Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) assistant state secretary Paul Healey said the two-hour industrial action was targeted at the State Government over continued breakdowns in EBA negotiations.

But Mr Healey said it was also an opportunity “to shine a light on local issues”, which HACSU claims include an allegations of bullying in SWH mental health services, staffing and service cuts, a shortage of psychiatrists, and difficulties attraction staff. HACSU also noted mental health workers were dealing with “mounting pressure from patients affected by (ice)”. 

Mr Healey said Victorian “mental health staff are having to endure daily violence, bullying and unsustainable stress in trying to meet increasing demands (and that) the Victorian Government must invest in this area or it will pay a heavier price down the track”.

SWH chief executive John Krygger said the workplace review of SWH’s mental health services had been completed and provided seven recommendations for improvement.