Ministerial Statement

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) (14:23): I rise to update the chamber on the matter of MFS travel allowances. I am advised that MFS and Shared Services have investigated the calculation of travel allowance payments following concerns raised on behalf of a member of the United Firefighters Union.

I am advised those inquiries have identified a broader issue with the calculation of travel allowance payments within the MFS's use of the rostering software. I am advised initial checks undertaken by the MFS and Shared Services suggest the use of the software has produced incorrect travel payments extending back to the implementation of travel claims within that software system under the former Liberal government in 2021.

As a result of these investigations, the MFS has advised that the use of the software is not currently producing accurate travel payments. Plainly, this is not good enough. Every worker in South Australia, including our firefighters, is entitled to expect that they will receive their allowances in full and on time. On behalf of the government, I sincerely apologise to MFS employees who have been affected by this issue. I share in the frustration that the use of the software system that has been implemented is not fit-for-purpose, and the MFS is committed to ensuring that this is rectified as soon as possible.

Last week, the chief officer of the MFS and I spoke with the United Firefighters Union, including the secretary, to advise of the issues that have been identified. Officials from the MFS, Shared Services and the Industrial Relations and Policy Branch later met with the UFU also. We would all like to see this issue corrected as soon as possible.

A number of steps are currently being taken and, while details are still being discussed with the UFU, I can confirm the following: first, I am advised that the MFS has committed to a full audit of all travel claims going back to at least the implementation of the use of the software system in 2021. It is intended that the audit will be conducted with independent expert oversight from outside of government to ensure that MFS employees can have absolute confidence in the outcomes of the audit.

Second, I am advised that the MFS has committed up-front that if the audit identifies underpayments of entitlements to an employee, then the MFS will pay interest on any unpaid amounts that are owed to the employee.

Third, I am advised that the MFS has proposed to the UFU to appoint an independent expert to review the complex travel entitlements currently contained in relevant industrial instruments and make recommendations on how these entitlements could be made simpler for both employees and the Metropolitan Fire Service, without leaving employees worse off.

Fourth, I am advised that the MFS has committed to work with the UFU on the design of a new or improved software package to ensure that travel claims are easy to process and are calculated accurately.

Finally, while I am advised that the payment issues arising from the use of the software are different to those that were subject to proceedings in the South Australian Employment Tribunal earlier this year, the employer's legal representatives have contacted the tribunal, with the consent of the UFU, so that the tribunal can be advised of these recent developments.

Once again, on behalf of the MFS and the government, I extend my deepest apologies to our firefighters and sincerely acknowledge the concern and uncertainty these matters have raised. I also take this opportunity to sincerely acknowledge and thank the United Firefighters Union and thank them for their advocacy on behalf of their members. Public sector agencies are at their best when there is a meaningful and constructive relationship with workers and their representatives, and the MFS is committed to working with the UFU to remedy these issues, not just to resolve individual payment errors but to establish robust processes for the future.