News Flash

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PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION

DISABILITY BUDGET RESTRAINTS AFFECTING SERVICES

The PSA has written letters to both Ms Sue Vardon, Chief Executive of Department for Families & Communities and Minister Weatherill (Minister for Disabilities) after a recent PSA Worksite Representatives meeting for Disability SA, where concerns were raised with the PSA in relation to the Department's budget restraints that are now affecting direct client services.

PSA Worksite Representatives passed a motion that states:

"Due to the budget restraints people with disabilities are suffering unnecessarily and that the PSA require Government and the Minister for Disability Services that any freeze apply to direct service delivery staff with DFC (including administrative, support staff in direct service areas) be immediately lifted or the absence of any such freeze be immediately clarified for managers, enable filling of vacant positions to proceed”.

PSA members believe that the Department is relying on staff's good will to provide appropriate support for clients with disabilities.  The PSA has been advised over the last month that direct service delivery positions can and should be filled.  However, members are continually being advised that there is a 'freeze' on all positions and vacancies cannot be advertised or filled.  It is also disturbing to note that professionals on temporary contracts, which include speech pathologists, occupational therapists and clinical psychologists, are leaving the department, as there is no guarantee of their temporary contracts being renewed.  Management are allowing this to occur, despite the fact that it is well known that there are skills shortages in all these occupational groups.

The PSA has requested an urgent meeting with the Minister and Chief Executive of DFC.  If no resolutions is forthcoming within fourteen days (14) the PSA will take this matter up more formally.

PSA – WORKING FOR YOU