We won’t budge on ban

Unions’ hard line in Lopes row

NURSES will continue industrial action, including a ban on admissions to the Wilfred Lopes Centre, until a back-up plan for a Risdon Prison inmate’s transfer can be formulated, says a union leader.

In an attempt to have his “dangerous criminal” declaration overturned, long serving prisoner Jamie Gregory McCrossen’s application hinges on an assessment at the forensic mental health facility.

The court was told on August 14 that McCrossen’s mental health and ability to care for himself had deteriorated, increasing his need for transfer.

Last week, the court received an email that foreshadowed McCrossen’s transfer would not be possible until at least November 15 because of industrial action by nursing staff which prevents new admissions to the ward until staff levels are increased.

In the Supreme Court this week, Tasmanian Health Service mental health services clinical executive director Adrienne Gibbons said management had met union leaders and requested the ban be put to one side to allow McCrossen to be admitted.

Justice Helen Wood warned even without a court order for McCrossen’s admission, the THS could be found in contempt of court through interference with court processes.

Ms Gibbons said there were 12 job vacancies that needed to be filled.

Following a meeting with members yesterday, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian branch secretary Emily Shepherd said the admissions ban would remain in place.

Members of the Community and Public Sector Union and Health and Community Services Union also met and voted to maintain the action.

“Members are willing to work with the department in relation to their requirement to admit a particular client, but they are going away to think about how they might be able to achieve that and come up with a plan and we will take that back on their behalf to mental health services,” Ms Shepherd said.

“There’s a willingness there to work with them, but there was an absolute resolution that industrial action will continue.

“We’re meeting with members again in two weeks to receive that plan and what they would require in order to accept this particular admission.”

Prisoners Legal Service chairman Greg Barns said it was “appalling that the human rights of some of the most vulnerable people in our community are put second to the political and industrial agendas of government and unions.”

On Wednesday, Justice Wood ordered mental health services management to provide the court with an update by the end of the week on a detailed back-up plan to ensure McCrossen’s transfer “as a matter of urgency.”

McCrossen’s case returns to court on Monday.