What is a Consultative Committee?
What is a Consultative Committee?
Consultative Committees are an integral part of IEU Enterprise Agreements (EAs) and are designed to give you and your colleagues a voice in how your work is performed.
These committees typically include elected employee representatives from various work groups, and an equal number of management representatives. Many Consultative Committees have an identified IEU representative.
It is important that the IEU(SA) Sub-Branch (your workplace) organises for IEU members to be elected to the Consultative Committee.
How Often Should the Committee Meet?
The frequency of meetings is usually once per term, although the group can agree to meet more or less frequently. Both employees and management can bring matters for consideration. Some EAs specify the topics to be discussed, while others do not.
Rights and Responsibilities
Consultative Committees are advisory bodies to the principal. The principal is not obligated to accept committee’s recommendations. The rules for publishing minutes, decisions and responses vary by EA. These committees are formally structured and have no deliberative power.
What Should Members Discuss?
Before meetings, employees often meet (without management present) to prioritise issues and give directions to their Consultative Committee representatives.
The IEU(SA) Sub-Branch should conduct regular meetings to discuss issues that members would like raised at Consultative Committee meetings, and these matters are then discussed with IEU members on the Consultative Committee. Members of the Consultative Committee can then report back to the Sub-Branch on the action that the school is going to take to address the issues.
Consultative Committees should not discuss individual grievances and disputes, however, individuals can raise personal issues related to general policies and procedures.
If an issue involves a breach of an existing policy, it should be handled as a grievance.
If it relates to better organising work, the Consultative Committee can deliberate on it, even if it affects only one person, eg. issues with parent–teacher nights.
Consultative Committees cannot ignore or undercut EAs, National Employment Standards (NES), or relevant legislation, but they can discuss issues not covered by these standards.
Consultative Committees can also discuss how to implement terms in a way that benefits employees without conflicting with requirements. It is not permissible to trade off one EA entitlement for another, nor can a group decision remove an individual’s rights under an EA or the NES.
If the response from management is deemed inadequate, IEU members can use more formal dispute processes as outlined in your EA.
If the dispute is not resolved it can potentially lead to arbitration by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) under the terms of the EA.
Action list for members
- Hold a Sub-Branch Meeting to discuss how the Consultative Committee at your school can work to improve the working life of members.
- For more information or assistance, contact your IEU Organiser.
TIPS ON HOLDING A SUB-BRANCH MEETING
Sub-Branch Meetings are an important part of organising your union Sub-Branch and progressing and resolving workplace matters.
Through meeting and organising, you and your colleagues can work together to make positive change in your workplace.
Practical Tips for Organising Meetings
- Where to hold meetings: You can use your classroom, book a shared space like a hall or lecture theatre, or meet at a local café or pub if the issue is sensitive.
- Notifying members: Request a membership list from your IEU organiser to email members, leave notes in pigeonholes, or use other appropriate methods. Always include an agenda, even if it is brief.
- Who can attend: All members covered by your EA can attend. Principals and Deputies have their own branch if they choose to use it.
- Formality Level: The meeting can be as formal or informal as you prefer. Having an agenda is helpful, but taking notes or voting on resolutions is up to the group.
For more information or assistance, contact your IEU Organiser – 8410 0122 or enquiries@ieusa.org.au
