This edition contains a summary of blog items published by Greg McLean in the previous calendar month. Items cover the areas of local government, energy and water, rail and public transport, international news including trade agreements, privatisation and general public sector matters.
The articles all relate to the blog of Greg McLean, ASU Assistant National Secretary
ASUnews by email, .......urgently participate in this email campaign -- URGENT: Act now to stop Tony Abbott rushing through laws to take away your rights at work URGENT: Act now to stop Tony Abbott rushing through laws to take away your rights at work The Amendment Bill will go before Parliament on Wednesday, so we only really have today and tomorrow to flood the email accounts of the cross bench Senators with requests that they protect our rights at work by voting against the Bill. Email form: http://bit.ly/stop-anti-worker-laws More at news item: http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/securejobsbetterfuture/140829-act-now-stop-abbotts-bill The Amendment Bill: http://bit.ly/amendbill ** Please share this campaign with your networks! Thanks! Regards Brigid Marasco ASU National Communications Officer ...
To ASU Local Government Branches Library Issues - Dear Colleagues As you would be aware we have had some discussions with IBSA (the skills council for ASU local govt libraries , art , galleries and museums) . This is the organization that develops the training packages and qualifications for our ASU Members working in these areas, which are in turn that is delivered by TAFE or any other training organization, the training packages and qualifications are not developed by TAFE but rather by the ASU , Members, Industry and Employers. We really do speak for our Members. In recent times the ASU has expressed concern around the move by IBSA to move the training package, not the qualification - it stands alone, from the Cultural Sector at IBSA to the Business Sector at IBSA. Thus I have some concern on , mainly around career paths, and local govt cross sector work of libraries, art galleries and museums work arrangements...
Tony Abbott is trying to rush through laws that introduce new unfair individual contracts that cut take home pay, give more power to employers in bargaining and make it harder for workers to access their union. But to do all this he needs the crucial votes of at least six cross-bench senators. We can stop Abbott’s attack dead in its tracks if just three cross-bench senators vote against the bill. It looks like the vote will take place this Wednesday so we need to act fast and we need everyone to play their part. Click here to ask the cross-bench senators to vote against Tony Abbott’s unfair anti-worker amendments: http://www.australianunions.org.au/stop_tony_abbotts_anti_worker_laws Tony Abbott’s new laws bring back some of the worst parts of Workchoices. Among other things, the bill: Reintroduces unfair individual contracts that can cut take home pay including weekend and penalty rates Gives employers a veto over industrial action. Allows employers to not pay-out some annual leave if you’re sacked or leave a job. Gives mining and construction employers a special deal that allows them to write their own Enterprise Agreements. Reduces the rights of workers to talk to their union at work if they need help. These laws are part of...
Review of the Community Services and Health Training Packages - Local Government - Officals and Delegates and Interested Members Training Packages Open for Consultation 18 August - 12 September 2014 Review of the Community Services and Health Training Packages This is your chance to improve the future direction of training and workforce quality relevant to your sector. Draft components are now available to view and provide feedback on. Areas for review include: * Direct Client care: Aged Care, Home and Community Care, Disability, Leisure and Health, Health Services Assistance, Allied Health Assistance, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Mental Health. * Ambulance: Communication * Technicians: Anaesthetic Technology * Complementary and Alternative Health: Ayurveda * Community Services: Community Services General, Advocacy, Community Sector Coordination, Case Management, Information, Advice & Referral. * Volunteering * Cross Sector units * Qualifications for removal To make the process of providing feedback easier we have created a Public Consultation Web Portal, allowing stakeholders to easily make comment on all draft components, save, review and submit. The deadline...
UNIONS NSW Campaining for public services - When we turn on the tap for a drink or flick the switch during the night, we get clean water and bright lights. When we catch the bus or show up at the doctor, we get where we’re going and get the care we need to get better. Small things we take for granted every day are all public services offering public good, thanks to government investment over the years that benefits all Australians. But if Tony Abbott and Mike Baird have their way, public services will continue to be privatised and cut. Under the Baird Government, health spending falls nearly $500 million short of demand; the Premier has threatened to shut down hundreds of hospital beds; fire stations across NSW are closing thanks to budget cuts, and in the latest shock, NSW’s Public Health Food laboratories — those that test our food and keep us safe — are...
ASU - shaping the future for local govt empoloyess - working with GSA - --- ASU facilitating meetings and helping linking union and councils on this important task - including these industry meetings held in ASU offices - more detail check with your ASU state branch via ASU web Local Government Local Government Training Package Industry Briefing - Adelaide GSA has provided complimentary industry briefings for users of the local government training package (LGA04) in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Now it is South Australia’s turn to hear about the new standards for training packages (currently being implemented across the national training system), understand how these will impact the local government training package in the future and how SA can be involved in creating a local government training package that meets the workplace needs of the sector. Read more Events, resources and news To view the latest events, resources and news items for local government please visit our sector page here....
GSA - latest bulletin Government Skills Australia August 2014 Welcome to the August issue of the GSA newsletter. Please share our newsletter with colleagues and encourage them to sign up to receive our newsletter. Jump to your sector's news Corrections | Local Government | Public Safety | Public Sector | Water 2015 Environmental Scan Intelligence gathering for the 2015 Environmental Scan (E-Scan) is well under way with GSA currently contacting stakeholders from Peak bodies, Associations and our own Industry Reference Groups. The aim of this first phase of intelligence gathering is to provide a broad context and identify key factors and trends across each industry. Read more Industry Skills Fund - Discussion Papar - Consultation Webinars The Australian Government has released a Discussion Paper for the new $476 million Industry Skills Fund. Read more National Skills Week National Skills Week is dedicated to raising the profile of vocational...
Senate to extend Roads to Recovery to 2019 but has called for the funding to be made permanent to avoid a repeat of this year's political impasse in the Senate.- Good news for local government, communities and local govt employees Roads to Recovery funding decision welcomed 28 August, 2014 The President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis has welcomed the passing of legislation in the Senate to extend Roads to Recovery to 2019 but has called for the funding to be made permanent to avoid a repeat of this year's political impasse in the Senate. The Roads to Recovery funding legislation has been caught up in debate of the Land Transport Infrastructure Amendment Bill 2014 which originally passed the House of Representatives on 27 March this year. Since March, ALGA has been given a number of assurances from both the Government and the Opposition that the R2R funds would not be impacted by the actions of either party. The Greens and the Palmer United Party also publically supported the continuation of the program in recent days. However, politics surrounding the Land Transport Infrastructure Amendment Bill 2014 ...
Rail Careers Week is coming September 8-14 – time for a career change? http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/transport/140827-rail-careers-week Rail Careers Week is coming September 8-14 – time for a career change? 27 August 2014 By ASU As one of the oldest unions operating in the rail industry, the ASU supports Rail Careers Week as a way to promote the industry to a new generation of potential rail workers. The ASU has always been a strong supporter of career development and building employment in the railway industry so we encourage you to have a look at this expanding sector. There are numerous events to get involved in including open days and activities where you can get hands on experience - find out about them at the Rail Careers Week website: Rail Careers Week website "Rail Careers Week is all about celebrating the diverse and interesting careers the industry can offer. Some organisations are providing an amazing opportunity to take a closer look at rail and the variety of career...
Service Skills August Bulletin --- ASU connection ' sport and recreation areas of local government ' AUGUST 2014 In this issue The importance of VET to small business owners Our CEO, Yasmin King, recently spoke at the Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) Conference. Yasmin's speech below outlines the importance of vocational education and training to small business owners. more » Industry Skills Fund – Discussion Paper The Australian Government released a discussion paper earlier this month on the Industry Skills Fund. The purpose of the fund is to address workforce capability issues impacting on the ability of Australian SMEs to respond quickly to new and changing opportunities and improve their productivity and competitiveness in a global market. more » Merchandise Buying and Planning - Specialist Retail Project We are addressing the industry identified need to expand the merchandising skills of the country’s retail workforce, by making the Merchandise Buying and Planning project a priority. more » Telstra Micro Business...
ASU Melbourne Local Government Child Care Today I meet with a number or inspiring women from the ASU Vic Tas Branch in Melbourne to report on and discuss the ASU response to the productivity commission inquiry into child care services. The ASU child care committee was made up mainly of rank and file members with a lead offical The meeting was a great opportunity to discuss in detail the ASU written and verbal submissions and to help our ASU research team build the ASU response submission . These views and issues will build on the ASU web survey , responses.. Again thanks to the ASU VIC Tas branch and the Melbourne based committee If you have not responded to the ASU child care survey there is still time at ....https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/pc-childcare14...
The Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network (AFTINET) presents a public seminar to discuss the impact of clauses in trade agreements which elevate investor rights above our democratic rights. Undermining Democracy: Increasing investor rights in trade agreements Seminar: Thursday 4th September 12-2pm Finance Sector Union, Level 2, 321 Pitt St, Sydney Known as Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS), these clauses essentially give foreign companies extra rights to sue governments for millions of dollars in international tribunals over democratic legislation. Just the threat of an ISDS case could prevent governments from regulating in the interest of public health or the environment. The timing of this Seminar is critical, as it will be held in a week where Parliamentary inquiries will be reporting on this issue. Come along to learn more about this important issue and the implications it has for your ability to campaign for democratic changes which would protect the environment, public health, or workers’ rights. Seminar highlights: Screening of short documentary ‘Water or Gold’: A Canadian mining company, now majority Australian owned, is suing the government of El...
ASU National Electricity / Energy Industry meeting - International and Domestic support for ASU members Next week (4 /5 September) the ASU will convene a national electricity industry meeting to cover range of issues taking place in the Australian Electricity industry, from reform , recent significant court cases pursed by the ASU and the issue of privatisation . The ASU National Electricity Industry will have representatives from all States , with privatisation a key item on the agenda. E-Oz the relevant Electricity Industry Skills Council will also be represented at the meeting on both skills and training and the electricity industries future . For part of the meeting the ASU will be joined by the PSIRU www.psiru.org from the Greenwich University Business School for an update on the UK privatised electricity industry and how citizens have lost out on privatisation - the PSIRU support is brought to the ASU via its affiliation with the Public Services International .The global organisation for Unions working in the local government and electricity...
Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network (AFTINET) posted in Rally: FAIR DEAL or NO DEAL in the TPP Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network (AFTINET) 11:51am Aug 21 The TPP has not yet been concluded and we need to keep up the momentum! The Korea-Australia FTA includes the right for corporations to sue governments and sets a dangerous precedent. Here's our latest campaign: http://aftinet.org.au/cms/email-your-senator-re-isds-in-kafta-2014 Take Action: Email your Senator! | AFTINET aftinet.org.au Under the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA), Korean companies could sue our governments o... ...
Local Government Sport and Recreation - Leaflets Below are the links to pdf versions that cover the 4 training packages e-scan summary papers , which can be used to highlight issues associated with employment growth and increased interest in these areas of sport, recreation, outdoor recreation. The handouts would be of value to Members working in these areas, that make ready connect to these professions . The publications have been brought to our attention through our ASU support for this important work of local government , they are also available at the Service Skills ICS web site . If you could pass onto Delegates and Members working in this area of local government with a view to building the recognition work of the ASU working with the Industry Skills Council’s that determine the qualifications packages for ASU Members working in these areas of Local Government that would be appreciated . http://serviceskills.com.au/sites/default/files/SISC1171%20Sport%20Snapshot%20FA%20MR_0.pdf http://serviceskills.com.au/sites/default/files/SISC1128%20ComRec%20Snapshot%202014%20FA2%20MR_0.pdf
http://serviceskills.com.au/sites/default/files/SISC1187%20OutdoorRec%20Snapshot%202014%20FA%20MR_0.pdf http://serviceskills.com.au/sites/default/files/SISC1104%20Fitness%20Snapshot%202014%20FA%20MR_0.pdf ...
The NTC recently released the latest version of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code, providing an updated technical resource designed to keep the transport industry and the public safe. http://www.ntc.gov.au/about-ntc/news/august-2014/#Dangerous Please ensure that you are using the latest version of the code (Edition 7.3 - August 2014) which is available to download. CEO of the NTC Paul Retter said the edition 7.3 of the code would be of particular interest to heavy vehicle drivers, companies that use and transport dangerous goods and those who provide training on how to move dangerous goods safely. “Everyone who uses Australia’s roads and other transport networks has a responsibility to keep themselves and the travelling public safe,” Mr Retter said. “This code will help people transporting dangerous goods comply with the laws that are designed to keep them from harm.” Mr Retter said it was very important that people reading the code read it in conjunction with the specific dangerous goods legislation that applies to their state or territory. “While this is an incremental upgrade rather than a complete revision of the code I...
Local Government Employed Nurses -- Public consultation on draft enrolled nurse standards for practice - http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/News/Current-Consultations.aspx Public consultation on draft enrolled nurse standards for practice Monash University is conducting a research project funded by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (National Board) to develop Enrolled nurse standards for practice. These standards for practice will replace the current approved National competency standards for the enrolled nurse. The intention of the review is to make sure that the standards for practice provide an accurate guide for enrolled nurse contemporary practice and the educational preparation that enrolled nurses require to deliver professional health care. Released: 7 August 2014 Closes: 2 October 2014 Please provide feedback on the draft Enrolled nurse standards for practice by close of business on 2 October 2014. This link takes you to the survey that Monash University is conducting on behalf of the National Board: Survey - Public consultation on draft enrolled nurse standards for practice (Advice from http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/News/Current-Consultations.aspx ) ...
National State of the Assets 2014 - from ALGA Over the coming months councils across Australia will be asked to participate in the development of the 2014 National State of the Asset Report. ALGA has commissioned Jeff Roorda and Associates (JRA) to undertake the National State of the Assets (NSOA) Report for 2014. The previous 2013 NSOA Report, reported on the state of local government road assets, the degree of asset management and long term financial planning implementation across a sample of 344 councils. The 2013 Report found Councils indicated some $8.3 billion in sealed roads were in poor or very poor condition, together with a further $1.9 billion in unsealed roads and $1.4 billion in concrete and timber bridges. The aim for 2014 is to use the same methodology and build a clear case showing how investment in local government infrastructure will provide stronger communities, economies and efficient expenditure of public funds. The core objectives of the NSOA for...
No union or TAFE representation on new skills and training board – ACTU advice No union or TAFE representation on new skills and training board – no surprise from this Government Minister Ian Macfarlane is letting down the industries he is meant to represent by failing to include anyone from unions or the TAFE sector on the new Vocational Education Training (VET) advisory board announced today. “There is not one person chosen to represent the interests of students or workers –instead it is a board picked to push the interests of big business,” said ACTU President Ged Kearney. “Instead of drawing on decades of experience from with the TAFE sector and unions, the Minister has chosen a Liberal party mate, John Hart, to chair the board,” said MsKearney.“Not only is Mr Hart publicly campaigning to scrap penalty rates as head of the national hospitality industry lobby group - he’s also the chair of a controversial Liberal party fundraising group who is due to give evidence before the Independent Commission Against Corruption in NSW next week. “Yet this is...
Join the AFTINET camapign at http://aftinet.org.au/cms/email-your-senator-re-isds-in-kafta-2014 The government has already signed the agreement, but the implementing legislation still has to be voted on in the Senate. It is really important that we let our Senators know that including an ISDS clause in any trade agreement undermines our democracy and sovereignty. Write today and join the AFTINET camapign at http://aftinet.org.au/cms/email-your-senator-re-isds-in-kafta-2014 The Korea-Australia trade deal contains an ISDS clause which allows Korean companies to sue our governments if they can claim that a law or policy harms their investment....
Financial Assistance Grants payments - from ALAG - ALGA is continuing to lobby the Federal Government to have the decision to freeze indexation of Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) reversed. The decision, included in the 13 May Budget will cut $925 million from local government funding over the next three years. The first FAGs payment for 2014-15 will be made to councils next week and it will be $24 million less this quarter because of the indexation freeze. President Felicity-ann Lewis raised the issue with Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Jamie Briggs at a meeting in Adelaide this week. The impact of the decision to freeze the Grants will be felt by all councils, especially rural and regional councils which are relatively more dependent on the grants. Individual councils have continued to highlight the very real effects the loss of funding will have on the provision of services and the maintenance of infrastructure in local communities. ...
ASU addresses public hearing on child care sector reform 15 August 2014 http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/localgovt/140815-child-care-reform The ASU has told public hearings into child care reform that we oppose any watering down of qualifications or regulations that protect the best interests of children. The hearings are occurring around the country following the publication of the Productivity Commission's Draft Report on Childcare and Early Childhood Learning. The ASU is continuing to survey supporters to feed into our formal written submission, so please complete it if you haven't already. Although the survey is still in progress, we have had a strong response and preliminary results have assisted us in presenting at the public hearings of the inquiry. There is still time to participate so please follow this link to share your views with us: >> Complete the ASU survey on the child care sector recommendations "The strong response to the survey from ASU supporters shows the significance of the issue
Help make children, families and workers the priority in child care reforms – do the ASU survey http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/localgovt/140807-child-care-reforms-survey The future of children's services across the country is currently being shaped. After receiving submissions from various child care industry stakeholders, including the ASU, the Productivity Commission has released its Draft Report on Childcare and Early Childhood Learning and is calling for responses to their recommendations. Help the ASU with our submission by providing your feedback via our survey. The Union is currently developing our response to the Productivity Commission's Draft Recommendations and, as part of the process and we are seeking input from our members and supporters. We have summarised what we consider are the key points and we'd like to hear your views on them: >> Complete the ASU survey on the child care sector recommendations Many of our members will be affected by the changes proposed by the Productivity Commission's Draft Report on Childcare and Early Childhood Learning. This Draft Report was released for comment on 22...
E-Oz e-NEWS: This monthly publication will provide updates and the latest information within the electricity generation, electricity supply, electrotechnology, and gas supply industries. Welcome to E-Oz e-NEWS: This monthly publication will provide updates and the latest information within the electricity generation, electricity supply, electrotechnology, and gas supply industries. In this JULY 2014 issue: E-Oz Annual Conference 2014: Registration & Sponsorship E-Oz Media Kit Launched - Advertising with E-Oz now open Energize Oz Update 2014 National TAFE Directors Australia Conference, Vision 2020 National Disability Recruitment Coordinator - Perth Breakfast Seminar Invitation E-Oz Annual Conference 2014: Registration & Sponsorship E-Oz Energy Skills Australia is hosting the 2014 Annual Conference at the Crown Convention Centre Perth, WA. The three day conference will be held from the 20 - 22 October. The theme for the conference is Future Skill Challenges. For more information click on the poster above. Click on the link below to register or to sponsor the conference. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW Click here to sponsor the conference Back to top E-Oz Media...
Falling numeracy levels in Australia The ABC TV program called 'The Business' showcased a story about falling levels of numeracy across the country. The story is called A Poor Report Card on Numeracy and features one of our participating RTOs, NMIT. Please find the link here to the video from the show. A reminder that Energise Oz are delivering the Readiness Assessment at participating RTOs at no cost to candidates until the end of June 2015. The Readiness Assessment is a numeracy and literacy tool to assist aspiring electrical apprentices to gauge whether they are ‘ready’ for the challenges of trade school. To take advantage of this ‘free’ offer, click here. The Energise Oz team follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend Copyright © 2014 EE-Oz Training Standards, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because we have some useful information for you... Our mailing address...
APHEDA BULLETIN - July eNews | Gaza | Mandela Day | Sydney dinner | Positions vacant | HIV conference - APHEDA BULLETIN - Solidarity eNewsletter TABLE OF CONTENTS • Gaza emergency appeal • Book now for APHEDA Sydney Dinner - Tues 2 September • Nelson Mandela Day: APHEDA shares important anniversary with people of South Africa • Project Spotlight: Livelihoods training in the Solomon Islands • Jobs at APHEDA • Why AIDS remains an issue for all workers NEWS IN BRIEF Great work by Queensland Nurses' Union The Queensland Nurses' Union smashed its goal and signed up a total of 36 new APHEDA members at their Annual Conference in July. They were inspired by a talk by APHEDA founder Helen McCue. Pacific appeal raises over $32,000 We are pleased to report that over $32,000 was donated to the Pacific organising appeal.