Firstly, I would like to welcome the new members who have joined in recent months. It is great to see such interest in building a union at Harbour Quays.

As members would be aware, your local HSU organiser Kirk Rostock was on site yesterday and was surprised to see that the issues members raised with management last time had not yet been addressed.

As a result, and on behalf of members, Kirk took an extensive list of issues to management of everything from faulty dishwashers to a severe shortage of basic care equipment.

The HSU has since formally written to Provectus asking for these to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Having only one weigh chair for a three-storey building seems an obvious issue. So too is having to move lifters around a multistorey building.

Having to locate and then move heavy equipment is an unnecessary waste of time and creates unnecessary risks. Not only are these shortages a workplace health and safety issue for staff, they are also a matter of dignity and care of residents. Residents shouldn’t have to wait to be toileted or showered because there aren’t enough lifters or shower chairs.

Provectus has been put on notice to act. The HSU will keep members updated on management’s response.

If you know someone who isn’t an HSU member, let them know what you and your fellow HSU members are doing to improve conditions at Harbour Quays. They can join with you online at www.hsu.asn.au/join or by calling 1300 478 679. New members can also contact your local organiser Kirk Rostock at [E-Mail not displayed].