good, and provides the means for economic self-sufficiency for municipal, regional and national governments. Read this article on the PSI website here PSI General Secretary Rosa Pavanelli says: "Tax justice is about social justice and fighting inequality. Tax justice is about redistributing wealth by funding the vital public services such as health and education that help end poverty and inequality. Reforming national, regional and international tax systems and removing counter-productive tax incentives will lead to substantially increased budgets for countries to finance the post-2015 agenda and pay for improved public services including education, healthcare, clean water and sanitation, energy, housing, transportation, and development initiatives." ...
TrackSAFE e-Newsletter June 2014
TrackSAFE e-Newsletter June 2014 TrackSAFE is a not-for-profit, rail industry initiative endeavouring to reduce incidents on the rail network. In doing so the aim is to minimise trauma caused to rail employees resulting from witnessing near collisions, injuries, and fatalities whilst simply doing their jobs. Rail Safety Week update - Things are starting to heat up! Set for the week of 11-17 August 2014, Rail Safety Week will once again take centre stage across the industry as both Australia and New Zealand gear up to spread the message of rail safety. Having met in March, the Rail Safety Week Committee decided that this year's campaign theme will focus on the message of 'Near Miss....Near Hit'. The theme is aimed at raising awareness around the 1,000 near hits taking place each year, and the fact that a 'near miss' is actually a 'near hit' - a split second difference in keeping your life and...
http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/tracksafe-e-newsletter-june-2014
Bridges Renewal funding round launched - from ALGA bulletin
http://alga.asn.au/newsletter/news
Bridges Renewal Programme visit: http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/Bridgesrenewal/Index.aspx For the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme visit: http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/Heavyvehicles/Index.aspx Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss launched Round One of the government's new Bridges Renewal Programme and Round Four of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme at the 2014 National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra on Wednesday, 18 June. "Local, territory and state governments will soon be able to put forward proposals to the Australian Government for both programmes from 1 July this year, with funding available from the 2014-15 financial year," Mr Truss said. "Our new Bridges Renewal Programme, announced during the election campaign, will provide $300 million over the next five financial years to cover up to 50% of repair and replacement costs for bridges across the nation. "Round One will focus on projects that are sufficiently advanced that construction can begin in the...
Stop The Sell Off campaign - NSW electricity industry - please circulate to get other politicans do the same
Watch Senator Sam Dastyari https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtsXgfFgbFA&feature=youtu.be taking aim at the NSW Liberal/National Coalition on the sale of the poles and wires that belong to all of the people of NSW. We need more like people like Sam to call it as it is. Proud USU (USB of ASU) member and supporter of the Stop The Sell Off campaign and Federal ALP Senator Sam Dastyari has spoken out in parliament against the proposed sale of the poles and wires that the NSW Government is currently pushing on the mums and dads of NSW. In his speech he describes the willingness of politicians within the NSW Government to Sell Off the electricity industry to please their mates in big business. Senator Dastyari outlines the efforts of the workers in the electricity industry and the years of hard work and effort they have provided on behalf of the people of NSW. He also explains...
Local councils share ASU concerns over adverse Federal Budget impact
http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/localgovt/140617-local-councils-budget-impact Local government councils across the country have expressed their alarm at the Federal Government's intention to cut funding to their sector. Their peak body, the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), yesterday published the resolution of their National General Assembly calling for the Government to reverse their decision. The concerns mirror those expressed by the ASU immediately following Budget night. ASU Assistant National Secretary Greg McLean said, "We support the ALGA's resolution calling on the Government to reverse their decision on local government funding – we recognise both the serious impact the revenue reduction will have on service delivery and the health of local communities." The ASU's position was originally published here: Local government hit directly and indirectly by Federal Budget, 14 May 2014 Media release from the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) follows. Councils call for Commonwealth to restore Indexation of Financial Assistance Grants 16 June 2014 Councils from across...
Valuing early childhood educators during Australian Child Care Week
http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/localgovt/140616-child-care-week The ASU advocates for its members in the child care sector and values their work all year round, but Child Care Week 16 to 20 June 2014 allows a special focus on the importance of the work the sector does. With various inquiries into the child care sector ongoing at the moment, including one by the Productivity Commission, the ASU has been actively promoting the concerns of our members to ensure their voice is heard. We have seen in recent years the recognition of the skills and qualifications required to deliver early childhood education and care to the quality expected by the community. As a result of this, workers in the sector have already been involved in major restructures. The role workers play cannot be overestimated, and the passion they bring has meant they continue to deliver for the community through all the upheavals of reviews, inquiries and restructures. As...
The Emissions Reduction Fund, Greg Hunt and Local Government
http://www.ironbarksustainability.com.au/resources/news/article/the-emissions-reduction-fund-greg-hunt-and-local-government/ There has been a lot written about the Federal Government's Direct Action policy, but we've found less about the impacts and opportunities for councils. Here we analyse the ERF from a council point of view and summarise the main themes that the Environment Minister Greg Hunt has been conveying, most recently at the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) Environment Conference in May 2014. In our reading it seems to get down to three key words: Aggregation, aggregation and aggregation. ...
Urgent motion on Financial Assistance Grants to be debated 16 June, 2014 The 2014 Federal Budget included an announcement by the Government to freeze indexation of Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) to local government for the next three years. The decision will cut $925 million in revenue to local government by 2017-18. A special urgent motion calling on the Federal Government to restore indexation will be moved from the floor National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra this afternoon. The assembly brings together almost 900 delegates from local government across Australia.
State of the Regions launched ALGA media item
A widening gap between the prosperity of Australia's regions, the need for strategic infrastructure investment and an uncertain outlook for youth employment in many regions are among the key findings of the 2014-15 State of the Regions Report, Regional Development in a Globalised Economy. The Report, the 16th in a series, produced by National Economics for the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), provides a longitudinal study into the prospects of Australia's regions and their development. It was launched today at ALGA's annual Regional Cooperation and Development Forum in Canberra. This year's report highlights the trend of a widening gap between regions that have benefited from the mining boom and those that have not. The report identifies that the national economy is now in transition, that we have entered into the post mining boom construction phase and, together with the impact of the high Australian dollar on many of Australia's manufacturing exporters,... http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/state-of-the-regions-launched-alga-medai-item
UnionsNSW budget fight back - Rally Sydney Town Hall 6th July
Tony Abbott & Joe Hockey have "hurt their way into history" with a "slash and burn" budget that has been called "inequitable," "painful," and full of "broken promises." Their false claim that Australia needs to get back in the black has us seeing red - and we're not taking it laying down. In the last 24 hours hundreds of union delegates from across NSW, representing 600 000 working people, met and overwhelmingly endorsed a plan to fight back against Abbott's budget attacks. The first step? A huge show of force as concerned citizens all across our state turn out for a massive rally on July 6th, taking a stand to make clear we won't accept Abbott's budget attacks on seniors, students and working families! Click to sign the petition and say you're ready to Bust The Budget on July 6! Sign and say you'll be there: http://www.unionsnsw.org.au/btbpetition The Abbott Government's budget...
Government News - Probe finds government consultancy gravy train 'tantamount to maladministration' By Julian Bajkowski on June 13, 2014 in Finance, Procurement
http://www.governmentnews.com.au/2014/06/probe-finds-government-consultancy-gravy-train-tantamount-maladministration/ The gravy train culture of providing lucrative consulting and external policy advisory services to government has been put to the blowtorch by Victoria's Auditor General's Office after a review found that the way many such engagements have been bought and managed "was tantamount to maladministration." http://www.audit.vic.gov.au/publications/20140612-Managing-Consultants/20140612-Managing-Consultants.html ...
Fudged figures used in power privatisation pitch to deceive NSW voters into supporting sale 02 June 2014 By UnionsNSW
http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/energy/140602-nsw-power-privatisation Claims that the privatisation of the NSW electricity network could deliver $30 billion for infrastructure projects contradict the government's own figures and are part of a deliberate attempt to trick NSW voters, according to the Stop the Sell Off campaign. A Sydney newspaper has reported that a sale of the publicly owned poles and wires — possibly through a staged sale or long-term lease arrangement — is expected to be flagged by Premier Mike Baird in the state Budget later this month. Stop the Sell Off campaign director Adam Kerslake said that the Premier and his fellow proponents of the sale were continuing to use deliberately deceptive figures to convince the public — which is overwhelming opposed to a sale — that it is in their best interest. "Rather than spin and ideology, we want to see a genuine debate that examines the facts and allows the people of NSW...
ALGA- State of the Regions launch
http://alga.asn.au/newsletter/newsletters.ALGANEWS6June2014#Article12272 The 16th annual State of the Regions report will be launched at the 2014 Regional Cooperation and Development Forum, the opening event of the National General Assembly, on Sunday 15 June. The 2014-15 State of the Regions report, produced by National Economics for ALGA, continues the tradition of previous reports and helps explain what is happening to communities across Australia, providing valuable information for councils and other stakeholders interested in regional economic development. This year's report investigates a number of issues and includes a chapter on Northern Australia, developed in response to the White Paper on Northern Australia that is currently in preparation, and also looks in detail at the issue of youth unemployment. To co-incide with the launch of the 2014-15 State of the Regions Report, reports from 1998-99 through to 2010-11 will soon be available on the ALGA and National Economics websites free of charge. Visit www.alga.asn.au
Federal Government's changes to the Racial Discrimination Act? Will it help promote freedom of speech or encourage an increase in racism and bigotry?
Make up your mind Thursday June 12 at 6PM - Sydney Trades Hall ( Trades Hall, Auditorium, Entry via 377 Sussex Street Sydney) as our guest speakers put forward their opinions on keeping or changing 18c. Guest Speakers include: Dr Tim Soutphommasane – Race Discrimination Commissioner – Australian Human Rights Commission Mr Chris Berg – Director – Institute of Public Affairs Mr Vic Alhadeff – Chairperson – Community Relations Commission To RSVP please contact Mary O'Donoghue: modonoghue@unionsnsw.org.au or 9881 5999
Power prices will rise, jobs will be lost and service standards cut as Premier pushes ahead with sale by US Branch of ASU
http://www.usu.org.au/news/energy-a-utilities/870-power-prices-will-rise-jobs-will-be-lost-and-service-standards-cut-as-premier-pushes-ahead-with-sale Premier Mike Baird's proposal for a sale of half the state's electricity poles and wires, to be taken to party room meetings of Liberal and National MPs on Tuesday, is bad news for electricity customers who can expect higher prices and poorer services. Mr Baird is proposing an initial 49 per cent sale on a 99-year-lease of the publicly-owned power companies Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy and TransGrid, which own and operate every power line in the state, from the high-tension towers down to the poles and wires slung along suburban streets. Reda the full news item at http://www.usu.org.au/news/energy-a-utilities/870-power-prices-will-rise-jobs-will-be-lost-and-service-standards-cut-as-premier-pushes-ahead-with-sale ...
ALGA - Natural Disaster Funding submission lodged
http://alga.asn.au/newsletter/newsletters.ALGANEWS6June2014#Article12287 ALGA is lodging a submission today to the Productivity Commission's Inquiry into Natural Disaster Funding Arrangements which puts the case that the Australian Government should continue to support local and regional communities in responding to and recovering from major disasters. The submission argues that the Commonwealth must continue to play a major role in building the overall national capacity and capability in managing the emergency management challenges facing the country and that greater emphasis is needed on mitigation. One of the over arching messages is the urgent need for a focus on providing greater levels of resourcing for the prevention of, and preparation for, natural disasters rather than diverting scarce resources into what may be narrowly-focussed, costly and marginally effective insurance for public infrastructure. ALGA's submission to the Inquiry also looks at the importance of protecting built and natural environments through integrated landuse planning and building controls. Our submission...
Citizens oppose electricity privatisation
Nationals' electorates are opposed to electricity privatisation, polling shows Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/nationals-electorates-are-opposed-to-electricity-privatisation-polling-shows-20140603-39h0v.html#ixzz33eUYrGfI
GSA will be providing complimentary industry briefings during July for users of the Local Government Training Package
To answer many of the questions we have been receiving in relation to the new standards for training packages currently being implemented across the national training system and the role of TRGs. Who should attend: Users of the current LGA04 training package (registered training organisations, ITABs and council training & development staff); technical reference group members (confirmed or future nominations), local government associations or peak bodies and union representatives for the sector. The main points we will be covering in the workshops include: An update on training package policy Timeline and priorities for local government training package (LGA) streamlining How we will be consulting with industry and the role of technical reference groups (TRGs) What a TRG will do (and not do). What the local government training package will look like Templates in detail Example of old versus new units competency Training package codes under the new standards Companion volumes explained... http://www.governmentskills.com.au
Local Government - Industry Skills Briefings
Government Skills Australia will be providing complimentary industry briefings during July for users of the Local Government Training Package to answer many of the questions we have been receiving in relation to the new standards for training packages currently being implemented across the national training system and the role of TRGs. Please save the date for the following confirmed local government training package industry briefings. Melbourne Friday 18th July 10:00am to 1:00pm Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) Office Room 1101. Level 11. 60 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Brisbane Thursday 24th July 1:00pm to 4:00pm LGAQLD Office. Orchid Room. Level 1. 25 Evelyn Street, Newstead. Sydney Thursday 17th http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/local-government-industry-skills-breifing July 10:00am to 1:00pm United Services Union Office. Levels 7/8 321 Pitt Street, Sydney. Perth Wednesday 30th July 9:30am – 12:30pm WALGA Office. LV1 170 Railway Parade, West Leederville. ...
Senators grill Government about local government cuts
Senators have grilled senior Federal public servants over the cuts to local government funding in the Budget, particularly the freezing of indexation for the Financial Assistance Grants (which will cost councils $925 million in the next four years and hundreds of millions of dollars each year thereafter) and the termination of the supplementary roads funding for South Australian councils (worth $18 million per year). The Senate Budget Estimates hearings in Canberra on Tuesday have served to confirm the scale of the cuts to local government, the fact that the cuts to the FAGs will likely exceed the current value of the Roads to Recovery Program in around 2019-20 and the reality that councils will be forced to find additional revenue (perhaps from rates), cut services or find efficiencies. The issue of potential rate rises was the focus of fierce criticism by the Opposition and the question of efficiencies sparked a... http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/senators-grill-government-about-local-government-cuts