November Joint Child Protection Response Program JCC Meeting
The quarterly Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) was held Monday 11 November 2024 for Joint Child Protection Response Program (JCPRP) and was attended by the Public Service Association (PSA) industrial staff, your PSA Delegates and DCJ leadership.
As well as a state wide JCC, and District JCCs, both PSA and DCJ recognise that JCPRP need their own meeting due to their unique pressures. JCCs continue to be an important forum to highlight the employee voice and for discussion on various matters affecting the membership in JCPRP.
Below are the key highlights.
Workforce update
There are 9 caseworker vacancies currently, with South West Sydney having the most vacancies. DCJ continue to review and reconsider their approach to recruitment and retention, including the use of Secondments. PSA highlighted the link between high staff turnover, difficulty recruiting, WHS incidents and PMES Results. While there is value in a dynamic social media campaign to recruit staff, considering and addressing the existing culture of these offices is also vital.
Accommodation
The Ballina office is currently closed with staff working from home, Lismore and Tweeds CSCs. The PSA highlighted that the ongoing issues with the site have increased staff feeling isolated. Town wide power outages have impacted Broken Hill CSC, and for Tamworth there was no update on finding somewhere for the colocation of Child Protection and Police.
DCJ Directors update
Vicki Trigas, A/Director JCPRP until February 2025, advised her key focus while in the role is keeping people well.
Workload Planner
In relation to the Workload Planner, the PSA raised concerns that many Managers will push back during conversations where staff members can demonstrate they are at capacity, and/ or do not have time to participate in regular case conferences with staff to discuss allocations and workload.
The PSA will continue to push for the use of the Workload Planner while workload remains a psychosocial risk to employees working in Child Protection. Acknowledging the high priority of cases that come through JCPRP officers, using the Workload Planner is about ensuring that those with delegating authority consider the safety of their staff and encourage them to ask for more resources instead of pushing more work onto staff who are already overloaded.
Recall to Duty and Overtime
PSA raised a concerning trend of staff being advised they could be recalled to duty when on Flex Leave, with staff being told to submit Recreation Leave to avoid recall. Concerning practices around the payment of overtime were also raised.
If you have questions about being told when to take leave or being directed to work certain hours, clarify your rights and entitlements.
The next JCC meeting is scheduled for early in the New Year. Members are encouraged to speak to their local PSA Delegate to raise any issues and ensure your voice is heard.
PSA Industrial Staff
Member Support Centre 1800 772 679
Industrial Officer, Graydon Welsh