By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
CARERS at a Newcomb residential facility for youths say they have been subjected to a “barrage of physical and verbal abuse” on a regular basis.
Nine staff working at the MacKillop Family Services facility this week lodged WorkCover claims or took sick leave, according to Health Workers Union secretary Diana Asmar.
Ms Asmar said staff were “stressed to breaking point” because of the failure of management to address the situation.
“The situation is an absolute disgrace – the management of that facility is a blight upon the name of Australia’s first and only Catholic saint,” Ms Asmar said.
“Carers who work there are terrified. They love their jobs, they love working with and caring for the residents, but they’re so afraid to go to work it’s causing them considerable mental harm.”
Ms Asmar said she met staff earlier in the week “and the stories I heard sent a shiver down my spine”.
“Staff allege they’re kicked, punched, strangled, stabbed with kitchen utensils, thrown about like rag dolls, spat at and verbally abused by the residents they’re employed to care for,” she said.
“And from what I’m told management has completely ignored these issues or, worse, swept them under the carpet and then sought to silence employees by threatening them with punitive action.
“The carers in this facility accept when they come to work they may confront difficult situations. They know they’re working with juvenile offenders and acknowledge the challenge that it presents.
“But they should also expect to be supported by management and be provided with a safe work environment, which isn’t happening.”
A Health Workers Union spokesman later said a meeting with MacKillop, management had agreed to all occupational health and safety requests.
“There will be ongoing discussion regarding implementation of issues such as reviewing staff levels, providing a duress alarm, and staff self-defence courses,” he said.
A MacKillop Family Services spokesperson said staff concerns were not raised as late as last week despite the organisation’s work, health and safety manager making regular visits.
“MacKillop maintains an unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers, foster carers and the disadvantaged children, young people and families we work with.
“Any issues or concerns raised that compromise this commitment are of the utmost importance to MacKillop Family Services and are responded to as a matter of urgency by management.”
The spokesperson said after an issue of staff fatigue was raised, MacKillop immediately agreed to a request for extra staff.
