Mental health workers at Tolosa St Adult Mental Health Service are raising the alarm about the future of their service as officials from the Department of Health refuse to rule out its closure.
Workers first grew worried about the closure of the mental health facility after rumours emerged earlier this month that the service would be shut down within the next two years.
The facility provides a crucial service to the community by assisting Tasmanians with mental health conditions to build independent living skills and focus on their recovery, employing a range of health professionals including respite support workers, nurses, cleaners and social workers.
“With cuts and privatisation at the top of the agenda for this government, workers are seriously concerned that Tolosa St could be next on the chopping block,” HACSU State Secretary Robbie Moore says.
“The fact that the Department is not even willing to give their workers a straight answer about the future of the facility speaks volumes about their lack of respect for the hard-working staff that keep our mental health service running.
We are requesting an urgent meeting with Minister Jaensch so that workers can get the truth about whether they will have jobs in another two years,” he added.