PSA MEETS WITH FAMILES AND COMMUNITIES MINISTER 14 APRIL 2004

News Flash PSA MEETS WITH MINISTER `PSA met with the Minister for Families and Communities Jay Weatherill on Wednesday 7^th April. PSA was represented by President Lindsay Oxlad, General Secretary Jan McMahon, Vice-President Peter Hewish, FAYS Noarlunga Worksite Representative Bronwyn Whelan, Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher and Industrial Officer Ken Smith.` `Three major topics were discussed at the meeting.` `REPLACEMENT OF MAGILL FACILITY` The Minister made it clear that there is a recognition that the Magill Centre is outmoded and unsatisfactory and that it will be replaced. PSA expressed concerns that, while there had been proposals over the last twenty years for replacement, action seemed no closer. The need for certainty was accepted. PSA involvement in the current Secure Care Replacement Process will continue. The process provides an opportunity for members views to be fully considered in the process to ensure that a replacement for Magill occurs and that the replacement is appropriate. `CHILD PROTECTION` The need for greater resourcing for Child Protection is now generally accepted. It has been clearly established by the Layton Report and the recently-released Workload Analysis Report. PSA provided detailed examples of failures in the current system arising from a lack of resources. The Minister referred to three major issues – Workload, Systemic changes and the Alternative Care System – that needed close examination to provide a basis for the best use of limited resources. PSA stressed that a major increase in funding for FAYS is required and that if this is not forthcoming in the next State budget then further industrial campaigning would follow. `HOMELESSNESS` `PSA expressed concern at the continued sale of public housing properties, continued attacks on the Public Service and the lack of action to address related mental health issues. The Minister expressed a need to look at the role of the Housing Trust, Aboriginal Housing Authority and Community Housing Association and invited PSA involvement in this process.` For further information contact: Industrial Officer Ken Smith Ph: 8205 3231; Email: ks@cpsu.asn.au `14/04/04`

PSA MEETS WITH MINISTER

PSA met with the Minister for Families and Communities Jay Weatherill on Wednesday 7^th April. PSA was represented by President Lindsay Oxlad, General Secretary Jan McMahon, Vice-President Peter Hewish, FAYS Noarlunga Worksite Representative Bronwyn Whelan, Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher and Industrial Officer Ken Smith.

Three major topics were discussed at the meeting.

REPLACEMENT OF MAGILL FACILITY

The Minister made it clear that there is a recognition that the Magill Centre is outmoded and unsatisfactory and that it will be replaced. PSA expressed concerns that, while there had been proposals over the last twenty years for replacement, action seemed no closer. The need for certainty was accepted. PSA involvement in the current Secure Care Replacement Process will continue. The process provides an opportunity for members views to be fully considered in the process to ensure that a replacement for Magill occurs and that the replacement is appropriate.

CHILD PROTECTION

The need for greater resourcing for Child Protection is now generally accepted. It has been clearly established by the Layton Report and the recently-released Workload Analysis Report. PSA provided detailed examples of failures in the current system arising from a lack of resources. The Minister referred to three major issues – Workload, Systemic changes and the Alternative Care System – that needed close examination to provide a basis for the best use of limited resources. PSA stressed that a major increase in funding for FAYS is required and that if this is not forthcoming in the next State budget then further industrial campaigning would follow.

HOMELESSNESS

PSA expressed concern at the continued sale of public housing properties, continued attacks on the Public Service and the lack of action to address related mental health issues. The Minister expressed a need to look at the role of the Housing Trust, Aboriginal Housing Authority and Community Housing Association and invited PSA involvement in this process.

For further information contact: Industrial Officer Ken Smith Ph: 8205 3231; Email: ks@cpsu.asn.au

14/04/04