The success of the Federations Pro Rata Case resulted in significant benefits flowing to Part Time Casuals teaching at least 10 hours per week, and the creation of many TAFE Temporary Teacher positions since July 2005.
In negotiations around the the TAFE Temporary - Conditions of Employment Policy the Department agreed that " Where it is proposed to extend a TAFE Temporary Teacher position beyond two years from the date of its creation, Institutes should consider whether there is a need to create a permanent TAFE Teacher position (instead of extending the TAFE Temporary Teacher position)." The Department also agreed that programs of 19 hours or more for 12 weeks or more should not be disaggregated.
The Federation wrote to the Minister for Education & Training, Carmel Tebbutt on 30 June 2006 around the conversion to permanency of TAFE Temporary Teachers and other educational staff such Education Officers. The Federation has asked the Minister to support the development of an instrument such as a change to the Act, Regulations or an industrial agreement which would allow such educational employees to seek conversion to permanency after two years consistent with section 31 of the Public Sector Employment & Management Act.
This would mean that temporary educational employees would have the same right to seek conversion to permanency as other Public Sector Employees including TAFE administrative and support staff.
In a response dated 28 August 2006, Minister Tebbutt expressed sympathy with the Federations proposal, but has referred the matter to the Department to investigate the implications.
Members are encouraged to send the attached letter on conversion to permanency to Minister Tebbutt, Premier Iemma and local State Member of Parliament.