SASSLA's New Business Model

OUR PHILOSOPHY AND APPROACH

SASSLA represents individual member interests, and the collective interests of Band A and Band B members.

We are guided by the following principles in working with and representing individual members:

We promptly respond to members’ requests and identify the most effective way to achieve a satisfactory outcome for the member.
We assess presenting issues and risks. As appropriate, we access professional legal advice and legal support where needed.
We actively represent the interests of members through engagement with the Department for Education and can facilitate external legal support to members who have matters before courts and tribunals.
We place a high value on building and sustaining relationships with members through constructive and proactive engagement and tailored support in response to current and emerging matters.

We are guided by the following principles in representing the collective interests of Band A and Band B members:

We develop clear policy positions on employment related matters including pay and general conditions of employment that inform and influence Departmental decision making.
We co-operate and collaborate with Principal and Preschool Director Associations where there are identified mutually beneficial and common interests in furthering the collective interests of school and preschool leaders.
We provide critical feedback on Departmental policies and change proposals through formal consultation processes and engagement in public discussion.

OUR MEMBER SERVICES

Individual member assistance and support – refer Rule 3 Objects (2) (3) (4)

SASSLA provides human resources consultancy services to our members. The range of issues raised by members covers the whole range of employment and operational policies, including but not restricted to:

Advice on the application of Acts, policies, and industrial instruments as they relate to the role and work interests of school and preschool leaders.
Support to members engaged in Departmental conduct investigations and disciplinary processes, unsatisfactory performance processes, complaint processes, and appeals.
Consultancy advice on general and operational matters relevant to the work of school and preschool leaders.
Supporting members appearing in a Court or Tribunal, including directly funding legal assistance where approved by the SASSLA Board.

We support the delivery of these services through:

Directly responding to member enquiries and assisting members in the broad range of their needs.
Providing direct assistance to members in preparing written submissions and responses.
Regular scheduled meetings with the Minister, Chief Executive and the People and Culture Division to review and discuss matters of concern and interest to our members.

Member Legal assistance – refer Rule 3 Objects 1(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

SASSLA funds or recommends legal assistance to members including access to lawyers specialising in employment law, workers compensation, criminal and civil matters.

SASSLA Rules provide for legal assistance to members in the following instances:

To bring or prosecute an action where the member is a victim of verbal, written or electronic harassment.
To make a claim under the provisions of Return to Work Act 2014.
To provide legal assistance to a member in respect of a civil claim either to:
- The defence or prosecution of alleged libel or defamation or both.
- The defence of alleged breaches of State or Federal Law with respect to human rights and equal opportunity or sexual harassment or both.
- The defence of any action of alleged assault and battery, so long as the alleged conduct arises out of, or in the course of the Member’s employment with the Department for Education.
To provide legal assistance and representation and information to any member in order to prosecute any action for either criminal injuries compensation or assault and battery, so long as that action or those actions arise out of, or in the course of employment.
In the event of any member of the Association dying from natural causes or from accident, and whether the death should arise out of or in the course of his/her employment or otherwise, the Association shall assist the surviving spouse or any surviving immediate family dependent on the deceased member by providing legal assistance in order to instate any claim for compensation for the loss of the deceased but excluding any matter relating to the grant of Probate, intestacy, and the like.

The SASSLA Board may approve funding or recommend legal assistance and legal representation before a Court or Tribunal and provide information or other assistance to any member on any matter.

Funding for all legal services is at the discretion of the SASSLA Board. Services are provided through our Legal Partner TGB unless otherwise agreed.

Policy Development and Advocacy – refer Rule 3 Objects (3) (5) (8) (9) (10)

SASSLA develops policy positions on employment matters that reflect the interests and aspirations of our membership of school and preschool leaders.

We undertake research and develop policy papers and positions that are designed to generate discussion and engagement with our members and influence Government and Departmental decision making. Our primary areas of interest are:

Developing proposals that inform and influence Government and Departmental decision making in areas directly related to the employment conditions of our members enacted through Departmental employment policy, legislation, and industrial instruments.
Developing submissions on matters of operational policy that directly impact on the interests and role of leaders in schools and preschools.

OUR MEMBER BENEFITS

Membership fees are tax deductible and excellent value for money compared to other options for coverage.
All SASSLA members are automatically covered by our group Journey Insurance Policy if you are injured in your travel to or from work.
Members receive 10% discount on all personal legal matters, including Wills and Estates, with TGB Lawyers.
Discounted rates to attend the Annual SASSLA State Conference.
Regular email, web and social media updates about leaders’ work and legal and other matters affecting education.

Testimonials

I have been a SASSLA member for 20 years and have found their assistance invaluable as a school leader and even more so now that I am moving into a new role as an Education Director. It has been reassuring to know that I have access to expert advice in stressful times and someone to talk to who gives an impartial voice on leadership issues. The service I received from Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers was brilliant. They are highly experienced in Departmental policies and procedures and assisted me during a very vulnerable time. I am glad I made the switch 20 years ago!

Deb O'Neill, Education Director

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Deb O'Neill, Education Director

Being a member of SASSLA provides me with support and care as a Preschool Director. The representation of early childhood education within the Association is a priority as is the challenges associated with this leadership role. SASSLA has been instrumental in working with other Associations to discuss Directors’ workload and the Enterprise Agreement around the 24 hour face to face teaching time. My issues and concerns are always addressed promptly and in particular Phil O’Loughlin has always ensured my wellbeing is of the utmost importance. I would recommend membership to all Preschool Directors as the personalised representation and recognition of our work is a key focus.

Nicole Otto, Preschool Director

I have been a SASSLA member for over 15 years and worked in both country and metropolitan schools. I have always appreciated SASSLA’s strong advocacy work on behalf of all leaders. I am fortunate to have experienced the compassion, support, and expert advice of SASSLA’s Chief Executive, Phil O’Loughlin, in partnership with the legal support of Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers, during a challenging professional time. I highly recommend SASSLA to education leaders.

Matt Saunders, Principal

Whilst other associations and the Department talk about leader well-being, it has only been SASSLA who has provided the care, concern and professional guidance for me over the past two years. As leaders we often hear of others enduring stressful times and it is easy to gossip, dismiss or think it won’t happen to us and walk away. I hope no-one has to endure what I have, but if you do, you can’t afford not to belong to SASSLA.

Lynne-Maree Hastings, Principal

I became a member of SASSLA in my first year as a Primary School Principal. The immediate and responsive support I received from Phil O'Loughlin and the entire team provided me with the skills and knowledge required to navigate some complex decision making and change management. Balancing the needs and entitlements of students and staff with the expectations of the wider community provided many challenges. SASSLA's expertise and understanding of the Department’s policies and procedures provided me with the foundation and confidence to navigate these challenges. Their unconditional support and advice was instrumental in achieving positive outcomes for our school community. I can't thank them enough and recommend membership to all leaders.

Adam Blakely, Principal

Without the support of SASSLA I would not have stayed connected to and be continuing in my chosen and much loved career. It is so important that Principals have the full support and confidence of the Department. My very public legal case highlighted the fragility of the system when support and confidence dissipates in the face of political interference, media attacks and intolerance. SASSLA gave me support and encouragement during a very difficult time and when it seemed that no-one else would listen

Sue Burtenshaw, Principal

Joining SASSLA has afforded me the greatest level of professional support I could possibly have hoped for. It provided me the opportunity to be heard meaningfully and with the assumption of good intent. The Association has shown great expertise in both legal and departmental processes, as well as holding clear understandings about management and site context. I will continue to appreciate their professional network and membership.

Betty Elsworthy, Preschool Director

As a principal, you can often feel under siege when battling vexatious complaints, whether it be responding to Ministerials, mediating conflict in the workplace or managing underperforming staff. I received very little support from other sources and only ever felt like SASSLA appreciated the effort I was making to provide children with a quality education which they deserve.SASSLA understands the pressures and the unique conditions that school leaders experience daily. Without SASSLA’s support and guidance, I am not sure how I would have made it through these complex situations. The work SASSLA does is invaluable, and I encourage school leaders to join and be protected and supported by SASSLA.

Catherine Cox-Walliss, former Principal

SASSLA has been a necessary and valued support, especially during a period of extreme work based trauma. I have found Mardi Barry’s assistance to be prompt, approachable and most understanding and the advice from Amber Sprague at TGB Lawyers enabled me to negotiate leave and workers compensation to ensure an eventual return to good health.

I have been impressed by the professionalism of Phil O’Loughlin and Leanne James who enable the voices of rural leaders to be heard and valued. Their tireless work in seriously rethinking the role, workload and issues of principals will make an enormous difference for future leaders.

Lesley Okholm, Principal

I see my SASSLA membership as a type of insurance policy. It’s my support network to fall back on in possible times of crisis. Knowing that I have legal assistance a phone call away and financial assistance with legal costs gives me peace of mind. It’s reassuring to know that I have genuine peer support now and throughout my future career.

Ilia Tsoutouras, Education Director

My SASSLA membership is an essential, professional investment in a service and resource I could not go without. Knowing I can make a call to SASSLA enables immediate communication to take place in a confidential and reassuring context when faced with unforeseen challenges. They actively listen with clarity and provide recommendations of action during conversations. All matters are dealt with great sensitivity and care.

Dina Zunis, Principal
Primary Principal of the Year 2021

SASSLA’s New Business Model

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