DADHC Special Bulletin, August 21

APOLOGY

Yesterday, an e-mail was sent by a PSA Organiser to nine delegates across two regions advising those delegates of recent developments in the restructure.

The e-mail suggested the Director-General of DADHC was lying to us all about the restructure.

The PSA publicly and unreservedly apologises for any distress and embarrassment that the e-mail must have caused Director General.

It should be noted that the e-mail in question did not attempt to reflect an official PSA position.

RESTRUCTURE UPDATE

Last week the Association received a copy of correspondence, which was undated and unsigned. It instructed Regional Management on the arrangements for networking DADHC operated group homes and respite services.

The Association was concerned with some of the details contained in the document and immediately sought clarification of its status. Last Friday the Department advised that the document was issued by the Director General to Regional Directors that week.

In particular, our primary concerns in the Director General's advice last week were the instructions, and we quote:

"Each Regional Director is to provide the Director General with their Region's strategy for implementing networking that takes account of:

1. establishing networks that achieve the objectives set out in paragraph 2 above and, includes particular emphasis in developing plans for maximizing community participation options for clients.

2. how the network manager positions will be managed and deployed to support transition, provide development opportunities and support new managers and to ensure that temporary arrangements cease within 12 months.

3. Options for moving houses in locations where no other DADHC operated houses exist to non-government providers.

4. Action to improve the existing housing stock. This will include the houses identified by the Group Home Consolidation Program as potentially unsuitable, inappropriate for existing client needs or underutilized."

Paragraphs (ii) and (iii) are the contentious points

Re paragraph (ii)

The document advised of the number of networks to be established in each Region.

The figures included those for permanent and temporary arrangements. The figures contained in the document contradicted the figures provided to date which formed the basis of consultation and were conveyed to staff at all regional briefings by DADHC Management.

The figures were substantially reduced by a number of networks being flagged as "temporary" only and are to cease within 12 months.

Re paragraph (iii)

Members will be aware from advice given to them by DADHC Managers at the recent briefings, and from the Department's document on Principles for Networking Accommodation and Respite Outlets, that group homes in isolated locations should retain House Managers.

The instruction to consider options for moving these to non-government providers is inflammatory and totally unacceptable.

The PSA had urgent discussions with the Department on Monday and sought a retraction of this advice and that the Director General honour the agreed consultative process. We also offered to meet with the Director General to resolve any difficulties.

The PSA gave the Department until close of business yesterday (Wednesday, 20/8/03) for a response signed by the Director General herself.

The PSA received a reply by the Deputy Director General, Resource Management late Wednesday afternoon. This reply has been attached to the Director-General's email issued today to all staff.

The PSA's view is that the response does not address the concerns, as it does not withdraw the directions given to Regional Directors last week and undermines the consultation that the PSA has had with the Department which has been undertaken in all good faith by the Association, delegates and members.

It is unfortunate that the Director General has claimed that the PSA e-mail has damaged the working relationship between the PSA and the Department.

The PSA has always had, and will continue to have a good working relationship with officers of the Department who participate in the consultative process.

The Director General has not to date had any personal involvement with the Association to discuss this matter or any other matter. The Association will continue to seek discussions with the Director General to ensure mutual understanding and appreciation of our respective positions.

As a result of the above matters, members should be aware that the consultation process on the restructure has been suspended pending the Director General's commitment to honour the agreed consultative obligations.

The Association will continue to seek a withdrawal of the Director General's instructions to the Regions.

The Disabilities Departmental Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, 27th August to consider developments in this matter.