ASMANIAN HEALTH SERVICE FAILS TO RULE OUT JOB LOSSES AND OUTSOURCING OF VITAL SERVICES

HACSU IS EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT THE TASMANIAN HEALTH SERVICE HAS FAILED TO RULE OUT POTENTIALLY OUTSOURCING MANY SERVICES, ALONG WITH A FAILURE TO CONSULT WITH UNIONS IN RELATION TO A REVIEW INTO MANY SERVICES ON THE NORTH-WEST.

In an extremely disappointing state of affairs, the Tasmanian Health Service (THS) has failed to consult with unions and has also failed to rule out potential outsourcing of current services. THS are currently undertaking a review of the following areas: food services, domestic services, communication services, facilities management, biomedical engineering and property management and maintenance.

HACSU recently contacted THS Acting CEO, Dr Anne Brand, seeking further information about the review and also asking for clarification regarding the potential outsourcing of services.

The response from Dr Brand stated that, “until such time as the review has been completed no determination will be made as to whether or not any areas will be outsourced.”

A similar response was also given at a meeting on 10 August.

Robbie Moore, HACSU Assistant State Secretary stated, “HACSU is gravely concerned in relation to this review and the intentions of the THS.

“To not allow staff and their Unions to have input, or even a copy of the Terms of Reference for the review, is an outrage and an insult to the hardworking staff who are at risk of losing their jobs if the government sanctions outsourcing of vital services.

“HACSU is calling on the current review to cease immediately. We are also calling on the THS to sit down in an open and honest discussion with their workers on the future of services. It is absolutely imperative that all reviews are transparent.” Robbie Moore said.
HACSU ASSISTANT STATE SECRETARY ROBBIE MOORE