Child Safety workplace reforms working

Workplace and employment reforms introduced by the Bligh Government have lead to a dramatic improvement in the retention rates for Child Safety staff.

Minister for Child Safety Phil Reeves said since 2007-08, the separation rate from Child Safety Services, based on staffing numbers reported in Service Delivery Statements, has reduced dramatically - from 11.9 per cent to 7.6 per cent of the total workforce.

"In addition, the appointment of 35 extra staff is well underway and will be advertised in the next few weeks, with extra positions available in every region," he said.

"In total figures for staff separation, the number of staff leaving Child Safety has fallen from 286 in 2007-08 to 194 in 2009-10.

"While there is still some room for improvement, the overall downward trend in staff separations is encouraging and shows our workplace reforms are starting to take effect.

"While there has been a slight increase in the separation figures in the past two years, there has also been a subsequent increase in overall staff numbers with extra staff on the way."

Mr Reeves said Child Safety Services had put in place several initiatives to increase the retention of experienced staff, including:
*an accelerated career progression, which has seen 394 Child Safety Officers progress to PO3 level in recognition of their experience, between October 2008 and June 2010;
*a pilot program of Principal Child Safety Officer positions to provide support and mentoring to new staff; and
*an incentives scheme to enhance rural and remote retention.

"Since January 2008, 720 temporary employees were converted to permanent status and-importantly-656 of these have been frontline service delivery staff members," he said.

"The attraction of suitable Child Safety Officers has been further enhanced with the broadening of the qualifications pool.

"The Bligh Government's investment in these initiatives has made a positive impact on our staff.

"I am committed to ensuring that implemented strategies to improve staff retention are effective. The strategies we have introduced have resulted in a stronger workforce for Child Safety Services and I will continue to actively support the staff who support our communities.

"I have personally visited all 50 Child Safety Service Centres across the state, all seven regional offices and all hub officers to speak with staff about their role in keeping Queensland's children safe. It is not an easy job, but one that is done with a genuine passion and commitment to protecting vulnerable children and young people.

"I am inspired by the people I have met during my visits to our Child Safety Service Centres and applaud the way they meet the challenges of protecting Queensland's most vulnerable youth."

Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport
The Honourable Phil Reeves
03/09/2010

Permanent Link: Child Safety workplace reforms working
Publish Date: 03 Sep 10