Yarn Issue 3, July 2009

YARN ISSN 1836-8549

JULY 2009

NATIONAL TERTIARY EDUCATION UNION − INDIGENOUS MEMBERS’ NEWSLETTER

2 – 4 June 2009

Brisbane Convention Centre

ACTU Congress was held from 2–4 June 2009 at the Brisbane Convention Centre, with an NTEU delegation including the Chair of the Indigenous Policy Committee and the National Indigenous Officer. Alongside other members of the ACTU Indigenous Committee, the NTEU Indigenous delegates worked to finalise the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy, as well as ensuring that all policy platforms incorporated Indigenous perspectives.

Unions > Delivering for all working Australians Register online from 20th April at > www.actu.asn.au/congress2009 Key themes > Future of work > Organising and campaigning > A fairer society

For discussion

> Indigenous workers > Workforce planning and development > Income security and workers’ capital > Tax and social security > Industry/growth campaigns > Environment policy > Responding to the GFC > And more…

Inside this issue:

> IR Legislation > Security of work > Wages and bargaining > Young people and unions > Community campaigns > OHS & workers’ compensation > Work and family > International campaigns

Special events > Fringe program > Welcome reception > Women’s lunch > Congress dinner

Enquiries & registration: Debbie Gower (Event Coordinator) 03 8676 7263 | 0417 451 560 dgower@actu.asn.au www.actu.asn.au/events/default.aspx

Exhibitors & sponsors: Jackie Kimpton (Sponsorship Coordinator) 03 9664 7383 jkimpton@actu.asn.au www.actu.asn.au/events/sponsorship.aspx

Making Indigenous issues core business for unions 1 > Welcome Reception

> Superannuation Breakfast

> Women’s Lunch

Sponsors include:

Making Indigenous issues core business for unions

> Congress

Dinner

Welcome from IPC Chair

1

Update on Collective Bargaining Indigenous claim

2

New IPC member: Bronwyn Fredericks 2 Batchelor financial problems raise rumours of merger with CDU

3

Member focus: Celeste Liddle

3

NTEU Membership form

4

Wider policy areas incorporating Indigenous perspectives include: ●● Security of work ●● Wages and Collective Bargaining ●● Decent Work agenda ●● Retirement, Income Security and Workers’ Capital ●● Work and Family ●● National Interest Expenditure Principles: Procurement ●● Environment and Climate Change ●● Health ●● Social Inclusion ●● Education.

The ACTU policy on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is well structured and includes a strong critique on the Northern Territory Emergency Intervention and employment issues relating specifically to Indigenous workers.

All suggested amendments to wider policies were agreed, in particular the amendments to the Retirement, Income Security and Workers’ Capital policy is of note. Terry Mason argued passionately and successfully for the inclusion of wording that seeks

a reduction in retirement age, early access to superannuation and Government retirement benefits for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers.

The election for the Indigenous member on the ACTU Executive and their proxy was held on the second day of Congress, with the nominees for these positions being elected with the support of all voting members of the ACTU Indigenous Committee.

NTEU would like to congratulate Kara Touchie from the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) on being elected to the ACTU Executive and Joanne Kerr from the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) on being elected as her proxy.

ACTU Congress 2009 was very successful.

Through the work of the members of the ACTU Indigenous Committee, Indigenous policy and perspectives are core business for all unions.

Further information on ACTU Congress can be found at www.actu.asn.au

Welcome to the 3rd edition of Yarn Contact details National Indigenous Officer Adam Frogley.............afrogley@nteu.org.au Postal..........................NTEU National Office PO Box 1323, South Melbourne VIC 3205 Ph..........................................03 9254 1910 Fax.........................................03 9254 1915 Web............... www.nteu.org.au/indigenous

Since the last issue of Yarn, the IPC and the NTEU National Indigenous Unit have been busy with round five bargaining at a number of institutions, policy development and lobbying to achieve better outcomes for Indigenous academic and general staff.

Indigenous Forum, the World Indigenous Peoples Conference: Education (WIPC:E 2008) and the EI Indigenous Seminar were a great success, with a number of important issues discussed and outcomes finalised. Of particular note was the motion tabled at Forum on Indigenous perspectives in the Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) and NTEU participation on the Education International Ad-hoc Indigenous Committee.

I hope you enjoy the 3rd edition of Yarn; I look forward to hearing your feedback.

Cheers, Terry

Authorised by Grahame McCulloch, General Secretary, National Tertiary Education Union, PO Box 1323, South Melbourne VIC 3205

YARN

JULY 2009

PAGE 2

Update on Collective Bargaining Indigenous claim Our universities matter

INVESTING IN PEOPLE & SOCIETY

As the current round of collective bargaining continues across the country, NTEU has had success in achieving good outcomes in our Indigenous claims.

These include securing a numerical/percentage target for Indigenous employment, a senior Indigenous appointment, instituting/advancing Indigenous employment committees, cultural and ceremonial leave and University wide Indigenous employment strategies.

Despite the previous Government’s Higher Education Workplace Relations Requirements (HEWRRs) which had a detrimental effect on our Indigenous employment claim, NTEU has seen real commitment to Indigenous employment and retention from many institutions.

The table below provides an overview of what has been achieved. The University of Ballarat, in particular, has shown leadership and commitment in achieving substantive improvements on advancing Indigenous employment.

Collective g Bargainin

an Together weercence make a diff

Overall, these bargaining outcomes are welcomed and provide effective measurable outcomes that give greater opportunities for current and future Indigenous staff members at these institutions, but the real work is only beginning.

NTEU will continue to work to review the progress of the Indigenous employment strategies and targets that have resulted from this current round. We congratulate the bargaining teams and look forward to working with other Branches currently in the process of bargaining.

Institution

Target for Indigenous Employment

Indigenous Employment Strategy

Indigenous Employment Committee

Cultural/ Ceremonial Leave

Senior Indigenous Appointment/s

ANU

Yes – 2.2% of the ANU workforce by 31/12/2012

Yes

Yes

Yes – under accumulated leave arrangement

No

Ballarat

Yes – 7 appointments to 31/12/2009

Yes – Currently under review

Yes – as part of the Reconciliation Action Plan

Yes – 5 days paid and 10 days unpaid

No

CDU

Yes – equal to or exceeding the proportion of Indigenous students

Yes

Yes

Yes – 5 days paid and 10 days unpaid

Yes – Pro Vice Chancellor Indigenous

UWA

Yes – Aspirational target only, in policy

Yes

Yes

Yes – 5 days paid

No

New IPC member Dr Bronwyn Fredericks National Indigenous Councillor NTEU National Office and members of the IPC welcome and congratulate Dr Bronwyn Fredericks on her appointment to the IPC and NTEU Research Committee.

Bronwyn is an NHMRC Research Fellow with the International Public Health Unit in the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University and the Centre for Clinical

YARN – NTEU INDIGENOUS MEMBERS’ NEWSLETTER

Research Excellence (CCRE) within the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC).

Bronwyn has been actively engaged with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-controlled and community-based organisations for over 25 years. She has represented and advocated for Indigenous people, and worked with community organisations and governments at local, State and Federal levels.

Bronwyn holds a Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) (BCAEKG); Bachelor of Education (QUT); Master of Education – Leadership and Management (QUT); Master of Education Studies (UTAS); Doctor of Philosophy – Health Science (CQU); and is a JP (Qual.) (Qld).

Photo: Terri MacDonald

YARN

JULY 2009

PAGE 3

Batchelor’s financial problems raise rumours of CDU merger

Member focus

News regarding the financial status of Batchelor Institute in the Northern Territory have come to light, with the announcement that the Federal Government will undertake a forensic audit. There is further speculation that Batchelor and Charles Darwin University (CDU) are seeking to merge, resulting in the loss of Australia’s only higher education institution devoted specifically to Indigenous students.

Recent articles in the Northern Territory News and The Australian discussed the financial issues and speculation on a merger between the two institutions.

NTEU is of the understanding that the forensic audit of Batchelor will be undertaken

by Ernst and Young with a view to revising Batchelor’s business model.

Batchelor’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Tony Mordini stated in The Australian that ‘The audit will determine our aspirations; Batchelor in [the] last few years has aspired to

that [university] status. I am eager to see where the [Ernst and Young] audit says we should position ourselves regarding our business model.’ (HES, 27 May 2009) Over many years there have been talks of a merger between CDU and Batchelor with little success. Further discussions have taken place with the institutions resolved to continue to build a stronger collaboration.

NTEU will continue to monitor the situation and provide assistance to our members at Batchelor Institute.

Above: Graduation ceremony at Batchelor. (Image courtesy Batchelor Institute)

VISIT OUR CAMPAIGN WEBSITE! www.ouruniversitiesmatter.com.au NEWS, ANAYLSIS, RESOURCES & COMMENTS

Celeste Liddle My name is Celeste Liddle. I am a proud Arrernte woman, and a proud member of NTEU, University of Melbourne Branch.

I currently work at the Centre for Indigenous Education, University of Melbourne, as the Team Leader – Recruitment and Engagement.

I believe that it is important for Indigenous higher education workers to join the Union as the Tertiary education system in this country has a lot to learn from us, and the union is integral in ensuring that pay and conditions of employment take into account the unique attributes that Indigenous workers bring to the higher education system, such as cultural knowledge, and experience.

It is also important that Indigenous employees do not feel isolated, and that there are systems in place to deal with every day trials of Indigenous workers, such as racism and cultural responsibilities.

I encourage all Indigenous NTEU members to get involved and provide feedback, as the retention of quality Indigenous staff is integral to the retention of our Indigenous students.

Our universities matter

INVESTING IN PEOPLE & SOCIETY

Read YARN as an online e-book or download a PDF at www.nteu.org.au/yarn Do you want to receive the Australian Universities’ Review, NTEU’s journal on higher education?

NTEU members are entitled to a FREE subscription. Simply login to www.nteu.org.au and edit your Profile (in ‘Publications and Communication Preferences’), or email a request to aur@nteu.org.au.

YARN – NTEU INDIGENOUS MEMBERS’ NEWSLETTER

NATIONAL TERTIARY EDUCATION UNION – MEMBERSHIP FORM

Surname

 parT Time

 Full Time

 conTinuing/permanenT  Fixed Term conTracT DATE OF ExPIRY

WHaT iS your employmenT caTegory?

WHaT iS your employmenT Term?

➔ uSe paymenT opTion 1, 2 or 3

hRS PER WK

F (03) 9254 1915

E www.nteu.org.au

T (03) 9254 1910

E national@nteu.org.au

NTEU National Office, Po Box 1323, South Melbourne VIc 3205

Please post or fax this form to NTEU National Office

Office use only: Membership no.

You may resign by written notice to the Division or Branch Secretary. Where you cease to be eligible to become a member, resignation shall take effect on the date the notice is received or on the day specified in your notice, whichever is later.

In any other case, you must give at least two weeks notice. Members are required to pay dues and levies as set by the Union from time to time in accordance with NTEU rules. Further information on financial obligations, including a copy of the rules, is available from your Branch.

SignaTure

 general

 academic

WHaT iS your employmenT group?

➔ uSe paymenT opTion 4

rEcrUITEd BY:

‡associated bodies: NTEU (NSW); University of Queensland Academic Staff Association (Union of Employees) at University of Queensland; Union of Australian College Academics (WA Branch) Industrial Union of Workers at Edith Cowan University & Curtin University; Curtin University Staff Association (Inc.) at Curtin University; Staff Association of Edith Cowan University (Inc.) at Edith Cowan University.

daTe

general STaFF caSual

SeSSional academic

MoNTH, If kNoWN

nexT incremenT due

PlEASE NOTE OUR SPECIAl RATES FOR CASUAl/SESSIONAl STAFF.

 

If kNoWN

If kNoWN

E.g. lEcTB, HEW4

 oTHer:

annual Salary

claSSiFicaTion level STep/incremenT

poSiTion

daTe oF birTH

mail/bldg code

PlEASE USE MY hOME ADDRESS FOR All MAIlING

mobile pHone

poSTcode



 male  Female

depT/ScHool

campuS

 yeS: aT WHicH inSTiTuTion?

given nameS

FaculTy

currenT inSTiTuTion/employer

Have you previouSly been an nTeu member?

 yeS

WorK pHone INclUdE arEa codE

are you an auSTralian aboriginal or TorreS STraiT iSlander?

email addreSS

Home pHone INclUdE arEa codE

Home addreSS

TiTle

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INSERT YOUR NAME

Councils and Committees. You will be notified, in writing, of any changes at least fourteen (14) days prior to their implementation. 3. For all matters relating to the Direct Debit arrangements, including deferments and alterations, you will need to send written correspondence to PO Box 1323, Sth Melbourne VIC 3205 and allow 10 days for the amendments to take effect. 4. You may stop any Debit item or cancel a DDR with NTEU at any time in writing. All correspondence is to be addressed to NTEU General Secretary, PO Box 1323, Sth Melbourne VIC

 $27.50  $55  $38.50  $77  $55  $110

annual fEE

Description of goods/services: NTEU Membership Dues.

To: NTEU, PO Box 1323, South Melbourne VIC 3205

pay by cHeque, money order or crediT card

over $20,000

$10,001 – $20,000

$10,000 and under

EstimatEd salary rangE 6 month fEE

pleaSe deTermine your Fee amounT and TicK THe appropriaTe box:

daTe

all types of accounts; and account details should be checked against a recent statement from your financial institution. If uncertain, check with your ledger financial institution before completing the DDR. 8. NTEU does not use your financial records and account details for any purpose except the collection of union dues and the information is only available to a small number of NTEU employees.

The details may be provided to your financial institution if a claim was made against that institution of an alleged incorrect or wrongful debit.

pay by cHeque, money order or crediT card

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It is your responsibility to have sufficient clear funds to meet the costs of payment under this Agreement.

NTEU, however, does not have a policy of recovering any penalty fees from members if debit items are returned unpaid by the ledger financial institution.

7. Direct debiting through BECS is not available on

accounT number

— — — — daTe

SignaTure

expiry

$

amounT

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

card number

name on card

 pleaSe accepT my cHeque/money order OR crediT card:  maSTercard  viSa

 OPTION 4: CASUAL/SESSIONAL STAFF RATES

direct debit request Service agreement: 1. This is an agreement between you and NTEU. 2. Under this Agreement, you arrange to have deducted from your account, on the 15th day in each calendar month (working day), the appropriate amount of dues and levies, payable under NTEU’s Rules, to NTEU (the debit user). If you are uncertain as to when the debit will be processed please contact NTEU on (03) 9254 1910. These arrangements will not change, although the amount may vary in accordance with decisions of your elected NTEU

SignaTure

bSb number

authorise the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) APCA User ID No.062604 to arrange for funds to be debited from my/our account at the financial institution identified below and in accordance with the terms described in the Direct Debit Request (DDR) Service Agreement.

daTe

I hereby authorise the Merchant to debit my Card account with the amount and at intervals specified above and in the event of any change in the charges for these goods/services to alter the amount from the appropriate date in accordance with such change. This authority shall stand, in respect of the above specified Card and in respect of any Card issued to me in expiry renewal or replacement thereof, until I notify the Merchant in writing of its cancellation. Standing Authority for Recurrent Periodic Payment — — — — by Credit Card.

proceSSed on THe 15TH oF THe monTH or FolloWing WorKing day

paymenT:  monTHly  quarTerly

 HalF-yearly  annually* *5% diScounT For annual direcT debiT

accounT name

brancH name & addreSS

Financal inSTiTuTion

I

 OPTION 3: DIRECT DEBIT

IF KNOWN

or its duly authorised servants and agents to deduct from my salary by regular instalments, dues and levies (as determined from time to time by the Union), to NTEU or its authorised agents. All payments on my behalf and in accordance with this authority shall be deemed to daTe be payments by me personally. This authority shall remain in force until revoked by me in writing. I also consent to my employer supplying NTEU with updated information relating to my employment status.

STaFF payroll number

proceSSed on THe 16TH oF THe monTH or FolloWing WorKing day

———— ———— ———— ———— card Type:  maSTercard  viSa SignaTure paymenT:  monTHly  quarTerly

 HalF-yearly  annually

card number

name on card

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SignaTure

Hereby auTHoriSe INSTITUTION

oF YOUR ADDRESS

.0 i INSERT YOUR NAME

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