Consultative Committees are a must

 

Consultative Committees provide access to the ideas and views of employees. Employees are a valuable resource, and they provide a multitude of skills and experience. A consultative committee allows that expertise and input to benefit council operations.

 

Consultation breaks down the traditional and old-fashioned barriers between “us and them” in the workplace, recognises the common interests which exist between council and its staff and ensures that the council and its employees can work to a common goal of providing a more effective service to the community, a more efficient operation and greater satisfaction for staff.

 

As per Clause 34 of the Local Government (State) Award 2023, the aim of the Consultative Committee is to 

1. Provide a forum for consultation between the employer and its employees that encourages a free and open exchange of views,

2. Positively co-operate in workplace reform to enhance the efficiency and productivity of the employer and to provide employees with access to career opportunities and more fulfilling, varied and better paid work.

 

The functions of the consultative committee include;

1. Award implementation
2. Training
3. consultation with regard to organisation restructure
4. Job redesign
5. Salary systems
6. Communication and education mechanisms
7. Performance management systems
8. Changes to variable working hours arrangements for new or vacant positions
9. Local government reform
10. Proposed variations to leaseback vehicle arrangements
11. Health and wellbeing programs.

 

Don’t have a Consultative Committee or not sure if it is functioning to its fullest potential, get in touch with your local delegate or organiser to get more information and raise your concerns.