Permanency Secured Days After Freeze Lifted

CPSU/CSA union member Joann Tararo has already secured her permanency, after the government’s staffing freeze was lifted earlier this month.

Joann has worked at the Housing Authority in Mirrabooka for nearly two years, but has always been on rolling contracts.

Last year she engaged with the CPSU/CSA to apply for permanency as she felt she met all the criteria needed to get a permanent role. The Union assessed her position and agreed she shouldn’t be on fixed term contracts as she has worked the same role, for the same pay at the same location for over a year.

When the CPSU/CSA approached the Housing Authority they admitted that under the Commissioner’s Instruction on Filling a Public Sector Vacancy, Joann was eligible for permanency. But due to the staffing freeze implemented in the 2015 Budget, permanency could not be granted.

But as revealed in the most recent State Budget, the recruitment freeze has been lifted and the union got back in touch with the Housing Authority’s Industrial Relations manager about Joann’s case.

Just days later her permanency was approved.

Joann thanked the union for all their support and says permanency was important to her because she had such uncertainty with rolling contracts.

“To gain permanency is a joy and relief.

“I had a total of 7 contracts; made up of 3 months, 5 months and 6 months.

“To sum up how I feel - I’m absolutely grinning from ear to ear.

“I feel safe & secure knowing that I have a permanent position and thoroughly love working for the authority,” Ms Tararo said.

At present there are over twenty cases under review for permanency at the Housing Authority. If you have been a fixed term contract for nearly 12 months, contact the CPSU/CSA on 9323 3800 to see if you can be made permanent!