2019 UNIFIED - THANK YOU FOR WORKING THIS CHRISTMAS - MEMBERS BATTLE BUSHFIRES ENSURING INTEGRITY BILL DEFEATED - HSU NSW/ACT/QLD
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UNIFIED
SUMMER
EDITION
2019
The Official Journal of the Health Services Union
MEMBERS BATTLE PARKING PROMISE
BUSHFIRES BROKEN
ENSURING INTEGRITY SCATHING ROYAL
BILL DEFEATED COMMISSION REPORT
THANK YOU FOR WORKING
THIS CHRISTMAS
UNIFIED
The Official Journal of the Health Services Union NSW/ACT/QLD
Unified is the official journal of the HSU NSW/ACT/QLD. We welcome your feedback and want to hear from you about what you want from your
union magazine. If you have any views, news or ideas you would like to share please send an email to editor@hsu.asn.au
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
06 NSW in flames
HSU members going above
Royal
Commission
into Aged
Care Quality
08 Neglect
Interim report makes waves
and beyond and Safety
Interim Report:
Neglect
10 What integrity?
Anti-union bill slapped down
WHY NOT ?
Support UNIFORM
14 Short shrift
Members fight unfair
SHORTS uniform directive
Phone: 1300 478 679 | Fax: 1300 329 478 | Email: info@hsu.asn.au
Authorised by: Gerard Hayes - Secretary HSU NSW/ACT/QLD
16 Beloved Gigi
Paying tribute to a much-
22 Helping out
PTOs bring Christmas cheer
missed colleague
Leadership Team
President: Mark Sterrey Branch Councillors Northern NSW: Bill Oddie
Senior Vice-President: Lindy Twyford ACT: Leigh Bush Northern Sydney: Bruce Rowling
Junior Vice-President: Steven Fraser Aged Care: Josephine Peacock Private Hospitals: Alan Wilcock
Secretary HSU NSW/ACT/QLD: Gerard Hayes Ambulance Service: Michael Callinan Southern NSW: Joan Catlin
Assistant Secretary/Treasurer: Lynne Russell
Central Coast: Suzanne McGuire Southern NSW: Mark Jay
Branch Committee Far West: Darriea Turley South Eastern Sydney: Leesa Franks
Kim Hadson Hunter New England: Jeffrey Knee South Western Sydney: John Jetty Dore
Alan Wilcock Hunter New England: Donna Riley South Western Sydney: Edalina Hondros
Thelma Thames Illawarra Shoalhaven: Gillian Laura Reilly Sydney: Robert Aney
Melissa Todhunter Mid North Coast: Toni Winters Western NSW: Sharon Carney
Murrumbidgee: Graeme Baillie Western NSW: Bryan Billington
Nepean Blue Mountains: Andrew Teece Western Sydney: Patricia Reid
Western Sydney: John Lawrence
Health Services Union Telephone: 1300 478 679 Postal Address Printing
Level 2 , 109 Pitt Street Fax: 1300 329 478 Locked Bag 3 WebStar:
Sydney NSW 2000 E-mail: info@hsu.asn.au Australia Square NSW 1215 PO Box 6808, Silverwater NSW 2128 T: 02 9748 0020
For editorial enquiries: call the HSU or email editor@hsu.asn.au | Advertising enquiries: call HSU on 1300 478 679
Disclaimer: The HSU does not warrant the veracity of statements made or representations given, by the advertisers in this journal. The
HSU recommends members seek independent advice before making any decisions based on material published by advertisers in the
journal.
Tweed members hold local MP to
FREE PARKING PROMISE
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest is in hot water with local HSU members, after trying to back out of an
election promise to ensure parking remains free at the new, yet-to-open Tweed Valley Hospital.
In just 9 months Mr Provest, who represents the National Party and to take advantage of people attending appointments or visiting
and whose self-assigned nickname is ‘Mr 100%’, has managed to sick family members,” said Gerard Hayes, HSU Secretary.
perform a backflip on a promise that formed a central plank of his “Prior to the election, Geoff Provest clearly stated that parking at
election platform. the new hospital would be free.
Mr Provest offered an unequivocal ‘no’ to the question of parking “That means free parking for 100 per cent of visitors, 100 per
fees in February, telling the Tweed Daily News “I have not heard of cent of workers, 100 per cent of the time.”
any adjacent land being offered or sold, we are going to have free Federal Labor member for Richmond Justine Elliot was equally
parking here and we’re not closing the old hospital down.” scathing about Provest’s awkward backflip.
However, in October it was revealed that paid parking could very “In a desperate act to hold his seat, Geoff Provest promised
well still be on the table, meaning that the local member is either locals free parking for patients, visitors and staff at the new hospital.
Gerard Hayes unwilling or unable to stand up for his constituents. And those “This is a complete betrayal of locals. Geoff Provest and the
Secretary HSU NSW/ACT/QLD constituents aren’t happy. Nationals have once again lied to us, this time about free parking
HSU members at the current Tweed Hospital have taken up at the hospital. Our community deserves so much better than this,”
the call, fighting for free parking not only for themselves, but for she said.
A message from the Secretary
vulnerable members of the community who are accessing health Hospital parking – including the profiteering that the NSW
services or visiting sick loved ones. Members have thrown their Government allows to continue unchecked – is a deeply felt issue
support behind a motion at a Tweed Shire Council meeting, calling amongst HSU members and the community alike. As campaigns
for Mr Provest to be held to his promise. for fair parking unfold across the state, keep an ear out for actions
Dear Member, “Across the state we’ve seen how excessive hospital parking in your area.
It’s been a long year, but it seems as though the milestones ensure that this Government – or any following government – can’t fees have been used to cynically claw back money from workers,
have just rushed past. Your Union has reached higher and sidestep the truth and short-change our elderly.
pushed further than ever before this year, and it’s time to snatch The HSU was on everyone’s lips in July and August, with the
a breath and look back on the remarkable achievements of HSU Hospital Safety Strike on August 1, a culmination of health workers’
members. frustration at a government that refused to keep them safe at work.
Firstly, let’s not forget that this was the year we reached 41,000 We stood together and made an indelible statement – and public
members. In a country and a climate where many unions are support was overwhelmingly in our favour. We still have a lot of
shrinking at an alarming rate, this is simply astonishing. But it’s no work to do to ensure that hospitals are safe for everyone – staff,
accident either. Our Union is now functioning at an exceptionally patients and visitors – but we have demonstrated that we’re not
high level, with our industrial and media capabilities matching afraid to stand up and demand better. That’s a statement that
the passion of members on the ground. Our leadership team is governments, employers and the community won’t soon forget.
responsive to your concerns and aspirations for the future of the This year, HSU members also helped stave off one of the largest
Union, and we’re helping you get things done. Most of all, this is threats our union movement has ever faced, with the defeat of the
a Union that puts members first, and the power of our voices put Morrison Government’s anti-union “Ensuring Integrity” legislation
together is undeniable. in the Senate. This legislation is all about trying to crush the power
I want to make a special mention of those HSU members of working people standing together – and it was by standing
who have been helping to hold their communities together in together that we managed to stop the passage of the bill.
the catastrophic bushfires that our state has been experiencing. Of course, it wouldn’t be a new year without a fresh set of
Whether you’re volunteering on the front lines and defending challenges facing us. We’ve recently learnt about the NSW
people’s homes, or whether you’re offering people support Government’s plans to strip an extra $252 million out of an already
behind the scenes, you’re showcasing the incredible union spirit gutted public health system, so we will be fighting this every
that binds the HSU together. step of the way. At a federal level, the Morrison Government is
We are making sure that HSU members are given their due reintroducing the Ensuring Integrity Bill, so we will have our work
as experts in their field – and members were front and centre cut out for us to face it down.
in the public eye this year. Aged Care members have been But for now, it remains to me to wish you all a happy and
campaigning long and hard for fair funding, but that didn’t stop peaceful Christmas and New Year. For those of you keeping our
them from speaking out in the media and in submissions to the health and aged care systems going over the break, we thank you
Aged Care Royal Commission. We are going to fight even harder for your sacrifice.
ahead of the Royal Commission’s final report next November, to
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MEMBERS HELPING COMMUNITIES THROUGH
BUSHFIRE CHAOS
Andy Davis
It’s really been an effort to
defend houses and properties,
putting in long hours
Andy Davis
SES Volunteer/HSU member
To volunteer for the Rural Fire Service, visit
www.rfs.nsw.gov/volunteer or contact your
local rural fire brigade. To volunteer for the
State Emergency Service, visit
www.ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteer.
Geoff Mapstone
HSU members aren’t strangers to helping people in midst of crisis, in every emergency department or ward, you’ll find community around them. Wardspersons at Lismore Base Hospital, Special leave is available to NSW Health employees
difficult, often traumatic situations. For members an HSU member working hard to help people recover from illness they have also risked life and limb as part of the RFS and SES who are volunteer members of emergency
in health, aged care, ambulance and disability or injury. It’s what we do. respectively. And this year has called for their efforts more than any organisations. Leave is also available to employees
support, it’s our bread and butter. But what happens But it’s also important to remember that HSU members are other.
in a declared emergency situation, when you are
in extreme situations like the recent catastrophic playing their part in volunteer organisations, like the Rural Fire “We’ve never seen anything like it before,” says Andy. “The
Service and the State Emergency Service, defending houses and ferocity of the fires is off the scale.”
directly affected by a natural disaster.
bushfires that have been assailing NSW? For more information, afe
saving lives. HSU members are a vital part of the community, and “It’s really been an effort to defend houses and properties, putting
i s un s
In chaotic situations such as this, everyone comes together to their service doesn’t stop at the front door of the hospital. in long hours. But it’s worth it.” call the Union on if it r k ,
b er, o wo sk
help. HSU members are there when people are suffering health Andy Davis and Geoff Mapstone are two HSU members who “Yeah, it does bring the community together,” adds Geoff. “We’ve 1300 478 679. m t
me to go ’t ri
problems due to smoke inhalation or breathing difficulties. In the know only too well how the recent bushfires have afflicted the all got to do our bit to help defend the older people, and those who Re n
might be a bit more vulnerable.” do it.
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Royal
Aged Care Royal 90%
Security stoush
Commission
into Aged
Commission releases
Care Quality
and Safety
Interim Report:
Neglect interim report of workers
cataloguing neglect
surveyed said they
had NO TIME
to respond to
unexpected
On 31 October, the Royal Commission into Aged Care quality and safety handed down its
needs
interim report. Titled Neglect, it was a deeply upsetting story. But few aged care workers
could profess – as did Minister for Aged Care Richard Colbeck – that it was shocking. The
dreadful conditions under which aged care workers are expected to do their jobs are simply
too widely documented for the Minister responsible to claim ignorance.
The interim report identifies three areas The Government’s response the issues in aged care will go away. Well,
requiring immediate action, namely: On November 25, the Morrison they’re not going to, and neither are we. Imagine you are a security officer who attends a duress
• To provide more Home Care Government announced its response to The HSU has vowed to step up its alarm, intervenes to stop a violent patient from assaulting
Packages to reduce the waiting list for the interim report. campaign to protect older people in care a clinician in an Emergency Department, only to suffer a
higher level care at home Unfortunately, the commitment and to fight for meaningful, fairly-paid severe injury yourself.
• To respond to the significant over- they gave is woefully inadequate. They jobs for aged care workers, with proper In the months to years ahead, while undergoing rehabilitation
reliance on chemical restraint in aged pledged $537 million to address the training and career progression. and surgery on the injury, your main aim is to get back to work. You
care, including through the seventh recommendations of the report – a mere We support the report’s believe your employer will do the right thing by you because you
Community Pharmacy Agreement fraction of the billions they have taken out recommendations, but the real issue can’t were injured saving a colleague from being severely assaulted.
• To stop the flow of younger people of the Aged Care budget in recent years. be ignored: each and every improvement Unfortunately, Northern NSW LHD did not do the right thing
with a disability going into aged care, The additional 10,000 places for home to the aged care system requires an by HSU member Mick Francis, the Security Manager at Tweed
and speed up the process of getting care packages they’ve announced won’t urgent increase in resourcing, staffing – Heads Hospital. In fact, they forced him to look for work with a new
out those young people who are come close to providing the services our and funding. employer, as they decided that they could not accommodate his
already in care. elderly desperately need. It’s not even Until the Government admits that older medical restrictions.
The report found that older Australians 10% of the current shortfall in home Australians are worth spending money on, The HSU Sub Branch at Tweed Heads would not let this happen
78%
who should be enjoying high-quality care, packages. Meanwhile, 16,000 older we are stuck with a broken system. to one of their own, and resolved on Thursday 5 December to stop
either in residential care or in their homes, Australians died last year waiting for home It’s time for all members to get work for 1 hour to tell management that it is simply not good enough
have been victim to every kind of indignity, care packages. involved in our fight for something to throw a worker on the scrap heap after decades of service.
injustice and discomfort. It went some A measly $10 million for training over bigger and better. Gerard Hayes, HSU Secretary said “This worker has vast
way towards apportioning blame, but not two years is a drop in the ocean. We need experience, and is a genuine asset to the hospital.
far enough. While regulatory processes a serious commitment to ensure that our The next 12 months until the Royal “There are many ways this experience could be used within
do need tightening to prevent exploitation aged care workforce can provide the best Commission’s final report is released will the hospital environment, especially in teaching younger staff and
on the part of providers, the number one possible care to older Australians – not be crucial. We need to make sure that the of workers surveyed said advising on security issues.
culprit needs to be clearly identified. pocket change from a Government that report reflects the reality of aged care and
they had insufficient “Instead of casting him aside, hospital management should
The truth is that the Federal couldn’t care less. makes the right recommendations to fix it. be falling over themselves to make sure he stays at Tweed and
Government has stripped over $2.1 billion Lastly, the Government announced Even more importantly, we need to make time to support older continues to contribute to the safety of both staff and patients.”
from Aged Care funding in recent years – nothing to address the crisis in residential sure the Government takes action on the people to do things for Members made it quite clear that they took this action not only
much of it while Scott Morrison, current aged care – nothing at all to help recommendations. for Mick’s sake, but because what happened to Mick could happen
Prime Minister, was Treasurer. Aged care fix the desperate understaffing and Every conversation is an opportunity themselves, such as use a to anyone.
workers are trying to do too much with underresourcing that HSU members are to join someone up to our fight. This is walker instead of a wheelchair. Violence in our hospitals in unacceptable – and so is throwing
too little. only too familiar with. our chance. Let’s fight for an aged care injured workers on the scrap heap.
It’s clear that Scott Morrison is hoping system we can be proud of.
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HSU members
STAND UP to UNION-BASHING
LEGISLATION
In the last parliamentary session for 2019 the Senate rejected wage growth is practically at a standstill, that unemployment and
the government’s long heralded ‘union busting bill’. underemployment are rising sharply – the government thinks
The so called “Ensuring Integrity” Bill was a legislative attack on employers should hold even more power in an already imbalanced
unions, union members and all working people. relationship.
It was clear that despite a catchy name, the “Ensuring The repercussions of this legislation would have been dire. Work
Integrity” Bill had little to do with ‘integrity’. Instead, its purpose Health and Safety and Unfair Dismissal laws are just two of the areas
was to shackle unions to an unfair and unreasonable series of that the Morrison wrecking crew have indicated are in their sights.
administrative requirements. Fall foul of one of these, and a union Under the cover of “streamlining” or “introducing efficiencies”, they
could be deregistered – leaving its members vulnerable to any aim to trash so many protections built up by union members over
manner of exploitation. years.
The Bill included other elements such as introducing a “public In the weeks leading up to the vote on the Bill, the HSU and
interest test” for union amalgamations and allowing the Federal other unions around the country were campaigning both online
Court to disqualify a union official for any number of minor and on the ground, asking that members get in touch with Senate
breaches. The Government’s intentions couldn’t be clearer. They crossbenchers to convey our serious concerns about the Bill.
want to crush the power of unions and level any opposition to The HSU alone reached alone reached a mammoth 87,000
their aggressive industrial relations agenda. It isn’t enough that people online with our message. Nationwide, Senate crossbenchers were inundated by lobbied politicians. Many sat in the public gallery to watch
45,000+ emails, calls and tweets by union members over the Question Time. When asked about the Union Busting Bill the
past three weeks. Prime Minister crowed about “union thugs”.
On Monday the 25th of November our union sent a delegation Just days later the Senate crossbench rejected the Union
of members down to Parliament House in Canberra to join union Busting Bill. HSU members should talk great pride in knowing
members across the country to send a clear message to the that their stories played a crucial role in swaying the vote.
Senate crossbench – vote the Bill down. It was a significant win for the union movement.
One of those members was HSU delegate Tess Oxley who The government has since re-introduced the Bill, with
works as a paramedic in South Western Sydney. Tess was new amendments, into the lower house. We know that no
concerned that this Bill was just the tip of the iceberg, and that amendment can fix this fundamentally flawed legislation
the Coalition is yet to show its hand when it comes to workplace designed to strengthen the already powerful Registered
relations. Organisations Commission (ROC) and introduce additional
“It worries me that the government is trying to weaken our penalties for unions.
union,” she said. “It’s the only thing standing between us and We’ve beaten this bill once, and in 2020, the HSU will once
much harsher conditions at work. again join unions across the country to defeat this unfair law a
“That’s why I chose to come to Canberra today, to make my second time.
voice heard.” We couldn’t do it without our passionate members who push
In Canberra HSU members met with ACTU officials and so hard to defend their rights.
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WIN B
IG
Western NSW
Patient Transport Officers
Health and safety
HSU members who had been employed as Trainee Patient Transport Officers in Western NSW LHD have been awarded a
significant windfall, after a long and sustained battle to win justice. Members were paid as trainees long after they should
have been transitioned to full Patient Transport Officer rates, but it took a case in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission,
an appeal and a Full Bench decision to finally emerge triumphant.
management systems
Taking the LHD to task hasn’t been easy, but it paid off in the
end – and helped to show the way for other members whose Having the IRC rule in our
employers haven’t done the right thing by them.
Members first suspected they weren’t being paid properly in favour, I felt I had my rights
2014. They spoke to staff from other health districts to find out as a worker vindicated
what they had needed to do to become Patient Transport Officers.
It soon became clear that Western NSW was the only Local Health
Robert Fengler
– A new global standard
District that classed staff as Trainee Patient Transport Officers for
Patient Transport Officer
an indefinite period.
After scrutinising the Award, Rodney and his fellow members
were pretty sure they should have qualified for the full rate. “I
By Seán Marshall, WHS Officer
started to speak to other drivers from within my health district and
we decided to approach the HSU,” he said.
In April 2018, the HSU took the fight to the Industrial Relations
Often when health and safety issues arise at work, they revolve around obvious physical hazards like Commission, arguing that members should have been made
hazardous manual tasks, poorly maintained machinery or slippery floors. Sometimes there might be a Patient Transport Officers earlier, and that they should be paid
back pay by the LHD.
near miss, or an incident where an injury has resulted. These issues can burn brightly and briefly, with a
On 31 January 2019, the Commission handed down a decision
dispute eventually leading to their resolution. stating that our members were entitled to be paid the full Patient
What is often left unresolved in health and safety disputes Unions, have ensured that 45001 contains new opportunities for Transport Officer rate for the period claimed by the HSU. “After
are the deeper problems – of which the issue may be only a workers, union delegates, HSU organisers and health and safety sitting through 5 days of testimony, I was quietly confident,” said
symptom. The root cause of an incident is usually a failure of your representatives to assert their rights to healthy and safe work Rodney. Unfortunately, the LHD chose to appeal the decision,
employer’s broader management system. Or there are gaps in and to use the beneficial provisions of 45001 to organise around. rather than paying members what they were owed.
the system, that your managers are either unaware of or choose In practical terms, this means that the top management That appeal finally came before the Full Bench of the Commission
to ignore. layer of executives and board members must now, with worker on Monday 11 November 2019. After hearing arguments from both
Even where system-based problems are raised by unions, involvement, establish a strategic process for workers and their sides, the Full Bench of the Commission denied the LHD leave to
employers opt to use management’s ‘right to manage’ argument, union representatives to make this participation happen. appeal the earlier decision. This means that the appeal was won
sometimes called ‘management prerogative’, to draw the line Unfortunately, unlike most other health and safety documents, by the HSU, and the decision from January 2019 that our members
where negotiations end and the authority of management begins. 45001 is not freely available. However, the ACTU has produced a were entitled to be paid the full Patient Transport Officer rate
Putting aside the question of whether this was OK in the Guide to 45001 which summarises it comprehensively. It includes remains in place.
past, these arguments from employers can now be successfully a preliminary organising checklist and draft memorandum of “Having the IRC rule in our favour, I felt I had my rights as a
challenged. Why is this? understanding to set up a 45001 Health and Safety Committee worker vindicated,” said Robert Fengler, another of the claimants.
The answer is AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 (45001). for its joint implementation. This can be found at https://www. “Having a single voice was not getting me anywhere, even
It is the new global framework Standard, for organisations actu.org.au /our-work/publications/2018/actu-union- though I knew I was right. With the help of the great staff of the
to build their work health and safety management systems guide-for-workers-health-safety-representatives-and- HSU and voicing my situation at the IRC along with my colleagues
around. In Australia, it is replacing the old Australian Standard their-unions-to-iso-450012018. the outcome was great.”
AS/NZS:4801:2001. The HSU is starting a process of systematically contacting Rodney already has plans for the back pay. “My son has just
45001 is the product of an intensive 4-year negotiation employers in our sector to begin implementation of 45001. If finished school, so I will pay the remaining school fees and use
process conducted through the International Organisation for you think your workplace could benefit from an improved health the rest of the back pay to pay off our credit card and have a nice
Standardisation (ISO). Through this process, a number of national and safety management system, please email the HSU on Christmas. These events put an incredible strain on our personal
union peak bodies, including the Australian Council of Trade whs@hsu.asn.au. lives, so now is a time to move on and celebrate the hard-won
victory.”
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WE SUPPORT SHORTS: Sydney LHD
members fight ridiculous uniform directive
Members at Concord and Royal Prince Alfred Hospitals have been continuing a fight against a ridiculous
and arbitrary uniform directive that threatens not only their comfort, but their safety too.
The issue first came to notice in 2018, when members in the the policy (such as visible tattoos).
Physiotherapy Department at Concord Hospital found that they After one singular meeting, the LHD appeared to abandon its
weren’t able to order or wear uniform shorts. vendetta against uniform shorts. The HSU sought a response to
Far from an administrative error, the shorts shortage was the feedback provided, but none was forthcoming, beyond a vague
reflective of a decision from on high. acknowledgement that it had been received. Meanwhile, members
With the support of the HSU, the campaign to save uniform at RPA continued to wear shorts, protected by the resolution which
shorts started in earnest. Stickers were distributed and were they had voted on.
proudly worn by members who weren’t prepared to sacrifice their In September this year, members at Concord Hospital began to
comfort and safety on a management whim. notice the return of memos threatening an end to shorts. The Sub
Shortly afterwards, a memo was distributed to Environmental Branch held an extraordinary meeting and passed a very similar
Services staff at RPA, indicating that members were to stop resolution to the one that was passed at RPA.
WHY NOT ?
wearing shorts by February 2019. Members were outraged that Members stand ready to defend their rights to a comfortable
senior management seemed neither to know nor care about what and safe work uniform. It’s clear that this inappropriate and arbitrary
they did in their jobs – including the degree of mobility and safety decision has been undertaken by senior management alone, with
granted by the uniform shorts. little reference to the needs or wishes of members performing their
The RPA HSU Sub Branch wasted no time, passing a resolution jobs day after day. Management’s personal preference or taste
rt
as follows: shouldn’t come into it.
Suppo
The message from members is, come down from your ivory
tower and we’ll show you just how necessary shorts are!
This sub-branch:
1. Notes that Sydney Local Health District has
never enforced its Uniform Policy in a way that
would prevent staff from wearing shorts in
appropriate circumstances;
2. Opposes any attempt to enforce the Uniform
Policy to prevent staff wearing shorts;
3. Considers that wearing shorts in many
instances, is an appropriate measure to
mitigate risks to health and safety of staff;
4. Authorises its members to take any action,
including an industrial ban on compliance with
the Uniform Policy, to mitigate risks to health
and safety;
UNIFORM
5. Requests that Sydney Local Health District
review the Uniform Policy in consultation with
the HSU as it was intended in 2016; and
6. Requests that an Industrial Officer from the
SHORTS
HSU communicate the contents of this motion
to the Chief Executive of Sydney Local Health
District.
In response, the LHD agreed to re-enter into an earlier
abandoned uniform policy review. The HSU gathered feedback
from members in support of shorts and other problematic areas of
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CELEBRATING A LIFE
TAKEN TOO SOON
Domestic violence is a plague afflicting families in Australia, with women and
children affected disproportionately.
Sixty-three women were killed by domestic violence in 2018. In abuse consists of many unacceptable behaviours and it is a mistake
2019 so far, fifty-one women have lost their lives. to think that all forms of abuse must first escalate to episodes of
Whilst these harrowing statistics can be difficult to believe, physical violence before someone’s life is in danger.
shedding light on the human face of domestic violence victims can Through Gigi, I now have an understanding of how complex
be a powerful way to inspire change. this issue is. Gigi lived in the real world with responsibilities and
It is important to celebrate the lives of those taken by violence, obligations that she just got on with, despite whatever else was
not so they are defined by the dreadful acts of others, but to demand going on, because she felt she didn’t really have a realistic choice.
action on domestic violence. We must ensure that these women – I strongly believe that the law has to do more to protect women
our friends, relatives and colleagues – live on undiminished in our and allow them to safely escape their situation, including making it
memories. uncomplicated to access their share of joint assets.
That’s what HSU members at Prince of Wales Hospital in Fear is a feeling, often in the absence of tangible evidence of
Randwick decided to do recently when they organised a beautiful abuse. It is important that women feeling fearful are believed on
tribute to their much-loved colleague, Gigi. Members took to the their word without onus on them to have to provide proof, which is
streets as part of Randwick City Council’s “Step Out, Speak Out” not always possible.
walk against domestic violence. With the International Day for the Until we see drastic changes to protect women at risk, too many
Elimination of Violence Against Women just a few days later, it was more amazing women in our communities will tragically lose their
a very timely moment to call for action. lives like our beloved Gigi."
Gigi’s workmate, Jackie Crombie, had this to say: “Domestic
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Vale Jan Wilson “I want a super fund
It is with great sadness that we
that’s an expert at
In 1995, Jan became Vice President of
report that a previous Junior the HSU – a position she would occupy
until her retirement in 2004.
managing money.”
Vice President, and a passionate
One of the highest accolades that an
advocate for workers’ rights,
organisation can bestow upon its members
passed away on the 24th of is to present that person with the award of
October 2019. life membership for recognition of service. Vindhya Mendis,
HESTA member
Jan Wilson joined the HSU, or HAREA On her retirement, Jan was awarded life
as it was then known, in 1978. membership upon not just at a state level,
She quickly became a union but at a national level too. This speaks to
representative and was actively involved in how very highly Jan was esteemed by all
her workplace, defending and assisting her of her colleagues in the union movement.
We’ve been awarded a 15 year platinum performance rating from
members whenever needed. In 1992, she Her best friend, and President of the
was elected the Sub Branch Secretary at Sutherland Sub Branch at the same time Australia’s most respected super research company, SuperRatings.
Rest in peace Jan
Sutherland Hospital. She remained in this 11/1/1941 - 24/10/19 as Jan was Secretary, Barbara Jones That means we’re not only one of the largest super funds
position until her retirement in 2004. fondly recalls Jan as an extraordinary in the country, we’re also one of the best.
Jan’s dedication to her members Jan was passionate about public person who went about things in a quiet
did not go unnoticed. In 1994, she was health, and she believed wholeheartedly in but determined way. She was a quiet
invited to be part of the Union Council, the the public health system remaining fully in achiever.
governing body of the union. She was also public hands. She was a powerhouse and
Product ratings are only one factor to be considered when making a decision. See hesta.com.au/ratings for more information. Issued by H.E.S.T. Australia Ltd ABN 66 006 818 695 AFSL 235249, the Trustee of Health Employees
a representative to National Council. she never gave in. Superannuation Trust Australia (HESTA) ABN 64 971 749 321. This information is of a general nature. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or specific needs so you should look at your own financial
position and requirements before making a decision. You may wish to consult an adviser when doing this. Before making a decision about HESTA products you should read the relevant product disclosure statement
(call 1800 813 327 or visit hesta.com.au/pds for a copy), and consider any relevant risks (hesta.com.au/understandingrisk).
Honour for Peter 'Ankles' Annetts
25th_Unfied_Testimonials_Vindhya_(no_sector)_210x148mm.indd 1 26/2/19 4:19
This December, HSU member and paramedic, Peter 'Ankles'
Annetts was awarded a posthumous meritorious service
medal - a medal which was richly deserved.
Peter started work at NSW Ambulance in 1978 at the age of 22,
for what would be a lifetime of service spanning 38 years.
An active HSU member and workplace leader, Ankles is
remembered as a larrikin who firmly believed in fairness and justice
in the workplace.
Till the end, Ankles never stopped fighting for a better go for his
fellow paramedics. In 2017, he was deservedly nominated for Life
Membership to the HSU. Unfortunately, he was not well enough
to travel to the HSU Conference to receive the award, so HSU
Secretary Gerard Hayes made the trip to his bedside to present the
award alongside his colleagues.
Gerard was humbled to be able to speak to ‘Ankles’ long career
and lifelong union membership at the award ceremony this month,
having served by his side in Kings Cross during the heroin crisis of
the early 90s.
Ankles continues to be remembered as a man of immense
energy, character and warmth.
HSU members honour his memory by continuing to fight for the
values he held dear: activism, fairness and justice at work.
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SUMMER EDITION 2019 UNIFIED | The Official Journal of the Health Services Union NSW/ACT/QLD 21
Consider our PDS before making a decision. FSS Trustee Corporation ABN 11 118 202 672, AFSL 293340, trustee of the First State Superannuation Scheme ABN 53 226 460. 365.The value of kindness Primary school students in the small community of Quandialla in NSW’s Central West will be receiving a boost to their Christmas stockings this year, thanks to the extraordinary thoughtfulness of a group of HSU members in Patient Transport. Much of NSW is suffering from one of the worst droughts on members ensuring that none of the children in the community go record, and Quandialla is no exception. The lack of rainfall has without. been immensely hard on the residents of the little town. And in a “Sometimes it can be difficult to ask people to put their hand in disastrous turn of events, last year the school lost one of its main their pocket for charity,” says Janine. “But if you ask them to buy a classrooms to a fire. present for a child, it’s a different story.” Members at Prestons Patient Transport Station were very keen “They aren’t just little presents, either,” adds fellow member to help out drought-affected communities in any way that they Dana Buttigieg. “Some of the kids will be getting pushbikes, some could. of them will be getting trampolines, some of them will be getting “We just wanted to do something for the farmers in the guitars. drought,” says member Janine Dunlop, who helped to organise “A couple that is expecting twins will be getting a whole the initiative. “Christmas is a stressful enough time as it is.” package of baby products and clothes to help out with the But the question was how best to help out. It was important to newborns.” make sure that any contribution made by the station was practical But these HSU members don’t expect glory. They will and not to the possible detriment of local business. Janine and be presenting the presents to the school a few days before her colleague Lyndal Rapattoni undertook some research and hit Christmas and parents will collect them. upon Quandialla Public School. A phone call to the principal set “If they want to say they’re from them, or from Santa, it’s all wheels in motion. good,” says Janine. “The important part is just to reduce the The entire station has embraced this wonderful idea, with burden at a stressful time.” 22 UNIFIED | The Official Journal of the Health Services Union NSW/ACT/QLD SUMMER EDITION 2019 SUMMER EDITION 2019 UNIFIED | The Official Journal of the Health Services Union NSW/ACT/QLD 23
3/12/19 MYOB / Excel 10:53 am
Health Services
Health Union
Services Union NSW/ACT/QLD
NSW/ACT/QLD
Assistant Secretary’s Report Balance Sheet Analysis
LEVEL 2 ,109 PITT STREET
SYDNEY NSW 2000
as at Balance
31 October
Sheet 2019
As At 31 October 2019
One of the best parts of my job is meeting members
and hearing their stories. Some of the stories I’ve ASSETS
heard lately are even more poignant because of the Current Assets
catastrophic bush fires that NSW has experienced, Cash at Bank $504,307
and how our members have helped in so many Cash on Hand $4,421
Cash Investment Accounts $6,497,807
ways. Other Current Assets $1,341,538
Total Current Assets $8,348,073
I couldn’t be prouder of HSU members: from those who
courageously fought the fires at the front line like Andy and Geoff Non Current Assets
from Lismore Base Hospital (profiled elsewhere in this issue of Land & Buildings $12,177,470
Unified), to other members who assisted the community by Furniture & Fixtures $2,035,019
Plant & Equipment $209,383
offering their time performing community services, providing
Motor Vehicles $739,244
advice and assistance. This is the true measure of compassion. Total Non Current Assets $15,161,116
These members have gone above and beyond to help others,
sometimes complete strangers, to come to grips with the damage Total Assets $23,509,189
– both physical and psychological – left by the catastrophic fires.
LIABILITIES
Recently I met two great young HSU women in Patient
Transport, Dana and Alana from Prestons. They told me of their
Current Liabilities
initiative to help a group of school children in a drought and fire- Trade Creditors $565,834
affected community. I urge you to read their story, also in this GST Liabilities $90,765
magazine. Employee Entitlements $2,678,800
Another story that touched me is from Jason, a Health and Other Current Liabilities $186,652
Total Current Liabilities $3,522,051
Security Assistant who also serves as a volunteer firefighter:
“I was doing anywhere from 12 to 16 hours a day. It was an Non Current Liabilities
emotional roller coaster and I was exhausted most of the time. Super Defined Benefit Fund $442,999
“We were trying to save as many people’s homes as possible. Total Non Current Liabilities $442,999
It was hard, but I love my town, and I love everyone in it.
Total Liabilities $3,965,050
“On the days when I wasn’t at the forefront fighting fires, I was
at work and it was hard to balance everything. I love my job, and I
love fighting fires to protect small communities like Kempsey. They Net Assets $19,544,139
are so grateful for what we are doing. Lynne Russell
“I am still trying to catch up on my work both at home and EQUITY
HSU NSW/ACT/QLD - Assistant Secretary / Treasurer
work, but I am so proud to do what I do. My 5 year old son said to
Current Earnings $328,722
me, ‘Dad, you are just like a super hero but you just wear a yellow Regional Manager for Public Health; Lauren Hutchins leads the Member Funds $14,713,939
suit.’ My kids are so proud to say my dad is a firefighter and he is Aged Care team with Ben Steltenpool as her deputy; and Jess SASS (Actuarial Gains/Losses) $4,501,478
brave to help when he can.” Epps is the new Private Health Divisional Manager. I look forward Total Equity $19,544,139
So congratulations to all the HSU superheroes out there, to working with all of them to produce the best possible outcomes
regardless of what colour suit you wear. You are all truly inspiring. for members across all divisions.
I welcome the new managers at the HSU in many of our Finally, I would like to wish each and every one of you and your
divisions, who I have no doubt will be taking our union to new families a very merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous new
heights. Rob Sheehy has moved from Aged Care to take up year. See you in 2020!
his role in Public Health in the Metro area; Josh Howarth is the
Page 1
24 UNIFIED | The Official Journal of the Health Services Union NSW/ACT/QLD SUMMER EDITION 2019 SUMMER EDITION 2019 UNIFIED | The Official Journal of the Health Services Union NSW/ACT/QLD 25The STATE of the UNION
Industrial Division and MEMBER SERVICES DIVISION (MSD) AGED CARE and DISABILITY this year took part in a nationwide survey
As we head towards the end of members in over 150 workplace disputes the process. Underpaid, Understaffed and Undertrained. of aged care workers. Among other
another year we look back on our and over 60 organisational restructures. In the Aged Care The harrowing stories coming out of the Aged Care Royal disturbing statistics, a shocking 40% of
achievements with pride. We have successfully negotiated, and have and Private Health Commission (ACRC) are sadly all too familiar to many HSU those surveyed said that they planned on
The Industrial and Member Services had approved, 50 Enterprise Bargaining areas we work members who have seen firsthand the devastating impact of $2 leaving the sector in the next five years. And
Division is there to help members with any Agreements and are currently waiting closely with HSU billion worth of Federal Government cuts to aged care funding. who could blame them?
problem facing them at work. From advice on 5 more to be approved. Our team National Office in The Royal Commission’s Interim Report, handed down this Unfortunately, the Federal Government
on entitlements to advocacy in court the has provided, and continues to provide, the Modern Award October, called for immediate action on Home Care – where response barely scratched the surface.
staff here are all passionate about their industrial and research support to the review process 120,000 older Australians are on a waiting list, and 16,000 older The additional packages announced for Lauren Hutchins
job and working for you, the members, to Union’s major campaigns including the trial through the Fair Ayshe Lewis Australians died last year while waiting for much needed home home care are only 10% of the shortfall, Aged Care/Disability
achieve the best results. of a new Security Model in Public Hospitals Work Commission. Divisional Manager care packages. Meanwhile, 60,000 young people are still living in the amount pledged to dementia training Divisional Manager
From January – October this year our and submissions to the Aged Care Royal The HSU had a Industrial residential aged care facilities. is frankly an insult, and there is nothing at
Member Services received 15,583 calls. Commission. recent success In delivering the report – titled Neglect – the ACRC noted that all promised for the floundering residential
52% of these calls came from Public We have many challenges ahead of us with the Fair Work Commission granting the vast majority of Aged Care workers were exceptional people, aged care sector.
Health & Ambulance, 30% from Aged Care next year. The NSW Industrial Relations our claim to ensure that casuals receive dedicated to their work. However, workers are faced with chronic It’s clear we have a fight on our hands.
& Disability Services, 18% from Private Commission has commenced a process of casual loading in addition to penalty rates understaffing, low pay and a lack of specialised training. Next year, be prepared for an Aged Care
Health. review of our NSW Health Awards. This is a on weekends and public holidays for our The report echoes the views of HSU members who earlier Division that is louder than ever before.
For approximately 35% of calls received requirement under the Industrial Relations members covered by the SCHCDS Award.
during the year we were able to immediately Act and its purpose is to modernise We are also working closely with the HSU’s
resolve the issue for the member at the awards, consolidate awards relating to Aged Care and Private Health Divisions so that we can make sure our energy and It wouldn’t be
PUBLIC HEALTH
initial call. The majority of calls we receive the same industry and rescind obsolete to pursue campaigns to improve to pay resources are concentrated in that area. Christmas without
are referred to Case Managers and awards. With over 30 Awards covering and conditions for our members in those The Public Health Division has seen Our Union works best when it is working a feelgood story, so
Industrial Officers for ongoing support and our members in NSW Health, this will be a industries. an extraordinary amount of activity for the greatest number of members, so here is one about an
assistance. big task next year. Whilst the review does From all the team in Industrial and over the last few months. please make sure you have your say. If HSU member who
During the same ten months, our not allow us to make major changes to Member Services, we wish you all the very We’re starting from first principles and you haven’t already, you can complete the recently won back
Industrial team have run 129 unfair dismissal conditions, we will be pursuing significant best for the festive season and we look not taking anything for granted, and as a survey at http://bit.ly/HSU-PH-2020, or a windfall with the
cases, 94 in the Fair Work Commission changes to modernise the Awards. We forward to working with you in 2020. result we’ve been out and about meeting speak to your local organiser. help of the Union:
and 35 in the NSW Industrial Relations will be keeping members informed of members and seeing workplaces, finding We can’t waste any time getting the The member Rob Sheehy
Commission. We have represented developments and consulting throughout out what is most important to you. You Public Health Division into fighting fit concerned, working Metro Manager
will have seen a lot of us recently, and get shape, as the threats will be coming in Pathology,
Joshua Howarth
ready to see a lot more of us! thick and fast this year. We’ve already contacted their
organiser in March Regional Manager
One thing we’ve discovered is that the learnt that the NSW Government plans
PRIVATE HEALTH state of staff amenities in NSW Health on cutting $252 million from the Health this year to query
The end of 2019 is near, and the Private Health Division of the development of a strategic plan which will facilities is abysmal. Members in public budget over the upcoming financial year, the grade at which they were being paid.
HSU is stronger than it has ever been. This year has seen HSU grow, strengthen and unite our Division. health have been forced to put up with and this means that each LHD and health The member realised that despite working
members coming together to fight for better terms, conditions and With proposed legislative changes shabby facilities that come far below their network will be expected to find savings in the role for a number of years, she
pay during EA negotiations across a number of different employers, being discussed in the Federal Parliament Award-mandated entitlements – and we’re where they simply don’t exist. seemed to have missed dates for going up
including Laverty Pathology, Ramsay, Healthe Care and Apunipima in the form of the Ensuring Integrity Bill, it not having it. We’re currently conducting Almost everyone in the public health increments and was still below her close
Cape York Health Council. 2020 will see even more Enterprise is imperative that we stick together and an audit, with a particular emphasis on system will be aware of positions that colleagues.
Agreements up for renegotiation, which is the perfect opportunity demonstrate to all that we are a united, new developments so that we can ensure have been allowed to remain vacant as With support from her organiser,
for HSU members in the Private Health Division to stand together diverse and strong Division who will not back staff get what they need from the planning an underhanded way of saving money. she asked for a review, and requested
and make our voices heard across the industry. down. 2020 will see that the Private Health stage. We’ve been in touch with the Our members are already stretched to the backpay for the full statute of limitations
Jess Epps
In December 2019, the Private Health Division held the first Division is stronger than ever before, more Ministry of Health and let them know that limit and often doing far more than their period of 6 years. After a nail-biting few
Private Health
Divisional Committee meeting. Throughout 2020, the Divisional united than ever before, and ready to take on we require them to negotiate, not merely fair share of work – all so the Government months, in September the member
Manager
Committee will continue to work hard on behalf of all members any fight that comes our way! ‘consult’, on the amenities provided to can crow loudly about its surplus. Make received an email as follows:
regardless of where they work. We are all in this together. 2020 will staff. no mistake, we will be fighting these cruel As discussed, this morning, the
also see the Private Health Division acting collectively and in the We’ve also been conducting a division- cuts with everything we’ve got. The public investigation has now concluded and
best interests of the membership, a part of which will include the wide survey of all members to make sure needs to know that given the choice HealthShare deem a retrospective
we’re on the same page when it comes between their health and a balance sheet payment of $85,690.
to what’s important to you. Most of all, we that looks good, the Government chose
want to know what you want prioritised, the latter.
26 UNIFIED | The Official Journal of the Health Services Union NSW/ACT/QLD SUMMER EDITION 2019 SUMMER EDITION 2019 UNIFIED | The Official Journal of the Health Services Union NSW/ACT/QLD 27You can also read
