Download a PDF copy of this statement here

11 am. Thursday, April 27, 2017 Dear HACSU members, I am writing to you in regard to the Victorian Government’s decision to seek Expressions Of Interest (EOI) from the non-government disability sector to run DHHS disability services.

Yesterday evening, I met with Minister Martin Foley, and Minister Gavin Jennings, as part of regular scheduled meetings to advance discussions around alternatives to privatisation and protecting the interests of HACSU members.

My advisers and I were ambushed, when the Minister announced, against union advice, that the Government is proceeding with the next step towards privatisation through the release of an EOI today.

HACSU is completely outraged by this announcement, only two weeks ago HACSU directly asked the Minister about their intentions and timelines, and we were assured that no further decisions were imminent.

This announcement is being made at a time when the NDIS rollout is in complete turmoil, with daily reports about the chaotic transition to the NDIS and the negative impact it is having on many clients, particularly those with complex needs. Currently, the Productivity Commission is reviewing NDIS costs and the sector is struggling to attract and retain staff due to underfunding of the scheme. HACSU condemns the government’s appalling decision to go against the union’s advice and take this step at such an incredibly risky time.

Despite the announcement, members should not panic. There will be no immediate impact on DHHS services. HACSU want to make clear that although an EOI process has been announced, this is not the final privatisation of the sector. The EOI process is just the next step in the process. We will continue to campaign to protect against privatisation, lobby for alternatives and campaign to protect members’ hard-won job security, pay and conditions.

HACSU will be monitoring all information the Government and the Department make available to members, and will provide an update to address concerns arising from this material.

Now, more than ever, we need to campaign for our job security, our current and future employment conditions and the quality of support for the people we support.

All members are encouraged to get on facebook or twitter and post a message to Daniel Andrews: Don’t sell out vulnerable people. Stop privatising Victorian public disability! #certaintyfordisability #springst #hacsu

We will be holding a statewide mass meeting on Wednesday, May 10, 11 am, followed by a rally to parliament. Further details to follow. In unity, Lloyd Williams HACSU State Secretary

Download a PDF copy of this statement here