How have the unions been consulted with regard to the impact of the bulk water reforms?
Consultation with the unions is one of the non-negotiable principles already endorsed by the Government. To that end, a SEQ Staff Support Group was established in mid-2007 with representation from the Queensland Council of Unions, the Australian Workers’ Union, the Australian Services Union, along with relevant government agencies, including the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations, and representatives of SEQ Councils. This group developed a ‘staff support framework’ document directed at ensuring: the proper transition of employees transferred from one water entity to another under the Act the appropriate and fair treatment of other employees of water entities affected by the process. Following extensive consultation with key stakeholders, the Treasurer approved the SEQ Urban Water Reform: Workforce Framework 2007 on 23 January 2008, based on the recommendations of the Staff Support Group. The Framework is effective from the date of gazettal (25 January 2008). Among other
