Public Service Association (PSA) members attended a meeting on 23 January 2008, to discuss recent serious incidents that negatively impacted on their safety at work. Members were united in their concern for their colleagues, residents and own safety and showed determination to ensure that the Department honored its commitment to maintaining a safe working environment. The following motion was passed unanimously:

" That the security and safety of staff and residents is paramount and in accord with the Government's requirement of safety in the workplace for Public Sector workers.

That this meeting of members of Cavan Youth Training Centre staff demand the following immediate and long term resolutions;

Immediately

• Increase number of workers on AM and PM shift from 9 to 10. The extra worker will be used as between units as needed, a floater. 5 staff to be on night shift.

• Problem residents moved to separate facility depending on the residents' needs.

• Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and training in the use of such equipment for the safety of staff and residents.

• Modifications to doors to enable safe cuffing and un-cuffing of residents in all camera and cabin rooms.

Long Term

• increases to minimum required staff and staffing ratios to be made permanently within four and a half months.

• Residents with Mental Health issues to be housed in appropriate accommodation.

• All Cavan separation cabins to be "rubberised" for the safety of residents.

• Improve remuneration of Youth Workers to ensure further recruitment and retention of skilled and experienced workers.

• Standard Operating Procedures to be finalised by the end of this Financial Year, 30th June 2008.

Members will take action should no acceptable resolution be forthcoming and demand to meet with Management by COB Friday 25th January."

This was passed on to the Chief Executive (CE) of the Department for Families and Communities (DFC). The CE's representatives met with PSA Worksite Representative Terry Dean, and two PSA Industrial Officers on the morning of the 25th January 2008.

PSA representatives candidly expressed their concern at the recent significant increase in violence against staff in recent times. Eye-witness accounts clearly portrayed the seriousness and gravity of the situation.

DFC committed to the following:

• Staffing to be increased on afternoon shifts, night shifts and all shifts on weekends and Public Holidays by 1, for a period of 4 weeks;

• Where legislation permits, "problem" residents to be moved to appropriate accommodation;

• Comprehensive Review of Security and Safety at Cavan worksite with the involvement of PSA Representative and OH&S Representative Terry Dean. This review will encompass modifications to doors, for safe cuffing and un-cuffing of residents, rubberised rooms, Personal Protective Equipment and training in the use of it; and

• A complete set of Standard Operating Procedures to be provided.

The PSA will continue to consult with the department to ensure the long term commitments are achieved. These include the permanent increase to staffing ratios and improvements to remuneration to achieve improvements in recruitment rates and retention of skilled workers.

The PSA will write to the relevant Ministers to lobby for the need for increased and appropriate services for Young Offenders with Mental Health issues.

It is essential that members continue to demonstrate their solidarity for one another to achieve the outcomes put before the Department.

Worksite Representatives are the backbone of the PSA. Your current Worksite Representatives Terry Dean and Geoff Aitchison need your support. If any member is interested in becoming a Worksite Representative please contact Terry, Geoff or your Industrial Officer.

If you have any other questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact your PSA Representatives or PSA Industrial Officer, Jean-Guy Townsend on 8205 3233 or email jgt@cpsu.asn.au