
Issue No 66		11 August 2000

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News

Fahey's Flog Off Fiasco

By Dermot Browne - CPSU

The Community Public Sector Union (CPSU) has claimed that a recent Office of Asset Sales and IT Outsourcing (OASITO) document proves that the Howard government is forcing 'market-testing' on all public service activities regardless of whether it is practical or efficient to do so.

The document defines 'market-testing' as inviting private enterprises to tender for public sector business and states that 'in-house' bids from current public service staff cannot be considered.

It also stops departments from opting out of market-testing even if they find the exercise would bring only 'limited efficiency gains' or even where previous market testing has been unsuccessful.

CPSU National President, Mathew Reynolds, said the paper exposes Finance Minister John Fahey's ham-fisted approach to market testing. 'His message is 'just do it - no excuses will be accepted.'

The union points out that agencies are being told that even when preliminary research suggests there is 'no market for the activity' or the 'market is immature', that OASITO will 'work with industry to improve market capacity'.

'The invisible hand of market forces turns out to be OASITO. It's like Joseph Heller's book 'Catch 22,'' said Mr Reynolds.

'What if the departmental benchmarking can demonstrate that the work is already being carried out efficiently? No, not good enough! In OASITO's view, only by going to the market will the 'relative efficiency' of the agency be truly tested.

Even where a department can prove it has high levels of efficiency and the tender process is not needed, the document suggests that they will assessed against 'economies of scale'. This presumably means being measured against a contractor large enough to handle multiple contracts. This is more great news for large multinational consultancy firms, but a blow for efficiency, public sector employment and government accountability," added Mr Reynolds.

For background papers

www.cpsu.org/mkt_tstg/index.html

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Issue 66 contents

Interview: Shifting Sands
Michael Crosby Joint Director of the ACTU Organising Centre talks to Workers Online about the changing nature of union power, 'use it or lose it' coverage and how the ALP will have to deal with a transformed union movement.

Unions: Mission Possible
From Cambodia to Kyrghyzstan, from Malawi to Mozambique, this is one nurse who accepts certain missions where life is on the edge, and she loves it.

Economics: A Progressive Alternative
Andrew Scott outlines a policy approach for an ALP Government that aims to deliver social as well as economic progress.

International: Unions Back International Seafarer Deal
Shipping union representatives from 56 countries have decided to back a pioneering international collective bargaining agreement with ship employers.

Politics: Apolitical Myth
Over the last ten years one story about public interest in politics has found resonance, especially in the US. It suggests that people are no longer interested in political issues. Researchers from the Demos Foundation put this claim under the microscope.

Satire: Elaine Nile retires citing victory in "War on Masturbation"
There were emotional displays and many tributes paid today as Elaine Nile, Christian Democrat MP of 12 years standing, announced her retirement from the Parliament.

Review: Pure Shit
The 1970s Aussie drug classic, Pure Shit - a 70s Australian style Trainspotting - is being dusted off for a one-off showing at the Chauvel.

» It Will Happen Again Warn Fiji Unions

» Telstra in Olympic Twist Over Games Allowance

» FAAA Uncovers Sham Employment at Impulse

» Saloon Doors Flap as Wealthy Owner Walks

» ACOSS Slams Job Network

» Scrap HECS Say Nurses

» Fahey's Flog Off Fiasco

» Things Go Better With a $100 a Day Extra

» Shopping Centre Silent Over Greedy Grab

» Selley's Workers Stick to Union

» Taxi Incentive Needed to Avert Olympic Shortage

» Sneaky Chubb Forced to Pay Redundancy

» Seaforth Picket Marks a Year With Picnic

» Road Rage! Air Rage! WORK RAGE!