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T1304

 

IN THE TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

Industrial Relations Act 1984

 

T.1304 of 1988

IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION BY THE MINISTER FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION TO VARY THE HOBART REGIONAL WATER BOARD STAFF AWARD

RE: TECHNICAL EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATION

   

COMMISSIONER R.J. WATLING

HOBART, 24 May 1988

   

REASONS FOR DECISION

   

APPEARANCES:

   

For the Minister for Public Administration

- Mr J. McCabe with
  Mr M. O'Keefe and
  Mr R. Camm

   

For the Tasmanian Public Service Association

- Mr N. Buchanan

   

DATE AND PLACE OF HEARING:

 

18 May 1988  Hobart

 

In his opening submissions, Mr. McCabe representing the Minister for Public Administration (the applicant), amended his application.

The amended application sought to extend the Hobart Regional Water Board Staff Award by including a new classification of "Superintendent".

Mr. McCabe comprehensively addressed the application under the following headings:

1. The Hobart Regional Water Board Review of Field Staffing which highlighted the need for the new position.

2. The structure of the Board's Field and Maintenance Operations.

3. The Position Description for the proposed new "Superintendent" classification.

4. The accountability of the personnel responsible to the "Superintendent".

5. The Wage Fixation Principles.

6. Public Interest.

The award, in its current form, contains a classification of -

 

Salary
Per Annum

"SUPERVISOR

$

Class I

33576

Class II

34106"

   

The Supervisor of Maintenance and the Supervisor of operations will be responsible to the "Superintendent", who will in turn be responsible to the Engineer Manager.

It was Mr. McCabe's submission that the new position should attract the following annual salary:

 

Salary
Per Annum

"SUPERINTENDENT

$

Class I

35708

Class II

36240"

   

The requirements of the position are as follows:

(a) FUNCTION:

To direct and control all field operations and maintenance activities associated with the bulk water supply installations.

(b) PRIMARY TASKS:

1. Responsible for the orderly and efficient supervision of all operations and maintenance activities, and construction works undertaken by day labour.

2. Arrange for such monitoring and inspections of electro-mechanical equipment including regular pump tests in order to optimise the efficient use of equipment.

3. Allocate the priorities for routine and major maintenance works, and advise on methods.

4. Responsible for the design of services associated with electro-mechanical equipment, including instrumentation, the preparation of drawings and specifications for contracts. Analyse and report on tenders.

5. Responsible for the inspection and supervision of electrical and instrumentation works undertaken by contract and day labour. Administer contract electrical works.

6. Direct such specialist works as required for the accurate operation and recording of chlorine and flouride equipment.

7. Direct the installation, operation and maintenance of Telemetry equipment.

8. Responsible for the bulk water consumption records and the accuracy of measuring equipment.

9. Liaise with other Departments and local authorities.

10. To be the Board's Electrical Contractor if so directed.

11. Responsible for all stores equipment and transport.

(c) LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Decision-making associated with:

1. The allocation of work priorities and the deployment of staff.

2. Operation and maintenance of complex electromechanical equipment.

(d) DIRECTION:

General direction and setting of objectives and overall priorities.

(e) KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL:

A high level of technical knowledge, competence and initiative.

Ability to supervise and direct a number of subordinate staff.

(f) WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The position is located at the Board's Bridgewater Office, but frequent visits to field work sites and water supply installations is required.

(g) QUALIFICATIONS:

Certificate of Electrical Engineering, and an A Grade Electrician.

Extensive experience with design and maintenance of services for electro-mechanical equipment and instruments.

Ability to control staff and to plan, initiate and direct works programmes.

Mr. McCabe also pointed out to the Commission that the current Supervisor's salary scale equated to a Class XVII of the Technical Employees Award and the proposed rate for the "Superintendent's" position would equate to a Class XIX of the same award.

Mr. Buchanan, representing the Tasmanian Public Service Association, fully supported the application and the submissions presented by Mr. McCabe.

I am satisfied that the application:

(a) is not contrived in order to circumvent the Wage Fixation Principles;

(b) arises out of the establishment of an entirely new position requiring greater skill and responsibility than that of the Supervisor classification;

(c) clearly falls within Principle 12 of the Wage Fixation Principles;

(d) is appropriate when assessed by reference to the value of the work already covered by the award;

(e) is commensurate with the skill and responsibility required for the position;

(f) has no prospect of "flow-on", as it specifically applies to the Hobart Regional Water Board; and

(g) does not contravene the public interest.

Operative Date:

The operative date of this decision shall from the first full pay period on or after 18 May 1988.

Order:

An Order giving effect to this decision will be included with the Order arising out of applications T.1216 of 1988 and T.574, T.580 and T.614 of 1986.

 

R.J. Watling
COMMISSIONER