We know that things still remain hard for you because of the government’s inability to provide a workforce that can operate the centre safely. We’re having ongoing meetings with DECYP to understand what is happening on a day-to-day basis.

Then, out of the blue yesterday afternoon we received the plans for new facilities that will replace Ashley. More about the model will be known after we meet with the Department tomorrow, but we’re keen to find out what it means for you and what opportunities it might bring.

But right now, our priority remains your safety.

We should not accept that being in a unit alone is safe. It is not. We should not accept that having less workers than required to provide an emergency response is safe. It is not. We should not accept that working 70+ hours a week is safe. It is not.

We need to enforce minimum staffing or modified operations – there is no in between.

The absolute minimum staffing for day and afternoon shift is 8 youth workers and an operations coordinator. On night shift, it’s 5 youth workers and an operations coordinator. Whatever the case, as a worker you have every right to refuse unsafe work. No one can deny that to you.

We’ll be holding meetings in the next few weeks to discuss the reform plans and how you can be involved. We’re also keen to hear from you if you’re concerned about what it means for the future. For further information, please contact HACSU on 1300 880 032 or assist@hacsu.org.au