Late last week, we again met with DCT and Ashley management to continue discussions about the ongoing staffing shortfalls.

On a positive note, inductions for new youth workers will begin on 13 July and there have been some contingencies provided for workers from elsewhere who’ve graciously volunteered to help. We said another induction of new youth workers needs to be scheduled to begin straight after the one in July, and probably another after that too, and we also want to see some sort of plan to provide immediate support when numbers fall below the minimum required for safe operation.

The provisional improvement notice issued by your health and safety reps remains in place and meetings will occur regularly to discuss the situation until a sustainable roster is re-established. What’s most important is your safety, so do not put yourself in a risky situation, particularly when there are less workers than required on site.

We know you really care about the young people who find themselves at Ashley but please don’t risk your safety or theirs.