Support Commonwealth Courts Staff

I support the staff of the Federal Court, which now encompasses the Federal Court, National Native Title Tribunal, Family Court and Federal Circuit Court. The Courts’ administration was merged in July 2016 and they have been trying to secure fair new enterprise agreement.

Courts management have not invested in front line staff for many years. Workloads have increased but staffing has not. A four year pay freeze and cost of living increases mean wages for these workers has gone backwards in real terms.

I know staff are frustrated by delays in resolving matters and they want to be able to help the community they are proud to serve.

Courts management are now refusing to participate in conciliation with the union bargaining representatives through the independent umpire (the Fair Work Commission). This seems absurd given the Courts encourage, and in some instances require, participation in conciliation or mediation on court matters.

It doesn’t have to be this way. The CPSU as the representative of staff and the Courts have, until recently, had a productive and collaborative relationship. Staff deserve a sensible agreement that values and respects their contribution.

Through enterprise bargaining, I support staff in their claim for
• Conciliation with the assistance of the Fair Work Commission to resolve bargaining.
• the Federal Court conditions as the starting point to settlement, as the agreement will be assessed on this benchmark and they are all technically employees of the Federal Court.
• Protection of existing rights and conditions like redundancy and retention, procedural fairness in performance processes, and working hours – so that everyone understands the rules and staff can focus on doing a good job.
• Consultation with staff before they make decisions and changes – so that the Courts gets decision-making right, in the interest of the clients and the community.