On 27 August 2024, the Your Advisory Group met to review Ambulance Victoria’s progress on implementing recommendations from the VEOHRC review. Key Recommendation 13 emphasised the need for a victim-centered and fair reporting system for complaints and unlawful conduct.
The advisory group meeting focused on addressing psychological safety concerns, particularly in how managers provide feedback to staff. Ambulance Victoria sought advice on creating a psychologically safe environment and promoting routine feedback within the workplace.
United Workers Union stressed the need for manager support and training and suggested Non-Violent Communication to improve local complaint handling. VAU advocated for allowing complainants to choose from different management levels for handling their complaints. This is important because complaints to PSBD have been referred to managers who are involved in the issue, creating a conflict of interest. UWU strongly supported this recommendation as this has been a common complaint of members.
A follow-up meeting on 4 September 2024 was organised to discuss local complaints further. Within this meeting, unions advocated for an appeals process, and improvements to Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) having measurable outcomes. Issues of bullying and consistency in complaint handling were also discussed.
A second meeting is planned for late October. For contributions or to discuss further, please contact Organiser Lauren Stanley at 0425 755 903.
