Uni rewarded for meeting workplace reforms

Monday 6 March 2006

The University of Newcastle will receive an extra $5 million this year after meeting the Federal Government’s Higher Education Workplace Relations Requirements (HEWRRs).

Ian Pike, Director of Human Resource Services, says meeting the requirements is good news for the University.

“The $5 million represents a 5% increase in the Commonwealth Grant Scheme funding for the University of Newcastle in 2006.”

“It was critical that the University comply with the HEWRRs and receive this additional funding.”

“The level of funding is equivalent to 60 jobs. Neither the University nor staff could not put at risk a further 60 jobs.”

The HEWRRs cover choice in agreement making, direct relationships with employees, workplace flexibility, workplace productivity and performance, and freedom of association.

To be eligible for the additional funding, the University needed to develop and have in place a Teachers enterprise agreement and workplace policies and practices that complied with the HEWRRs.

The University was one of 40 higher education providers to meet the HEWRRs at 30 November 2005.

“We appreciate the support of our staff and staff unions in working with the University to meet the requirements and deadlines,” says Ian.

Now that the University has secured an ongoing funding flow for 2006, Ian says the next step for the University is to continue to work towards compliance for the 2006 deadline.

“This includes renegotiating the academic and general staff agreements to ensure they are also HEWRRs compliant by the end of August this year. Negotiations are just about to commence with the University calling for staff representatives at present,” says Ian.

For interviews: Ian Pike, Director of Human Resource Services, on (02) 4921 5284.