Families SA PSA Worksite Representatives met recently to discuss the significant increase in workload for those members with responsibilities for child protection.  This was discussed in light of the Government's proposed changes to the Workers' Compensation legislation which is likely to reduce income entitlements for injured workers.

The following resolutions were passed by the Worksite Representatives:-

1.    “the Layton and Mullighan Inquiries have identified the need for additional resources and programmes to protect children and families,
2.    concern was expressed that insufficient resources have been provided by government to allow for this to occur,
3.    that the additional funds in the 2008/2009 Budget will not significantly increase staff in 2008/2009,
4.    that there is an acknowledged increase in workload attached to the increase in Child Protection notifications which places a dangerously high workload increase on staff.”

Therefore, Families SA/PSA Worksite Representatives formally advise the department that a workload campaign will commence and this group will reconvene following the departmental management meeting arranged for June 23 to receive a report and determine what actions will need to occur.

“This meeting of DFC FSA Worksite Representatives endorse a workcover campaign to fight for members rights including refusing to work in unsafe situations and pursuing additional payments following injury at work through enterprise bargaining where workcover benefits are restricted.”

The PSA seeks to work with you to ensure that resources and processes are put in place urgently to ensure statutory requirements are met without placing PSA members at risk.



5 June 2008