MEDIA STATEMENT

5 October 2009

Geoff Thorn
Parliamentary Service

Arrangements are in place at Parliament to minimise disruption during a one-hour stoppage by members of the Public Service Association at 3pm today, Monday 5 October.

“Our contingency plans are aimed at ensuring Parliament remains safe and secure during the planned industrial action,” said the General Manager of Parliamentary Services, Geoff Thorn.

Staff affected by negotiations for a collective employment agreement 1 (CEA1) will be taking part in the stop-work meeting. This will involve security, Parliamentary library and operations staff.

“Authorised personnel will still be able to access Parliament using their own swipe cards while public access will be restricted to the main, combined entrance to the Executive Wing, and through Bowen House.

“There will be no disruption to public tours of Parliament.”

Security managers will provide security cover for the hour long stop-work meeting.

The stoppage is expected to include 124 Parliamentary Service staff.

“We are hopeful the PSA will return to the table and the agreement will be concluded in the near future,” Geoff Thorn said.

ENDS

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