Inconsistent communication, or a total lack of it, has made things even more difficult for people displaced or in quarantine.

Our state secretary Tim Jacobson wrote to the secretaries of the Departments of Health and Communities to make our views on the importance of your physical and mental health and wellbeing crystal clear.

We told them in no uncertain terms that:

• You must be contacted on a regular basis during self-isolation to check on your emotional welfare and offer further support if required
• You must receive clear direction about transitioning arrangements upon returning to work
• The department must outline the procedure for accessing pandemic leave if you fall ill during the isolation period

You may have seen that we’ve been making sure the media is widely publicising these points to ensure the government gets the message and upholds its obligations to you.

We’ve requested these changes are implemented immediately and next week we’ll be touch base with members individually to make sure you’re getting the support you need.

I thank you again all for your work, resilience and determination at this very difficult time – HACSU, and the local community, commend you for it.