The Tasmanian Greens strongly support workers in the child safety system who are on strike today, and call on the Rockliff government to act on their concerns.
Staffing in child safety has long been an issue, but things have become even worse in the last couple of years. Despite the devastating stories and findings from the Commission of Inquiry and the consistent calls from unions for action, the Liberals have not done what’s needed to address this crisis.
Going on strike is a major step, and the fact workers are doing it tells you just how bad things have become. These dire staff shortages are having a huge impact on the wellbeing of staff, and they’re putting vulnerable children at risk.
When it comes to the major staff shortages we’re seeing in child safety – and in other areas like health – the Liberals like to say it’s not their fault because it’s a problem happening nationally. However, the national issues in staffing are exactly why we must do so much better on measures to attract staff, and to keep them here. If we don’t, we’re just going to keep losing out to other states.
There are so many things the Liberals could be doing to deal with these staff shortages. Improvements to pay, leave entitlements, and other conditions are critical, as are measures like providing support for housing.
If the Rockliff government is serious about keeping children safe, they need to make addressing the issues in child safety staffing a top priority.
