Member feedback sought on SA Health policy proposals 

3 September 2020

The ANMF (SA Branch) is seeking feedback from members regarding the following proposed SA Health policies:

These documents intend to promote a positive and professional working environment and a culture of respect to ensure all staff and consumers are valued, safe and supported. View the current 2016 policy directive.

The policy directive intends to foster a culture of respect and having zero tolerance for the unacceptable behaviours covered by the directive.  

This is your opportunity to have your say and review the SA Health policy directives to ensure they reflect the position of members.

Members can provide their feedback by emailing [email protected] by COB on Friday 11 September 2020.

ANMF (SA Branch)’s position
We have been actively lobbying the Department to address the ongoing concerns raised by members related to Workplace Bullying and Harassment. Recently, we provided a submission on behalf of members to the Parliamentary Committee Inquiry into Fatigue and Bullying in South Australian Hospital and Health Services.

Recommendations from the report were to ensure the following areas of concern relating to complaints management were addressed:

 

  • Quality and frequency of communication with complainants;
  • Transparency of process and accountability for complaint resolution;
  • Resolution of complaints regardless of whether the complainant or alleged bully moves elsewhere within the public sector;
  • Recording, tracking and management of bullying-related complaints across SA Health; and
  • Consistent complaint management/handling across the Local Health Networks.


We support these recommendations and believe that the draft policies need to be strengthened to meet the recommendations of the committee. Please find attached a draft copy of the ANMF (SA Branch) response for your consideration along with the proposed policy directives.

The ANMF (SA Branch) considers bullying and fatigue to be a serious work, health and safety issue and supports a risk management and preventative approach, in consultation with workers and health and safety representatives, in accordance with the Work, Health and Safety Act 2012.