As we settle into new ways of working and approach the end of the year, the Public Service Association (PSA) reminds you that your health and wellbeing are just as important as those of the young people and families you support. The PSA continues to fight for safe workplaces, manageable workloads, and genuine access to Award entitlements such as overtime, flex days and flexible work arrangements.

To support your work-life balance and highlight systemic shortcomings, we want to remind you of the following current PSA work bans and directions that remain in place:

1. Professional Development Plan (PDP)

Please do not complete PDPs, including any associated e-learning modules, or participate in PDP planning or implementation activities.

The PSA is currently in dispute regarding the PDP process, as our members are unable to engage in protected industrial action. Historically, PDPs have been completed in hard copy format; however, the PSA has been advised that the PDP is now delivered online, with no option to opt out of the capability section.

Exemption: Career Plan section and Performance Development Career Planning Tool may be used to formalise developmental goals (e.g., secondments, acting opportunities). This is optional, not mandatory.

2. Workload Planner

Workload Management and Case Allocation

Members are directed to use the Workload Planner and must not accept or be allocated cases beyond their contracted hours or agreed paid overtime. Any case showing zero activity hours within your four-week Workload Planner period must not be allocated to you in ChildStory.

Under the Child Protection Workers Award 2025, DCJ has committed to developing a new Workload Planner. The PSA will continue to engage with The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) throughout the rollout of this project to ensure members’ interests are represented.

Until such time as there is an updated, user-friendly planner and training provided to members. PSA members are directed to use the current two page excel version with the PSA direction: AN ADDITIONAL 20 HOURS PER FOUR-WEEK (one hour per working day) SETTLEMENT PERIOD NEEDS TO BE FACTORED INTO THE WLP TO FAIRLY CATER FOR THE CURRENT ADDITIONAL TIME TAKEN TO COMPLETE TASKS IN CHILDSTORY. (NOTE: Section 1 “ACTIVITY HOURS” of the WLP has been amended to reflect this)

3. Behaviour Support Plans (BSP)

Caseworkers must not assume primary responsibility for drafting, implementing, or reviewing Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs).

If you are a PSA member and are directed to complete a BSP, please email your manager using the following wording:

Subject: Behaviour Support Plan Direction

“In accordance with a direction from my union (PSA), I will not take primary responsibility for drafting or implementing a Behaviour Support Plan for [name of CYP]. I have referred this matter to my MCW and recommended that a suitably qualified psychologist or behaviour support specialist be engaged.”

4. Subpoena redactions

Child Protection workers must not undertake the redaction of records in response to subpoenas, summonses, or notices to produce.

The identification and collation of records will continue to occur at the District/CSC level before being forwarded to DCJ Legal Services for processing.

Your compliance with these directions strengthens our collective voice and promotes safer, fairer workplaces!