USU PROMPTS GOVERNMENT ACTION

Date: 19 March 2004

The NSW Government has finally responded to the United Services Union's increasingly urgent calls for employment protection. Last night the Local Government Amendment (Council and Employee Security) Bill 2004 was introduced into State Parliament.

The proposed amendments come at a time when numerous councils have already undergone boundary changes and amalgamations.

The Bill answers a number of pressing demands made by the Union on the Government and will extend employment protection in a number of key areas. Union campaigning calling on the government to legislate for employment protection has included rallies, forums and protests.

Debate on the Bill has been adjourned until 30 March, when parliament will resume after the local government elections. However according to the USU the changes need to be implemented immediately.

"We need these reforms as soon as possible" said USU General Secretary Brian Harris. "Boundary changes and amalgamations are now a reality for many USU members, this Bill will significantly enhance the job security for members at those councils."

"I am concerned that the Bill will not pass into law until it is approved by both houses of parliament, and we urge the State Opposition and Cross Benchers to lend their support to the proposed employment protection legislation".

The Minister for Local Government, Tony Kelly, confirmed that the Government is watching councils closely, "particularly with regard to the relocation of staff and the maintenance of core staff numbers in rural centres following structural reform".

In presenting the second reading speech on the Bill the Minister made it clear that councils should not implement resource sharing arrangements in a way that "seeks to limit the employment protection provisions available to their staff". In pressing this message home the Minister warned that "if councils try to shirk their responsibilities to their staff, then the Government will be forced to step in and make sure they don't".

The USU remains opposed to the forced amalgamations of viable local councils. The USU does not support boundary changes and the dissolution of councils. The USU will continue to represent members at future regional enquiries and Boundary Commission hearings.

Further details are available at www.usu.org.au . For comment please contact USU Manager Ben Kruse on 0419 623 984 or Industrial Office Doug Woodhouse on 0414 190 250.

For further information

Contact:	Brian Harris
Union:	United Services Union
Phone:	(02) 9265 8211
Fax:	(02) 9261 2265
Email:	united@usu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.usu.org.au

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