IN THE TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

Industrial Relations Act 1984

The original application in this matter by the Ambulance Employees' Association of Tasmania (the Association) sought the variation of the Tasmanian Ambulance Service Award to include Higher Duties and More Responsible Duties Allowance provisions.

In the proceedings Mr Nielsen appearing for the Association was granted leave to amend the application to delete from it that part dealing with Higher Duties Allowance.

The amendment to the application was not opposed by Mr Stevens appearing for the Director, Tasmanian Ambulance Service, notwithstanding that the current provision in the award for Higher Duties Allowance is much more favourable than that which applies to State employees subject to the General Conditions of Service Award.

I was told by Mr Stevens that it is the intention of the Director to continue negotiations with the Association on disparities that are in the award vis a vis conditions applicable to State employees generally.

The suggestion clearly was that whilst in this case the Commission was requested to vary the award to include a provision recently determined by a Full Bench¹, the parties will also address existing disparities in the award in accordance with the Wage Fixing Principles.

On this occasion, as the award does not enable the payment of an allowance where more responsible duties are performed by employees, I have decided to grant the variation sought.

The operative date of my decision will be from the first pay period to commence on or after 5 May 1989.

The order is attached.

R.K. Gozzi
COMMISSIONER

1 T760