November 2023 Dispatch

Greetings everyone,

The EA has remained a core focus for the Association over the last month, and we have held musters in Sydney and Adelaide recently to ensure that our members have the latest information and the chance to engage with us face to face. We will also be conducting musters in Canberra commencing 20 November 2023.

The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has formalised a policy that significantly constrains the environment where the EA can take shape. The APSC has capped pay increases at 11.2% over a three-year period with no front loading allowed and has also disallowed any new allowances or improvements to existing allowances from being considered. You can read more about these in the Legal report within this Dispatch.

These kinds of parameters are familiar to most members, and I am frankly disgusted that a change in the federal government has meant more of the same in this respect.

The AFPA has always believed in the importance of fair and transparent negotiations. It is disheartening to see such blatant disregard for the principles of good faith bargaining. This move by the APSC undermines any progress made with the AFP.

Negotiations should be conducted in a manner that respects the rights and interests of all parties involved. It is essential that both sides adhere to the agreed-upon rules and guidelines throughout the bargaining process. By unilaterally changing the rules, the APSC is creating an unfair advantage for themselves and, by extension, the Government.

We are directly lobbying the APSC (as per our recent media release) to actively address this issue and will keep you informed as we navigate through these changes. Your support and solidarity during this time are crucial.

Coming up to Christmas, please take any time you do get to spend with loved ones and family to recharge and rejuvenate. Your well-being is crucial during this busy time.

Below you can find a summary of the media appearances I have made over November.

Thank you for your steadfast dedication, and please stay safe.

In unity,

Alex