Community Corrections Restructure Consultation Update
19 October 2021
Thank you to all the members who have filled out the É«ÀÇÉçÇøsurvey on the restructure and provided feedback generally. You can still take the survey however it will be closed this Friday, 22 October, and members will be advised of the final results.
Below is a summary of the last meeting the É«ÀÇÉçÇøhad with the Assistant Commissioner and Human Resources. The next meeting will be on 25 October 2021.
Increased Workloads for Managers
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøraised the issue of increased workloads for managers under the proposed structure and the consequent Work Health and Safety issues of overwork. The Assistant Commissioner advised that the workload proposed was in line with the rest of the sector, however, she did not want an unsafe workplace. The É«ÀÇÉçÇøremains concerned about the issue and delegates are interested in making managers part of the workload model to guard against work overload and to ensure the Work Health and Safety of members.
Travelling in Regional Locations
At the meeting, the Department advised that a risk assessment was being undertaken. The Department has since issued the É«ÀÇÉçÇøa copy. It can be found here.
Wagga Wagga/Tumut Hub
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøraised the increased size of the Wagga Wagga/Tumut Hub as a concern and asked whether there was potential to look at different models for the area. During the meeting the Assistant Commissioner advised that they are actively considering alternatives regarding Wagga Wagga/Tumut.
Since the meeting, the É«ÀÇÉçÇøhas been provided initial advice that the Assistant Commissioner has given approval for a submission to split Junee from Wagga Wagga and merge the Junee caseload with the Tumut office. The É«ÀÇÉçÇøexpects a further update on this on 25 October.
Further issues to be raised with the Department:
Administrative Assistants
3-4s supervisors are being recruited from the existing 1-2 pool of Administrative Assistants and therefore there will be extra 1-2 work left over. As to how this will be managed, the Department hasn’t provided a clear answer.
The Department has also indicated that training will be delivered by 3-4s and will be consistent for members across the agency. Questions remain however as to how consistency will be ensured. The É«ÀÇÉçÇøknows this is an issue for members and will continue to monitor the situation.