CPSU received correspondence late yesterday from Minister Foley repeating the assurance provided previously that the Government intends to see Victorian Public Service Workplace Determination employees transferred to direct employment by the NDIA at the appropriate time, and redeploy where this does not occur.  CPSU raised the matter again with the Minister and DHHS after the initial correspondence circulated gave rise to some confusion about which roles were transitioning.  Importantly, the Government has assured CPSU members that the situation remains largely unchanged for staff covered by the VPS Determination.  As has always been the case, some VPS staff will be transferred to the NDIA, while others will be redeployed within DHHS.  No VPS roles will be outsourced to NGOs or the private sector.  Initial information provided to staff by the Department earlier this week appears to have created significant concerns among staff. Specifically, it was communicated that some roles in Planning & Response, Disability Individual Support Administration, and Disability Support Register will no longer be performed in the department.  This information has now been updated, and these parts have been removed. 

Meanwhile, consultation around the transfer of NEMA staff to NDIA continues.  CPSU has received great feedback from members on this, and will be including this in our initial response to the Department.  As part of the consultation process, DHHS will soon be providing members with NDIA APS Position Descriptions, as well as details on the process for determining which roles will be classified as ‘transferring employees’.  There has been some confusion around how this will impact staff in Loddon and Central Highlands.

North East Melbourneis scheduled to transition from 1 July 2016, and we are in a formal consultation process in accordance with the entitlements in our VPS Workplace Determination.  Central Highlands and Loddon are scheduled to transition in 1 January 2017 and 1 May 2017 respectively.

As such, formal consultation has not commenced for these areas.  As soon as it does, the Union will notify members and engage in a similar consultation process.  CPSU will continue to advocate for members and keep you informed as soon as details become available.  If you have questions or concerns, please email Matt Price (link sends e-mail).

KAREN BATT
CPSU Victorian Branch Secretary / Federal Secretary