FACS Commissioning division restructure – August 2017 (PDF version)

Staff blindsided

On Wednesday 26 July 2017 Family and Community Services Deputy Secretary Commissioning advised members the department intends to restructure the Commissioning division

The PSA has had contact with numerous members who were concerned no briefings had been arranged prior to this email communication. Staff have been advised FACS is finalising executive structures and it is hoped these can be circulated by late September.

The communication further advised the Government wants to reduce the size of the department again as it pursues the ongoing privatisation of Disability Services with a completion date of June 2018. Management is required to make further savings with a reduction of senior executive levels to four Executive Directors and 14 Directors as outlined in the draft document HERE.

The proposal provides for further required savings for the Commissioning division beyond management’s expectations. It is anticipated reductions will be required at senior non-executive levels meaning approximately 35-40 per cent reduction in 11/12 and 9/10 positions by June 2018.

Members will want to know what is the process following this email and how staff will be affected. A major criticism of the One FACS restructure was the lack of, and last minute timing, of information for members seeking answers regarding ongoing roles and whether voluntary redundancy will be available and when.

Obviously the PSA supports redeployment opportunities being maximised for members and that the union’s delegates and officers participate in consultation at the earliest opportunity.

FACS did coordinate the forwarding of the all Commissioning directorate of central office staff communication of 26 July 2017 with an undertaking that FACS will consult with the PSA on the change management plans and related documentation when it is available.

The PSA will contact the department requesting a meeting to deal with the proposal at the earliest opportunity.

Member comments concerns are appreciated and can be forwarded to .

The PSA will endeavour to forward regular bulletin updates as information becomes available.