❓ Question regarding certification of Public Transport Authority overhead line workers and the PTA's training assurance processes. The Minister refutes claims of no certification, citing briefings with the RTBU.
AnsweredQoN 895Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
PUBLIC
TRANSPORT AUTHORITY — OVERHEAD LINE WORKERS
895. Hon KEN TRAVERS to the minister representing the
Minister for Transport:
I refer to news reports on Monday night about an Australian
qualifications framework standard for Public Transport Authority overhead line
workers.
(1) Were the reports that there is
no certification correct?
(2) If yes —
(a) why is there no certification;
(b) on what basis are the competencies
of overhead line workers determined; and
(c) why does the
PTA not use the appropriate Australian qualifications framework for
electrotechnology transmission line assembly relevant to overhead catenary work
or electrotechnology rail traction for certification?
(3) How does the PTA assure itself
that its workforce is highly trained if it does not use certification?
TRANSPORT AUTHORITY — OVERHEAD LINE WORKERS
895. Hon KEN TRAVERS to the minister representing the
Minister for Transport:
I refer to news reports on Monday night about an Australian
qualifications framework standard for Public Transport Authority overhead line
workers.
(1) Were the reports that there is
no certification correct?
(2) If yes —
(a) why is there no certification;
(b) on what basis are the competencies
of overhead line workers determined; and
(c) why does the
PTA not use the appropriate Australian qualifications framework for
electrotechnology transmission line assembly relevant to overhead catenary work
or electrotechnology rail traction for certification?
(3) How does the PTA assure itself
that its workforce is highly trained if it does not use certification?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question.
(1) No, the
reports were not correct. The media reports reflect statements made by Mr Paul
Robinson, branch secretary of the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Union. The
training process and time frame was outlined to Mr Robinson from the RTBU in a
briefing concerning a range of training matters on 22 October 2012. Despite
this briefing he has made two incorrect statements to the effect that PTA
employees have received no training at all and that the PTA will not commence
any training until June 2013 at the earliest. Subsequently, during a further
meeting with the union today, 7 November 2012, Mr Robinson confirmed he had
made an incorrect statement but I am advised that he did not, however, express
an intention to correct his statement publicly.
(2)–(3) Not applicable.
(1) No, the
reports were not correct. The media reports reflect statements made by Mr Paul
Robinson, branch secretary of the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Union. The
training process and time frame was outlined to Mr Robinson from the RTBU in a
briefing concerning a range of training matters on 22 October 2012. Despite
this briefing he has made two incorrect statements to the effect that PTA
employees have received no training at all and that the PTA will not commence
any training until June 2013 at the earliest. Subsequently, during a further
meeting with the union today, 7 November 2012, Mr Robinson confirmed he had
made an incorrect statement but I am advised that he did not, however, express
an intention to correct his statement publicly.
(2)–(3) Not applicable.
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