2020-04-20
Hello members,
Today, as you might have seen Minister for Disability, the Hon Luke Donnellan provided a message to disability workers across Victoria, via his social media page, thanking disability workers for your role during this pandemic.
We want to share our thanks to members and to the Minister for his thoughts. HACSU State Secretary Paul Healey and Assistant State Secretary Kate Marshall are meeting with Minister Donnellan fortnightly meetings and on an as-needs basis, to discuss concerns raised by HACSU members.
As well as meeting with the Minister for Disability, HACSU leaders are meeting weekly with the Minister for Health, Jenny Mikakos.
You might have also seen via our Facebook page earlier today, Paul Healey has been in talks with Labor for Drug Law Reform about harm minimisation and what more is needed to support the alcohol and other drugs sector in Victoria. You can see a video of Paul sharing the views of the union here.
Assistant State Secretary Kate and Senior Industrial Officer Elisa met today with officials from the Department of Health and Human Services to discuss early access to Long Service Leave for workers. We don’t have a response as yet and will advise members when we know more but it should be noted that this will relate ONLY to those requiring leave due to the pandemic.
They also discussed the Early Retirement Packages (ERPs) for those DHHS Disability members who were successful in their existing expression of interest; the following was determined:
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Department, or HACSU.
The Department of Health and Human Services today released further updated guidelines for workforce regarding COVID-19. Changes made to the guidelines include:
Single Touch Payroll
A reminder to all DHHS transfered services staff: you would have received a single touch payroll form from your relevant provider. It is very important that you return that form immediately to your provider, otherwise you will be double taxed when you receive your pay, until you return your form.
Earlier today the ACTU released guidelines on working from home and psychological health and safety. You can read the guidelines here, or print a copy for your workplace.
In unity,
HACSU.