Further to the last update on 18 August, a delegation on behalf of the emergency services unions met with the Finance Minister, Mr John Lenders and other Government officials, last Thursday 1 September 2005 to try and progress this matter.

The meeting resolved to identify a number of issues for discussion and resolution between the parties at a series of meetings that were agreed to take place on every day of this week, commencing Monday 5 September.

The issues agreed to be discussed at this week's series of meetings include;

1. Advertisement for CEO position of the proposed merged entity
2. Review of proposed timelines
3. Schedule of meetings
4. Proposed structure of the new board
5. Level of comfort sought by emergency services unions,  in particular for;
   -Current members
   -Retired members
   -Future members
6. Savings, in particular
   -Distribution

At last Thursday's meeting, the first three of the above-listed matters were discussed. It was agreed that matters 4 to 6 would be discussed at meetings to be held from 5 September.

On the first issue listed above, the emergency services unions expressed outrage that the Government has advertised for a CEO of the merged entity being proposed.  The unions indicated that this was totally against the spirit of 'in good faith' negotiations.  The parties agreed that the process of selecting a CEO will be suspended for four weeks pending further discussion. It was further agreed that if the parties failed to reach resolution on the substantive issue of the merger, then this suspension period is to be reviewed after four weeks.

On the second matter, the Government confirmed that a draft Bill will not be taken to Cabinet until 24 October 2005.  A draft bill will be finalised by 3 October, with a copy to be made available to the unions in the third week of September for comment. The parties confirmed that the viewing of this document will be part of a separate process within the exchange of dialogue. 

With regard to the third principle, it was agreed that the parties will meet on a daily basis, commencing Monday, 5 September 2005 and subject to the progress of these meetings, a review of future meetings will be conducted on Friday, 8 September 2005.

Members will be updated on the progress of this issue following this week's series of meetings.
      
Paul Mullett                   Peter Marshall Steve            McGhie
Secretary                      Secretary                            Secretary
The Police Association   United Firefighters Union      Ambulance Employees Union