Since the last joint newsletter of 12 August, the three emergency services unions met with the Finance Minister, Mr John Lenders and the Chief of Staff, Department of Premier & Cabinet, Mr Tim Pallas, on 15 August 2005 regarding this matter.
The purpose of the meeting was to establish a framework within which good faith discussions between the parties can begin to take place in an attempt to resolve key issues of this dispute.
This purpose was achieved, by way of agreement on three key procedural issues, as follows;
Firstly, the parties agreed to enter into dialogue on a good faith basis. That dialogue would be predicated on the establishment of realistic timelines for discussions. The combined emergency services unions understand the Government is committed to introducing legislation this year and accordingly, it was agreed that October represents a realistic cut off date for discussions.
Secondly, the combined emergency services unions sought the involvement of representatives from Department of Premier & Cabinet in discussions. This was agreed.
Thirdly, it was agreed that future dialogue would relate to the concerns of the combined emergency services unions and Government will continue to deal separately with the Victorian Trades Hall Council in relation to the concerns of the GSO unions.
With these procedural issues now resolved, a further meeting between the parties is scheduled for next week. At this meeting, discussions will commence on key matters of substance concerning this dispute.
Members can rest assured that the combined emergency services unions will do everything possible to ensure that our members' superannuation entitlements, and the particular needs of emergency services workers, are not compromised through any proposal for ESSS to merge with the Government Superannuation Office.
A further update will be provided after next week's meeting.
Paul Mullett Peter Marshall Steve McGhie
Secretary Secretary Secretary
The Police Association United Firefighters Union Ambulance Employees Union
