News Flash

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FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES BUDGET CUTS

The PSA is very concerned following the article in the Advertiser on Wednesday 17th January regarding budget cuts within Department of Families and Communities.  The PSA believes that these cuts may impact dramatically on service delivery.  It is clear that members are already working under considerable pressure to provide appropriate levels of care to children in need and people with disabilities.

The PSA conducted a very successful Child Protection Campaign three years ago which resulted in a considerable increase to the Families SA budget but since that time there has been higher than expected increases in the number of children under the Guardianship of the Minister (GOM) and service demands from other clients.

It is essential that the Department immediately take the necessary action to reduce the privatisation and outsourcing of care for children in crisis.

The PSA requires appropriate consultation practices at all times.  It is essential that members be fully consulted on any proposal to ensure they do not have an adverse impact on staff and clients.

All vacant positions must be filled.  The current vacancies are not an indication that positions are not required, they merely indicate a skills shortage in some areas.  The Department has been through so many reviews and restructuring processes there are no longer ongoing  positions in the department that are not required.

The PSA will treat very seriously any reports of members being placed at risk due to budget cuts.  Clearly, the PSA would also be very concerned if clients of the department were exposed to risk when the community expectation is that Families and Communities responsibility is to provide care and support for the most vulnerable people in the community.

The PSA supports initiatives which reduce the number of agency staff and consultants being employed by the Department.  The PSA encourages the Department to look more seriously at providing appropriate accommodation for all children in care, as this initiative is likely to provide significant savings in the long term.

Additionally all the current reviews underway should be completed so that staff are classified appropriately.  This also includes the progression project for social workers, as this initiative has been developed to address retention issues for Families SA.