Child safety workers slam government’s response for deep-rooted staffing crisis

HACSU says the government’s response to the ongoing child safety workers staffing crisis is “inadequate” and putting the state’s most vulnerable children at risk, as staff walk off the job in Launceston.

Child safety workers in Launceston walked off the job on Wednesday after rejecting the government’s inadequate response to the ongoing staffing crisis. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Child safety workers in Launceston walked off the job on Wednesday after rejecting the government’s “inadequate” response to the ongoing staffing crisis, which they say is putting the state’s most vulnerable children at risk.

Health and Community Services Union members say they were forced to escalate industrial action, calling the government’s emergency workforce plan a “quick fix” approach that fails to address the root issues faced by their industry.

HACSU industrial manager Lucas Digney as child safety workers in Launceston walked off the job on Wednesday after rejecting the government’s inadequate response to the ongoing staffing crisis. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

HACSU industrial manager Lucas Digney said the “shortsighted” money incentives put forward by Children and Youth Minister Roger Jaensch following the death of a child in the North-West – believed to be linked to an unactioned case due to staff shortages – would only worsen staffing issues and further endanger the children and families.

“The government is attempting to patch up a deep-seated problem by throwing money at it in a bid to deflect political criticism following a tragic loss of life,” Mr Digney said.

“But these stopgap measures won’t resolve the severe staffing shortages that put Tasmanian children and young people at risk. Without adequate staffing, more tragedies are inevitable.”

Child safety workers in Launceston walked off the job on Wednesday after rejecting the government’s inadequate response to the ongoing staffing crisis. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Mr Digney warned that the government’s plan, which includes two $5000 payments and a 15 per cent market allowance for Child Safety Officers, Allied Health Professionals in the Advice and Referral Line, and Youth Justice roles in the North-West, fails to ensure efficient service operation and neglects the broader recruitment and retention issues plaguing the sector statewide.

“What we’re asking for is a package that delivers a benefit to all workers who work hard every day to keep children safe,” he said.

“The package that currently is on the table will only deliver benefits to child safety officers and no other worker who works in the service.”

Unit co-ordinator Mel Bramich as child safety workers in Launceston walked off the job on Wednesday after rejecting the government’s inadequate response to the ongoing staffing crisis. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Unit co-ordinator Mel Bramich said members like herself were angry that the government had not provided a meaningful response to their concerns despite knowing the gravity of the situation.

“It takes a village to raise a child, a team support them, and you’re only giving pay to half of a team. It’s unfair,” Ms Bramich said.

Minister for Primary Industries and Water Jane Howlett said the government would continue to work with unions to address their concerns, as multiple health sector workers including nurses, pathologists, and medical imaging workers commenced stop work action across the state this week.

“There is a concern about the number of public sector workers going on strike,” Ms Howlett said.

“We value our workers, and we will always continue to value our workers.

“We’re on a recruitment blitz, and we are working with the unions in good faith, and we will continue to do so.”

Originally published as Child safety workers slam government’s response for deep-rooted staffing crisis