The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) has secured major improvements to the ACT Government's proposed recruitment freeze, reversing some of its most damaging aspects.
Following advocacy from the CPSU, the Government has significantly altered its approach, shifting from a rigid policy to a set of recruitment 'guidelines' that allow for more flexibility across ACT Public Service (ACTPS) Directorates.
The CPSU has welcomed these changes but reiterated the union's strong opposition to the freeze itself and cautioned the ACT government against similar moves in the future.
Key outcomes from CPSU's advocacy include:
- The recruitment freeze is now a guidance document rather than a policy, ensuring that Enterprise Agreement provisions take precedence.
- The ban on HDA has been completely removed, meaning workers acting in higher duties will continue to be paid accordingly.
- A review of the freeze will take place in April 2025, creating the potential for an early end to restrictions before the originally proposed June 2025 conclusion.
- Clear decision-making guidance for Director-Generals, including:
- Recognition that recruitment decisions rest with Director-Generals or their delegates.
- A requirement to consider Work Health and Safety (WHS) impacts.
- A mandate for union consultation.
- Assurance that funded roles can continue.
- The need for Directorates to justify workload distribution when a position is not continued.
Quotes attributable to Maddy Northam, CPSU ACT Regional Secretary:
"The ACTPS recruitment freeze was wrong, rushed, poorly communicated.
"Through the collective action of CPSU members, we've been able to secure crucial protections for workers and prevent some of the worst impacts from occurring.
"We have unfortunately already seen the harmful effects on frontline services, particularly in Canberra Health Services, where patient-facing jobs are not being renewed.
"To be frank, Canberrans deserve better than this. Attacking our public services is a low blow to workers and the community.
"The CPSU is determined to ensure that nothing like this is put on the table again."
