QH payroll debacle update: Focus on underpayments and moratorium on overpayments continues
Published: 25 September 2011
Rectifying underpayments to nurses, midwives and other Queensland Health staff continues to be the priority for Queensland Health with a series of new service standards negotiated, which include a two-day turnaround for all queries, including underpayment claims, the Queensland Nurses Union (QNU) said today.
QNU secretary, Beth Mohle, said when underpayments occur, and some still do, Queensland Health is now trying to address them immediately and by the following pay cycle at the latest, or with ad hoc payments where necessary.
“This is still the appropriate focus at the moment, because there is still a lot to sort out before the issue of overpayments can be dealt with. The moratorium on collecting overpayments continues and no nurse or midwife should be forced to repay any overpayments at the moment. If, for some reason, they have been asked to make a repayment, they should contact the QNU immediately. Of course, overpaid staff can voluntarily make a repayment at any time if they so desire.
“Also, any nurse or midwife with payroll issues can contact Queensland Health’s Statewide Payroll Hotline 1800 239 074, which is available from 7.00am to 9.00pm, seven days a week.
“In terms of ongoing management and rectification of the payroll system, the QNU welcomes the recent appointment of an IT industry expert such as Richard Mathews to drive implementation of the department’s payroll blueprint. I am advised Mr Mathews will focus solely on rectifying systematic payroll errors, and the QNU hopes he can implement measures that safeguard against future catastrophes. Because nurses and midwives have certainly had enough of this whole thing.
“After 18 months of stress and distress, for many nurses, midwives and other Queensland Health employees, the level of consultation and planning has improved significantly. There are still payment problems being encountered by staff, but the continuing emphasis on the timely fixing of underpayments is still the correct approach.
“The other three agreed parts of the five-point ‘Heads of Agreement – Improving the Confidence in the QH Payroll System’, between Queensland Health and the unions representing its employees, also continue to be implemented. These are:
- imposition of a moratorium on the recovery of previously notified overpayments;
- appointment of an independent and external Workplace Ombudsman to handle payroll complaints; and
- increased resources for Nurse Unit Managers and Line Managers, dealing with payroll issues.
“Having said that, the QNU is very concerned about the impact the payroll fiasco has had, and continues to have, on nurse unit managers and other line managers. They still have to deal with staff affected by payroll problems, in addition to their core clinical coordination functions. We will continue to ensure Queensland Health pays particular attention to their needs.
“Finally, the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission continues to have oversight of this whole issue,” Ms Mohle said.Contact:
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