Health and Community Services Union

Disability

New DHS EBA Agreement Finalised – Voting Shortly

HACSU and the DHS have agreed all outstanding issues on the wording for the new 2008 – 2012 EBA agreement.

While all the wages increases, new allowances and other benefits won in the 2008 EBA campaign and agreement have or continue to be implemented via the Heads of Agreement and Common Law Deed; the formal agreement to be registered by Fair Work Australia (FWA) under the new work laws has been the subject to what seems like endless discussions to conclude the wording of the final agreement. Its been no small task to incorporate the 2008 EBA wins and to simplify and remove redundant provisions from the old agreement.

All issues are now agreed and the final checking of the document is being undertaken. HACSU expects that meetings in workplaces and Regions will take place in March for employees to Vote on approving the agreement so that it can be lodged with Fair Work Australia.

A schedule of meeting will be circulated and the DHS will be required to facilitate staff attending in paid time – Keep an eye out for further details coming to your workplace email and home mail.

Notice of Representation: Do Nothing

DHS Disability Members are finally receiving a ‘Notice of Representation’ today from the Department of Human Services.

HACSU wrote to members in early November explaining that you do not need to do anything with this notice. It is a technical requirement of the new act in order to register our 2008 EBA. Unfortunately some confusion has arisen due to a delay in the Department sending out the notice.

Specific Strategic Replacement & Refurbishment Program (SRRP) meetings between the DHS and HACSU delegate Carmel Palumbo and Official Lisa White have been held throughout the past year. The Union intends for the SRRP to become a standing agenda item at the monthly Regional Consultative Committee meeting. Until this occurs the local meetings will continue.
Read more...

DHS Roster Attendance Project - Statewide Delegates Meeting

On Tue 28th July, about 100 HACSU delegates met at Trades Hall in Melbourne to discuss various matters arising out of the DHS Disability EBA. In particular, delegates came together to discuss the finger scanning log on process that DHS are proposing as a replacement to paper timesheets.

Delegates heard from DHS representatives’ which was followed by a lively discussion. Some concerns were alleviated while other concerns were raised. One thing is for certain though: members are very sceptical of the system.

The meeting passed a resolution stating that HACSU opposes the use of a biometric logging system. The resolution also stated that we will establish a reference group of delegates to consult with the DHS on this matter and undertake further discussions.

This process and information has been poorly managed by the Department. There has been a lot of misinformation caused by a lack of consultation which has only lead to more confusion and anxiety. By passing this resolution members have committed to getting actively involved in this process to ensure that the Department remain accountable and that the concerns of members are heard.

Thanks to everyone that took the time to come down to the meeting – especially those that came from outside the metropolitan area.

We will keep you up to date as the issue processes.

Minister Announces $2.4 Mil for 2 New CRUs for 10 Colanda Residents, Limited Change for the Forseeable Future

The State Government has not allocated any significant funding in this years State Budget for the future redevelopment of Colanda Residential Services. However, the Minister for Community Services Lisa Neville has announced a more limited support package for Colanda designed to ensure ongoing service stability and support for Colanda Residential Services and to enable 10 residents to have their preferences to move to the community sooner.