Tasmania's health department hiring changes spark 'ludicrous' fears

A mental health clinic leader in Tasmania's north-west has labeled the government's plan to "declassify" some state health service positions as "ludicrous." Steve Hayes, clinical lead at Devonport's Adult Community Mental Health Service, argues that downgrading roles will lead to longer waiting lists and force senior clinicians to spend more time on supervision rather than patient care.

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ludicrous

The planned changes to Statewide Mental Health Services involve reviewing all vacant AHP 3 (allied health professional 3) roles. The goal is to increase the number of more junior AHP 2 or AHP 1–2 positions. Experienced clinicians, such as psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and social workers, typically hold AHP 3 roles. These changes will affect allied health staff across Tasmania, including at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

A Department of Health document suggests the changes aim for role clarity, clearer progression pathways, and a sustainable workforce. However, Hayes contends it's a "one-size-fits-all policy" that "dumbs down the service" to save money. He noted that while new clinicians are often hired into AHP 3 roles, they possess at least two years of experience and can immediately manage a caseload of 20 patients. The lower-classified AHP 2 positions would become the new entry point under the revised system.

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What they're doing is just dumbing down the service and saving maybe $10,000 or $20,000 on each position

Hayes warned that junior hires cannot form the backbone of the service due to their limited caseload capacity and need for supervision. "It's going to massively reduce the service output, because of the amount of '3s' who will have to do supervision and then reduce their own caseload," he said, adding that these senior professionals currently handle the "brunt of work." This comes as the service's capacity has already diminished, forcing it to accept only the most serious cases, often involuntary patients.

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It's going to massively reduce the service output, because of the amount of '3s' who will have to do supervision and then reduce their own caseload

A Department of Health spokesperson asserted that the changes ensure appropriate classification and a balanced mix of skills and experience within teams, focusing on building a sustainable workforce. This occurs as the department faces pressure to cut $702 million over four years, though the document outlining the changes insists the move is not about cost-cutting.

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At the moment, they're the ones who do the brunt of work.