Working Pattern Review: Update 7
Monday 12th December, 2011
Working Pattern & Composite decision on hold
FWA Hearing adjourned to early next year
In the Fair Work Australia (FWA) Hearing before Commissioner Smith, the AFPA sought an undertaking that the AFP Commissioner would not make a decision in relation to the Working Pattern Review until a Decision was arbitrated by Fair Work Australia (FWA), or resolved through the conciliation process.
I am pleased to advise that the AFP Commissioner has now agreed to this undertaking and the AFPA has supported an Application by the AFP to adjourn the next Hearing date until 10 February 2012. This will now enable the AFP and the AFPA to continue meaningful discussion in relation to the review material and subsequent recommendations made to the Commissioner.
The CPSU Lead Organiser Border Protection Division, Mr Peter Seal, also agreed to the AFP request for an adjournment. His agreement was based on the criteria as outlined by the AFPA’s legal representative Mr Giri Sivaraman, Principal of Maurice Blackburn Solicitors. The criteria set out by Mr Sivaraman is that:- the AFP Commissioner is not to make any decision on the workplace patterns review until the conclusion of the arbitration.
Mr Sivaraman has been engaged by the AFPA to represent over 450 AFPA members in the dispute lodged by the AFPA over the AFP Working Patterns Review. Giri Sivaraman is the Principal in charge of the NSW/ACT employment/industrial practice of Maurice Blackburn Solicitors.
The agreement reached between the AFP and the AFPA is a significant interim outcome for our members as it brings with it certainty that Composites will be retained until the dispute is resolved.
It should be positively noted that NMHR, Assistant Commissioner Leanne Close, has facilitated material requested by the AFPA in relation to this dispute.
Through this cooperative approach we are confident that we will be able to work through this dispute in a timely manner.
Jon Hunt-Sharman
National President
Australian Federal Police Association