At the end of November, VEOHRC will release Volume 1 of their review into Ambulance Victoria. The review was announced 12 months ago and the engagement by AV staff was unprecedented. Most AV staff have put their faith in this process to right the wrongs within AV. Wrongs that have been clearly evident for many of us for years and wrongs which we reported time and time again to no avail.
There are many who still doubt that the review can result in the fundamental overhaul that is required to create a safe workplace. And that is primarily because people have lost faith in the senior leaders within AV, who have not only failed to act but on some occasions have exacerbated or even been the root of the problem.
Rebuilding that trust is going to take a significant commitment from AV to break down the personalities and networks that allowed or exhibited these toxic behaviours. Anything short of that will be seen as an acceptance by the AV Board and the government of the pervasive culture that exists within AV. Just shifting the deck chairs is unacceptable.
AV RECRUITMENT
We are currently supporting a member with a grievance about AV recruitment processes. The member appears to have missed out on a recruitment opportunity within AV because of personality differences.
In November 2020, following the announcement of the VEOHRC review, we were told by the government that there was no need for additional oversight of AV in the lead up to the reports release, because the government believed AV would do the right thing in the interim. We vehemently disagreed and our concerns have been vindicated time and time again over the last 12 months.
The breadth and severity of the problems within AV has meant that the section on recruitment will not be released until March 2022. In the meantime, we continue to see the same old problems with RMT’s appearing to pick people for opportunities based on something other than merit. We can only hope that the release of Volume 1 is the impetus for change across the board and that these practices are weeded out in the short term.
If you feel aggrieved in relation to a recruitment opportunity you can contact us at [email protected] or call on 9287 1713 and leave a message.
VICTORIAN BUDGET SUBMISSION
The union is glad to announce that Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas MP wrote to AEAV inviting the union to submit a proposal for consideration as part of the 2022-23 Victorian Budget. The union welcomes this opportunity to outline the need for increased resourcing at ESTA 000, Ambulance Victoria, and recognition for NEPT professionals. For too long ambulance emergency services have been running on empty.
We encourage all members to have their say by contacting the union HERE and sharing suggestions for what should be prioritised within the union’s proposal.
ESTA PROPOSAL FOR PANDEMIC ARRANGEMENTS
ESTA has continued conversations with the union on their Proposal for Pandemic Arrangements and the AEAV is in the process of responding to ESTA’s proposal and memorandum of understanding.
ESTA have proposed rostering flexibility, recruitment of paramedic students and labour hire. The bottom line is that ESTA require more full time CTD staff to respond to community demand and alleviate pressure on the workforce now and into the future.
To discuss the proposal please contact HERE or phone Organiser Lauren Stanley on 0425 755 903.
NPT BARGAINING
National Patient Transport bargaining is due to commence prior to 1 January 2022!
Union officials will be calling NPT members in the coming weeks to discuss priorities for the EBA, and we would like to hear from you on what needs to be within your next agreement.
You can tell us about your thoughts HERE and let us know when would be the best time to call you.
Alternatively, you can reach union organiser Lauren Stanley on 0425 755 903 any time.
RFDS
Congratulations to all Royal Flying Doctor Service employees on your new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement!
The EBA was secured on 8 November 2021 and can be found HERE.
OH&S EXTREME WEATHER TRAINING
With summer on the horizon UWU is holding training in Occupational Health and Safety for Extreme Weather. AEAV is currently in the process of developing Extreme Weather training dedicated to Ambulance employees and we would appreciate your input on what will make the training most valuable to you.
You can sign up for one of the 3 upcoming training sessions HERE and provide feedback to the union on what was valuable and how we can ensure that the upcoming training meets ambulance needs.
To learn more about the upcoming Extreme Weather Trainings follow the link HERE.
AHPRA RENEWAL
Registration for AHPRA renewal will occur at the end of this month. In the unlikely event that you require CPD hours, head over to our online learning platform Talisium.
Following the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, the Department of Health is working to implement its recommendations to improve Victoria’s mental health and wellbeing system.
The workforce personnel survey is voluntary for all professionals working in public, community, and private mental health service settings across Victoria.
If you haven’t taken the Victorian Government’s mental health workforce personnel survey yet, you can do that HERE. Survey closes Monday.
JOKE OF THE WEEK
“Your mother has been living with us for 20 years,” said John. “Isn’t it time she got a place of her own?”
“My mother?” replied Helen. “I thought she was your mother.”
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, if you have any issues, questions or queries, get in touch by leaving a message on 9287 1713 or email [email protected]
And most importantly, please stay safe out there.
Brett Adie – AEAV Secretary
Authorised by Brett Adie, AEAV Secretary
833 Bourke St, Docklands, VIC 3008AEAV member queries: (03) 9287 1713 [email protected]
