COVID-19 Information for TSS Aboriginal Employees

_{Page Last Updated: 11 January 2023 LA}

Information about COVID-19 in Tasmania is now provided on the
Department of Health website - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The current COVID-19 risk level in Tasmania is MODERATE. (11 Jan 2023)

If you have a question about your particular circumstances,
please contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.

Valuing Aboriginal employees

Aboriginal employees are valued and contribute, to a range of important functions that support essential government and community services.

We understand that some Aboriginal employees may find themselves in a position where, for a number of reasons, may need to talk with their manager about their individual needs at various times regarding COVID-19.

TSS Aboriginal employees - what does this mean for you?

COVID-19 may have impacted your individual circumstances in a variety of ways. As an Aboriginal employee you should speak with your Manager to discuss your needs and, where appropriate, consider working arrangements/options in response to those individual needs.

There is no one ‘right ‘or ‘correct’ way to support Aboriginal employees in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst your Manager may also initiate discussions with you, the best support for Aboriginal employees relies on having Aboriginal led, open and genuine conversations to identify your needs and consider a range of possible solutions. Managers and Aboriginal employees are encouraged to explore flexible and considered options thus allowing for your specific needs and concerns to be addressed.

There are a range of situations that are supported in the same way for all TSS employees. For example, you may have children at home and be supporting learning at home arrangements, or you may have caring responsibilities to provide care or support for a family or household member who is in isolation (but you remain well).

The prevalence of chronic health issues amongst Aboriginal people may also result in an increased likelihood that you need to care for a family member who is vulnerable and self-isolating, or that you may be in a vulnerable position yourself.

If required, depending on the nature of the work, it may be appropriate for Aboriginal employees to complete a risk assessment. Risk needs to be assessed and mitigated with consideration of your individual circumstances, your workplace and your role/work. This may include Aboriginal employees being redeployed to non-frontline based roles where appropriate. If there are any concerns or risks in relation to being a vulnerable worker, employers and Aboriginal employees should consider alternate work arrangements.

The checklist below may be used in preparation for a discussion with your Manager. Please note that this checklist is a guide only and you may choose to add additional considerations in line with your individual circumstances.

Aboriginal employee checklist

Do you have a medical certificate that may impact your ability to undertake your role?
Do you live with elderly people, Elders, others with chronic disease or risk factors?
Do you live with a large number of people?
Do you suffer from any respiratory issues/disease?
Do you suffer from hypertension, anxiety and/or other mental health conditions?
Are you a primary carer for another person? Does that person live with you or are you required to travel to provide care?
Do you have any additional cultural and/or Aboriginal Community responsibilities that may increase your level of risk?
Do you have children at home, who need support for learning at home?
Does your job involve contact with the public/customers?
Can your current job be done from home?
Are you aware of your Agency’s priorities in response to COVID-19 and considered how these impact, or may impact your work?
Do you have the necessary space to work from home if required?
Can you access the necessary resources (either your own or those provided by your Agency) to effectively work from home?
Have you considered how you will manage your time, work priorities and other competing priorities (for example: children, partners, caring responsibilities and general distractions) if working from home?
Have you considered your options if you are unable to work from home?
How will you remain connected to your Team/Unit and Manager if working from home or engaged in flexible work arrangements?
Do you have an agreed work plan if seeking to work from home or negotiating flexible work arrangements?
How will you ensure ongoing accountability for your work if working from home or engaging in flexible work arrangements?
Other considerations?

Tasmanian Government COVID-19 response

Please visit the Department of Premier and Cabinet Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage

Leave because of COVID-19

Further information and resources

National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)

NACCHO Aboriginal health alerts - Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage

NACCHO provides up-to-date Aboriginal specific information relating to COVID-19. Aboriginal identified COVID-19 banner, tiles and other resources are available to download from this website.

Australian Government Aboriginal people and COVID-19

For information on COVID-19 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and information about how COVID-19 vaccines can be accessed, visit the Australian Government Department of Health website.

Aboriginal Health Service - Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation

The Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation’s Aboriginal Health Service continues to deliver essential health services for Aboriginal people and provide relevant services, including mental health services, and information and advice relating to COVID-19 and Aboriginal health. Aboriginal people are requested to make phone contact with the Health Service and not present in person at the service.

Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre – Health (tacinc.com.au)

Hobart - 6234 0777
56 Patrick Street, Hobart
ahs@tacinc.com.au

Launceston - 6332 3800
182 Charles St Launceston
launceston@tacinc.com.au

Burnie - 6436 4100
53 Alexander Street Burnie
burnie@tacinc.com.au

Equal Opportunities Tasmania

Podcast information regarding COVID-19 and vulnerable workers: Equal Opportunity Tasmania Podcasts
Phone: 03 61657515
Email: office@equalopportunity.tas.gov.au

Beyond Blue support and facts on COVID-19

Beyond Blue COVID-19 webpage

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