CPSU National Higher Education Conference

Central Council, 13 November 2006

Report adopted

The conference was held on the 19 and 20 October.

Day 1 consisted of presentation from David Mendelssohn and Mark Perica (Federal Office) on:

• Right of entry under Work Choices and how Government has made it tougher for union employees/officials to make its presence felt on University campuses

• Prohibited content Work Choices and the limiting of freedom of choice in agreement making.

• Protected action under Work Choices.

• Dispute resolution under Work Choices.

• Enforcement of agreements under Work Choices and the options for enforcing entitlements & prosecuting breaches of workplace agreements.

This information laid the basis for Day 2, which consisted of workshops facilitated by Amanda Graupner from the ACTU Education & Campaign Centre. The aim of Day 2 was to develop the communication skills required to effectively activate members & potential members in Higher Education in the context of the new industrial relations environment.

The general feedback from delegates was positive.