Experienced staff must be retained for sweeping changes to NT children's services: media release

The CPSU and relevant NTPS staff were informed that the Department of Children and Families will become the Office of Children and Families within a new portfolio of Education and Children’s Services, a move that will see a massive shake up of staff responsibilities and location.

“We’ve been told that these massive changes will take effect in a few weeks time, but details of exactly what functions this new, bigger Department will perform are still sketchy,” CPSU NT Regional Director Kay Densley said.

“The problem is that because of the CLP Government’s policy to not renew workers’ contracts when they end, the next few weeks will see them lose a significant number of experienced Children and Families and Education workers that may be needed in their new-look Department.

“The CLP Government’s plans for children’s services are ambitious and they’ll need qualified staff to deliver them. To lose staff before the detail of how this new Office of Children and Families is going to run is hasty and irresponsible.

“In an area as sensitive and important and children’s services to lose dedicated and experience staff during this time of change would be a tragedy,” Ms Densley said.

To arrange further comment call CPSU Communications Officer Jess Nelson on 0459 168 514