Personal Explanation

Metropolitan Fire Service Travel Allowance

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:27): I seek leave to make a personal explanation.

Leave granted.

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: Last sitting week, I gave answers in question time regarding the payment of travel allowances by the MFS. Given the interest in this matter by the council, I can now provide a further update. At the outset, I am deeply regretful that firefighters were delayed in receiving payments of their travel allowances. Every worker in South Australia deserves to have their wages and entitlements paid in full and on time, not least our extraordinarily hardworking firefighters.

While I am advised this situation was a result of an administrative error rather than any deliberate intention by the MFS to withhold payments, clearly it should not have happened. It took too long to correct and it is simply not good enough. I am advised that the MFS has taken active steps to put processes in place to ensure that this does not happen again.

I am advised that following the orders of the South Australian Employment Tribunal all outstanding travel allowance payments have now been processed by the MFS. Further, I understand that payments are scheduled to be paid by Shared Services in tomorrow's pay cycle. I am advised that a dedicated email has also been provided, so any firefighters with concerns about travel payments can contact a staff member within the MFS.

In the course of question time last sitting week, I was asked some questions about the proceedings in the SAET. I take this opportunity to clarify the answers I gave, based on more detailed advice I have now received. I am advised that the MFS offered to settle the proceedings before SAET on the basis of orders for the payment of arrears within a specific timeframe. I am also advised that at the hearing before SAET the MFS did not oppose the making of orders for arrears and the payment of interest, although there was disagreement between the parties about the relevant timeframes for payments, as well as further orders sought by the UFU.

I am grateful for the advocacy that the UFU provide for their workforce and the feedback that they provide us. I understand the chief officer of the Metropolitan Fire Service and the UFU are in regular communication about a wide range of issues, and I am advised there were a number of meetings between the MFS and the UFU in relation to travel allowances. I have also met with the UFU as minister to hear their concerns about this matter.

I am advised the MFS chief officer has written to firefighters acknowledging the problem, apologising for the delays, and confirming the MFS was working to resolve the issue. I understand the chief officer has since provided several updates to firefighters about the matter, including an update sent earlier today to confirm that payments have been processed to Shared Services.