UPDATE ON WAIRC

The parties returned to the WAIRC on Monday 5 October 1009 to report back to Commissioner Harrison.

Harrison was very clear about the need for the parties to have established clear ‘terms of reference’ for the DET-SSTU IPS Reference Group arising out of the WAIRC application by the Union.

Harrison has set down a respond date for the ‘terms of reference’ to be tabled to the WAIRC and a scheduled for further report backs. She has invited the parties to return earlier should matters require her intervention.

UNION COMMUNICATION TO BRANCHES

• All schools will receive a general letter on the IPS in the term 4 ‘All Schools Run’ to Union reps
• The Term 4 2009 P&C/ School Council Communication Kit contains commentary on the Independent Public Schoosl [see your All Schools Run]
• Union Reps in nominee schools [102 schools] will recieve a letter requesting further feedback on [a] the nomination process [b] provison of a copy of the school’s application to be an IPS
• Union Reps in nominated IPS schools [34] will recieve a letter requesting further feedback on [a] the nomination process [b] provison of a copy of the school’s application to be an IPS and  some direction as to endorsing processes for consulation and communication.
• The IPS Communication Bulletin will continue.

DET-SSTUWA ON-GOING CONSULTATION

The SSTUWA will continue to be engaged in two levels of on-going consultation with regard to the Independent Public Schools implemenation. This includes:

• [1] The Independent Public Schools Working Group

This group is chaired by the Director General. It includes representatives from the LMHU, CPSU, SSTUWA, WACSSO, WADHSAA, WAESPAA, WAPPA, WASSEA, various DET Executive Directors and the Deputy Director General, Finance and Administration. Its brief is to raise issues and provide advice to the Director General on matters associated with the implementation of the Independent Public Schools Policy.

• [2] The DET-SSTUWA Group meeting arising out of the WAIRC matter

A DET-SSTUWA group to enable the SSTU to bring directly to DET’s attention issues impacting on members. Regular report backs to the WAIRC will occur from the work of this group.

UNION POSITION RE INDEPNDENT PUBLIC SCHOOLS

It is evident that the Barnett Government has the intention to expand the IPS program. The IPS program reflects an ideology driven by “choice”. Just in the name one reads inferences which play to the insecurities of a community which does not have strong messaging from government that public provision of education is valued and valuable, that it will fully and appropriately resource education delivery in government schools.

The Union makes it clear that it will continue to take a position opposing the introduction and expansion of the IPS program. At the same time Union commits to supporting and working with members in the nominated schools, those staying on and those seeking to move out of the schools.

The Union’s positioning against the creation of a “system within a system” is not a knee jerk response. It is a well thought out and principled position. It is a position based on a view that the Western Australia community must continue to have provided a quality public education system. It is based on the clear evidence from international experience and research that the splitting off of schools from within the system, commonly known as Charter Schools, does not at the end of the day benefit students and community objectives. 

Broadly, the Union has concerns about the IPS program on two fronts:

• The equity and access impacts arising out of the establishment of a “system within the public education system”; and
• The potential risks in eroding of conditions in the current The School Education Act Employees’ (Teachers and Administrators) General Agreement 2008 and Teachers (Public Sector Primary and Secondary Award 1993, both in the moment and as we move towards the next round of negotiations.

The Union continues to bring to the attention of the community and government that there is an element of ‘smoke & mirrors’ in how the program is being promoted. The notion that schools can cater to the needs of students and the local context – What do we do now?  The notions that schools can select their own staff – That’s funny, I thought we had the option of local selection?  The notion that we can shed unnecessary bureaucratic burdens – Well, we’ll all have some of that!  And it goes on.

As well as keeping a direct line of communication open with the IPS, it is the intention of the Union to keep the Independent Public Schools Communication brochure going. It is also the intention of the Union to monitor closely activities ‘on the ground’ and to respond as appropriate. For this to occur to its greatest effect, we will be depending on the members in the IPS.

Key issues which have been identified to date include:

• How will the EIP process work for staff wishing to ‘opt out’?;
• What legislative change does DET know will need to be put in place to enable independent decision making to occur?
• What are the potential liabilities for members of school councils?
• Exactly which policies will IPS be able to amend and or do away with?
• Have staff seen the application made by their school to be part of the IPS program?

Many other queries have been raised by members ... thank you for your feedback.

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