DHF Annual Report 2009 - NT Health Digital Library - Northern ...

Supporting our PeopleHuman Resource ServicesThe Human Resource Services Unit provides a broad range of advice, guidance andsupport to managers and staff on matters such as conditions of employment, performancemanagement, grievances, discipline, and recruitment and selection. Human Resource (HR)Consultants are located in Darwin, Casuarina, Katherine and Alice Springs with consultantsvisiting Tennant Creek and Nhulunbuy when required. HR Services acts as a liaison pointfor the central agencies and the unions. Regular meetings with stakeholders are held toprovide an opportunity for the HR Consultants and Managers to discuss any workplaceissues prior to escalation. Some consultants are trialling an ‘on-site service’ where theyvisit various workplaces for the day. This provides managers and staff with opportunities forface-to-face discussions.The Commissioner for Public Employment received a total of 33 formal Section 59Grievances during the year for the Department. Seven cases were brought forward from2008-09.Under Section 48 Medical Incapacity, the Department had 14 new cases and one case wascarried forward from 2008-09. Of the 15 cases, eight were completed.Under Section 44 Inability to Discharge Duties, the Department had two cases broughtforward from 2008-09 with no new cases commencing in 2009-10. Of the two broughtforward, one was closed.Under the Department’s Grievances Policy and Guidelines, the Chief Executive receiveda total of 21 grievance requests. Seven requests were carried forward from 2008-09. Ofthe 28 requests, 23 have been resolved. Grievance management policies for staff andmanagers are available on the Department’s intranet site.and family members through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including a visitingservice at Royal Darwin Hospital. The EAP service is well utilised across the Department.Industrial RelationsThe Industrial Relations Unit (IRU) provided advice and resources to implement variouscommitments arising out of previous union collective agreements. The unit has been heavilyinvolved in monitoring national trends in the terms and conditions of other jurisdictions in orderto evaluate the Department’s position in relation to employment matters. The Unit continuedto be involved in the formation and renewal of several occupational market allowances.The Industrial Relations Consultants continued to provide specialist human resource adviceto managers on managing key external and internal relationships that affect their workplaces.The Northern Territory Public Sector 2008-2010 Union Collective Agreement ceases inAugust 2010 and negotiations have been entered into by the employer with employeerepresentatives seeking a new agreement. The IRU has been involved in discussions withelements of the employer’s offer to employees. The IRU will be central to the implementationof the agreement matters.Department Health and Families 71