As part of the Award Review and with ACA’s advocacy on behalf of the profession, a final decision has been made regarding proposed changes to the Health Professionals and Support Services (HPSS) Award 2010.
For the past three years, ACA has been engaged in advocating on behalf of the profession regarding the Health Professionals and Support Services (HPSS) Award and have been successful. This advocacy culminated in CEO Dr Matthew Fisher presenting to the Full Bench last December.
This announcement has been split up into two sections. A major change that is applicable from first full pay period commencing on or after 9 July 2019, and minor changes that will be applicable from the first full pay period commencing on or after 9 January 2019.
The major change which has now been given final approval is in relation to the span of hours. NOTE: THIS WILL NOT COME INTO EFFECT UNTIL THE FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD COMMENCING ON OR AFTER 9 JULY 2019.
Changes to clause 24 – Span of Hours. Specifically, the span of hours for chiropractic, physiotherapy and osteopathic practices will change to:
- 7:30am – 9:00pm Monday – Friday, and
- 8:00am – 4:30pm on Saturdays.
The below minor changes come in to effect from the first full pay period commencing on or after 9 January 2019:
- A new definition of “private medical, dental, pathology, physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathic practice”.
- A minor change to the wording in clause 25 (Rostering) to now allow a roster to be changed at any time when an employee is absent on personal/carers leave, compassionate leave, ceremonial leave, leave to deal with family and domestic violence, or in an emergency.
- A minor change to the wording of clause 26.1 (ordinary hours on weekends) to specifically state that part time and full time employees are entitled to a 50% loading when working ordinary hours between midnight Friday and midnight Sunday. Note, ordinary hours are those included in the span of hours. This clause does not allow all work performed on weekends (including Sundays) to be paid with a 50% loading. Overtime rates will still be applicable at certain times.
- A new clause to state that an employee who works not more than 6 hours can forgo a meal break with the employer’s consent.
- Changes to clause 29 – Shift Work – to include a more straight forward shift penalty (40%) for casual employees performing shift work.
- Other changes which do not affect our industry.
If you have any questions about this announcement, contact the ACA HR Service on 02 8448 3211.
