Yesterday, we finally met with Health managers to push for your much-needed market allowance. While it was good to talk directly with them and explain how urgent the current situation is and how desperately you need the market allowance, we were disappointed with how slowly the bureaucracy moves.
They told us that Kendra Strong, the Acting Chief People Officer, now has the paperwork associated with the market allowance submission and she would be finalising it by Wednesday next week. Your HACSU representatives agreed to provide additional information especially around private sector arrangements, and this will be sent to Kendra today.
After that, Kendra will send the submission to Acting Health Secretary Dale Webster, who will review it before it goes to Kathrine Morgan-Wicks, the final decision maker. We don’t have a solid timeline yet, but we’ll be asking both Dale and Kathrine for specific timeframes next week once Kendra has done her part.
We’re still waiting to find out exactly what their proposed market allowance will be, but your HACSU reps made it clear why we believe 20% is the right and necessary amount. It’s frustrating that this process is taking so long, but for the first time, we have a clear view of the steps involved. This progress has only been achieved because of the action you’ve taken.
We need to keep the momentum going. Your delegates and organiser Des will be in touch with you over the next week to discuss the next steps in the campaign.
If you have any questions, you can contact HACSUassist on 1300 880 032.