Office workers on their way
WORKSAFE will relocate the first 155 of its head office workers to Geelong next year.
Staff at the workplace safety watchdog were briefed on the planned decentralisation yesterday.
The Geelong Advertiser can reveal insurance, health and safety, support workers and four members of the executive team will be among the first “wave” of workers relocated in late-2016.
Later this year staff will be offered redeployment incentives to move to Geelong, and will have a year to make a decision.
The first workers to arrive will be based at the Transport Accident Commission’s Brougham St building before moving to a purpose-built premises.
More than 10 companies are vying to build that CBD office, which will accommodate the full contingent of at least 550 WorkSafe head office staff from mid-2018.
Those applications will soon be short-listed as part of a tender process expected for completion later this year, with construction to follow early next year.
It remains possible the agency could share the building with the National Disability Insurance Agency, which needs a headquarters in Geelong for at least 100 workers.
The Geelong office will become the central location for WorkSafe.
It employs 1000 full-time workers across the state.
Yesterday Treasurer Tim Pallas heralded the benefits for the city.
“WorkSafe’s new headquarters will strengthen Geelong’s economy, bringing jobs and growth to the region,” Mr Pallas said.
“As a key public employer, WorkSafe will boost the region while continuing to keep our workplaces safe and ensuring workers return home each night.”
WorkSafe chief executive Clare Amies said only a small only number of specialist head office staff would stay in Melbourne.
The plan to relocate the agency’s head office to Geelong was first proposed in late-2013 after the TAC’s successful move to the city in 2009, and had bipartisan commitment for a year before last year’s state election.
While negotiations with the workers and the Community and Public Sector Union continue, the Government has indicated workers will be offered a deal that, at worst, matches that secured by TAC staff.
It means those who move to Geelong and stay with the agency will likely be able to apply for retention payments, rental assistance, travel money, stamp duty exemptions and money for new homes and family expenses, such as new school uniforms.
The CPSU did not return calls yesterday, but Ms Amies said staff and unions would be consulted and there would be information sessions and other services to ensure “a smooth transition”.
“Our staff can be proud of all WorkSafe has achieved. Victoria remains the safest state in which to work, and WorkSafe’s insurance scheme is one of the strongest in the country,” she said.
“WorkSafe’s move will strengthen the growing insurance and personal injury sector in Geelong.”