The combined Emergency Services Unions have received numerous enquiries about the status of the current superannuation dispute. The unions have reinforced with Government that any resolution is subject to member ratification.
Following two weeks of protracted negotiations the Unions and Government have moved closer to final agreement on the details to settle the current superannuation dispute.
Negotiations have reached the stage where there is in-principle agreement on the proposed legislative amendments.  Negotiations are continuing on the common law deed of agreement that will underpin members' entitlements.  The parties aim to conclude in-principle negotiations on the deed by Friday 28 October.
The in-principle position on the legislation contains a number of key features:
" There is no alteration to members superannuation entitlements
" A guarantee of no detriment.
" The fund must maintain separate accounts for ESSS
" Decisions involving ESSS members benefits must be supported at board level by 2 of the 3 ESSS employee elected representatives in effect the ESSS members have the right of veto.
The position reached to date is only an agreement in-principle. It is subject to resolution of negotiations over the common law deed.
It is likely, given the Parliamentary timetable, that the Government will introduce the legislation into the house prior to conclusion of the negotiations on the deed.  The legislation is unlikely to be debated for some weeks.  The combined unions' position is that any settlement of the dispute requires resolution on the common law deed as well as the legislation.
The Heads of agreement signed on 12 October commits the Government to entering into a common law deed of agreement with the combined unions which will ensure:

• Continuing protection of defined benefits for current members of ESSS
• Continued access to ESSS defined benefits scheme and its benefits for future eligible members
• Maintenance of the right of retired members to rollover funds in ESSS Beneficiary accounts
• Continued access to ESSS accumulation products (including ESSPlan) at no cost disadvantage for current and future eligible members
• Continued access for current and future members to all ESS beneficiary accounts
• Board representation to protect and fully preserve ESSS.

The deed will be enforceable in either the Supreme or Federal Court.  The deed when concluded will be a major protection of members ESSS entitlements - a protection that didn't exist previously.
On completion of the negotiations on the deed, the combined unions will conduct a series of information meetings to explain the in-principle position. Members are reminded that the final position will be subject to endorsement or rejection at a special general meeting.
      
Paul Mullett                       Peter Marshall                    Steve McGhie
Secretary                          Secretary                           Secretary
The Police Association       United Firefighters Union      Ambulance Employees Union