Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequenty asked questions and answers by category.
Leave/Absences (for further information see the leave page
Q: How can I cancel my annaul leave/leave without pay after it has been approved?
A: Prepare a memo to the Head of Department advising that you wish to cancel approved leave, the reason why. Include your staff number and dates you applied for. Obtain your supervisor's endorsement and forward to the Head of Department for approval. HOD will forward to HR for action.
Q: I have to change the dates
of my annual leave. How can I amend my approved leave?
A: Complete a new leave application form with the new dates. Clearly mark on it 'amended'.
Use the 'comments' section to list the originial dates and breifly explain the proposed change. Obtain your supervisor's endorsement and forward to the Head of Department for approval. HOD will forward to HR for action.
Q: I was called back to work while
on annual leave/leave without pay/parental leave etc. Can these days be recredited?
A: Prepare a memo advising the dates you had to work and request recredit of approved leave. Include your staff
number. Obtain your supervisor's endorsement and forward it to the Head of Department for approval. HOD will forward to HR for action.
Q: I am on Leave Without Pay and wish to return to work before the end of the approved period.
A: You will need to write to the Head of Department, with as much notice as possible, advising the date you wish to return and the reason why. Approval to return before the end of the approved leave will depend on what arrangements were made to cover the workload in your absence and whether funding is available.
Q: I was sick while on leave. Can these days be recredited?
A: Sick leave while on Annual Leave can be recredited as long as a certificate from a registered medical practitioner or hospital is provided for all dates you wish to claim. Complete the usual leave application form with a note in the comments section that you were on leave at the time.
Q: I have been called for jury
duty. What do I have to do?
Let your supervisor know. While away you will be paid normal salary. If the sheriff's office gives you the option of being paid for your time on duty please elect to receive payment, particularly if you are paid on research grant funds. On your return to work you must complete a leave form for the period and attach proof of attendance. You must pay to the
University Cashier any monies received for the jury duty less any amounts for meals and travel. The cashiers office will need to see your proof of attendance and will need your salary account code (ask your supervisor).
Q: I had an accident on the way
to work/at work. What forms do I fill out.
A: Staff are covered by worker's compensation for accidents on the journey. You or your supervisor, if you are unable to do this yourself, must complete the online incident report form within 24 hours of the accident.
Recruitment & Salary Budgeting
Q: I want to employ a student. What rate should I pay?
A: Rates of pay are determined by evaluating the work over a number of dimensions
including training and qualifications required to do the job, level of supervision
needed and judgement, independence and problem solving skills. These are
defined for various levels in the General
Staff Position Classification Descriptors at attachment 5 of the MU Enterprise
Agreement. For more information contact the ICS HR Manager.
Q: What are the on-costs for the
person I want to employ on a grant?
A: The current on-costs are: 17% for all casuals, 19.05% fixed term up to
two years; budget 27.05% for all other appointments.
Q: The Enterprise Agreement (Schedule2) indicates casual rates 'inclusive of 23% loading'. Does it include all on costs that my account will be responsible for?
A:
All casuals receive a 23% loading in lieu of annual leave and sick leave as part of their hourly rate. You must still budget for and additional 17% on-cost.
Q: I want to employ a research
assistant. Will this be an academic or general appointment?
A: Apply the tests on the appointment
grid.
Q: I want to employ a casual research
assistant. What forms do I need?
A: Apply the tests on the appointment
grid to determine if a casual appointment is the most appropriate.
Use forms as advised in the appointment grid.
Payroll/Payment Summaries
Q: I didn't get my Payment Summary (group certificate). How can I get one?
A: Payment summaries are distributed in the last pay of the financial year
to your pigeon hole or home address. To obtain a replacement please complete
the Application for
Replacement Payment Summary. If you changed address during the
year and did not notify the University please also complete the Change
of Personal Details form.
Q: Why wasn't the 9% superannuation recorded on my payslip?
For casual employees superannuation contributions are made if the salary for a calendar month is more than $450. The contribution is made in the first pay after the end of the month. For salary received in the month of September, a contribution will be made in the first pay in October. See further information in the pages for casuals
Change of Personal Details
Q: I have changed address. How do I advise the University?
A: Complete the Change
of Personal Details form and send to Human Resources, C4B, or fax to
9850 9748.
Q: I have a new degree. How do
I get this recognised by the University?
A: Complete the Change
of Personal Details form and send to Human Resources, C4B, or fax to
9850 9748.
Employer superannuation contributions
For casual staff
The university must make employer superannuation contributions for casual staff to UniSuper at the rate of 9% of ordinary time earnings for a casual staff member. This applies where the wages are $450 or more per calendar month or where the person earns less than $450 per calendar month but more than $2,135 in either of the 6 month periods betwen 1 January and 30 June or 1 July and 31 December each year.
Unisuper will set up a member account when they receive contributions from the University. They will then write to casual staff member to advise them of membership details. There may be up to 3 months timelag.
UniSuper invests employer superannuation contributions in the Balanced strategy unless otherwise directed. Casuals wishing to nominate a different strategy need to contact UniSuper directly. The UniSuper web site is www.unisuper.com.au
For staff who are leaving Australia permanently
Staff who have not reached retirement age and are leaving Australia permanently may make an application to have their superannuation funds paid to them. The application must be made to the relevant superannuation company (eg UniSuper) and it must be made from overseas after leaving Australia.