The aftershocks from Hepburn Shire Council's decision to transition out of aged and disability care have continued.
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Council announced its intentions last Friday. The Australian Services Union responded with anger, alleging workers would be hurt, while the quality of client care would suffer.
ASU secretary Lisa Darmanin also expressed concern over a lack of consultation.
Hepburn Shire Council CEO Bradley Thomas responded to the union's claims on late Friday afternoon.
"The decision at this stage is in-principle only and this triggers industrial obligations to consult, and engage with, affected staff, clients, and community," Mr Thomas said.
Mr Thomas tackled a number of allegations, starting with the suggestion wages would suffer.
"Qualified workers are in very high demand," he said.
"Wages in the non-government sector can be equivalent to local government, especially when you consider tax benefits available to many charitable and religious organisations."
Mr Thomas attempted to put workers' minds at ease.
"If council does decide to transition out of service delivery, it has committed to meeting all industrial obligations," he said.
"This includes paying retrenchment benefits and providing additional supports.
"Council is about to initiate an expression of interest process. One of the questions in this process will be about fair employment practices."
Mr Thomas proceeded to address the union's assertion clients would suffer.
"There is no evidence clients will be worse off," he said.
"Most in-home aged care services across Australia are provided by non-government, not-for-profit organisations. Most organisations are well-qualified and deliver high-quality services."
Mr Thomas emphasised council's awareness of the significant link between carer and client.
"All providers recognise the importance of continuity of care and the importance of the relationship between the care worker and care consumer."