It would be more than fair to say that the current situation in Tasmania is less than ideal. We are fielding a lot of questions from workers about testing, isolation and safety, with the now steady but accelerating increase in COVID cases amongst the community.

The lack of any meaningful direction to the community and workers is the cause of confusion and concerns. Couple that with bosses making up rules on the run and, once again, workers are left holding the can.

These circumstances are also causing measurable non compliance with the current health directions.

Tasmanians deserve to know what the plan is, and health and community workers shouldn’t be left to deal with the unfolding pandemic as best they can.

That’s why we’ve been chasing the Department of Health officials for more information and what the plan is to keep our vulnerable safe. We’ll keep demanding more answers but the Premier and the Health Minister need to clearly outline the plan and how they intend to address the testing and contact chaos that is happening out there right now.

Today we met with health officials who have agreed to urgently address the workforce issues we have raised and more broadly address associated industrial relations and safety issues. Of significant importance to us is the process for furloughing staff and how services continue to operate safely for both staff and patients or clients.

Senior departmental officials will now meet with HACSU daily to receive feedback and address issues we raise.

Our number one concern is the plan for staffing as inevitable infections of workers happen. How are vulnerable and sick people going to be supported if workers have to be isolated? How will aged care and disability support be managed without workers? All working people deserve to know what the plan is.

Please make sure you keep safe and, if you’re unwell, please stay away from others until you recover or get a test.

If you have any concerns, please contact us at assist@hacsu.org.auor 1300 880 032. We’ve got you covered.