Since our last update, we’ve been in continuous discussions with the Department alongside our comrades from the CPSU regarding the proposed CSS agreement.

The meetings have focused on outstanding matters that you’ve made clear need to be addressed or at least be included in the agreement.

Specifically, we've delved into the following key areas:

• Workload management

• Progression for allied health professionals within the service

• Additional wellbeing and mental health support

• Application of a market type allowance for child safety workers

While the discussions have led to the Department adopting a better and more balanced position, we remain particularly concerned about the workload management provisions. We also firmly believe that there should be caseload maximums for all child and family workers, just like the Commission of Inquiry has recommended.

We have told the Department we need a formal offer from them so we can come out and talk to you about it. We’re yet to receive the offer.

We’ll be visiting you over the next few weeks, and please keep an eye out for our next update. We hope to have received an offer by then for you to analyse and give some feedback on.

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact HACSUassist on 1300 880 032 or assist@hacsu.org.au