Further to our previous ASU bulletin regarding our concern that some employers would be removing the ability for staff to salary package from 1 April 2008, due to advice from the ATO, this has in fact happened. A number of members have been in touch with the ASU, letting us know that they have received advice that they will be losing the ability to salary package as currently the case, from 1 April 2008.

The ASU has followed up our letter to the Health Minister with further conversations. The ASU has urged the Minister's office to make whatever representations and actions to your employers, through the DHS, that they believe necessary, to allow ASU members to continue salary packaging whilst the review is taking place.

Clearly however, some employers have already determined they cannot bear such risk, leaving workers in the worst position possible, that we have been working very hard to avoid.

We are extremely disappointed that this has occurred, and now call on members to take some action to support your colleagues who are in this difficult situation, in an attempt to get the situation to change:

Take action to support your colleagues

How can you help?

1. Send emails and faxes to Vic Health Minister, Daniel Andrews until you get a positive response, by close of business Friday - a proforma letter with some ideas can be downloaded below. Please send copies of your correspondence to the ASU as well. Fax us on (03) 9342 3498 or email info@asuvic.com

2. Make contact with your local Member of Parliament (MLA listing can be downloaded below), by calling their electorate office or writing them a letter (see proforma on page 2 of the attachment). Request a meeting where you and your colleagues can brief them on the situation, potential impacts of this loss in your local community and how they can help. The ASU can assist you with background materials for such a meeting. Please let the ASU know what activity your centre has undertaken in this regard;

3. If you are working in a centre where your employer has decided to cease packaging from 1 April 2008, get some colleagues together and talk with your CEO about the situation, to see if there is any way in which they can allow the status quo to remain while the review takes place. Some centres will be going down this path. Keep us informed of how his goes, or call us if you need assistance with this.

4. If you are not a member of the ASU, now is the time to join. Download a membership from or get one sent to you by emailing info@asuvic.com or phoning 1300 855 570.

5. Visit the ASU forum and share your experiences with fellow workers. Your username should be: asu and your password: guest.

Future newsletters will be issued to keep members informed as information comes to hand.

Further questions? Talk to your ASU delegate or contact the union on 1300 855 570.