Health and Community Services Union

All HACSU members are urged to implement all bans to the fullest extent possible in their health service. Other unions’ activity has no impact on our bans. Our campaign continues, and we urge all psychiatric nurses, mental health clinicians, administrative and support staff working in mental health to unite and keep the bans in place. Management are not allowed to coerce or pressure members into breaking the bans.

“It was like a safe, family environment for clients...The patients felt safe, felt accepted, rather than out in the community where there was a stigma. It was terrible. There was a bit of them and us. (People with mental illness) were (considered) dangerous, were people to not be near.”

HACSU members Pam Wrigley and Rosemary Lalor talk about their time working at Larundel in this video by the Whittlesea Leader.

Lawyers for Ballarat Heath Services have filed a Notice of Appeal against the judgment made by Justice Gray in the Federal Court on the 4 November 2011. In his judgment, Justice Gray found in favour of HACSU and ordered that Ballarat Health Service pay members in receipt of the commuted allowance the disputed afternoon and night shift allowances for work undertaken on weekends and public holidays.

The success of our campaign depends on all members and colleagues taking action. We have included the full list of protected action bans which have been voted on by HACSU members.  Please note these are strictly non-clinical. If you have any questions, please contact us on 1300 651 931 or hacsu@hacsu.asn.au for advice.