A six week consultation period has now opened following Vision Australia’s announcement on August 8 of its decision to close Vision Australia Enterprises.
Over the coming weeks, Vision Australia is welcoming feedback and proposals from VAE employees, the Employees Consultative Committee (ECC), the unions or other staff representatives such as family, friends or guardians. The consultation period started on 9 August and will finish on 20 September.
Vision Australia has offered weekly meetings to unions and is committed to working with them on this.
Ron Hooton, CEO of Vision Australia, said: "We have provided the unions with access to a Business Analyst and a Human Resources Consultant to assist in the development of feedback, including further proposals to consider.
Feedback and proposals received during the consultation period will be collated and presented to the Board at the end of the six week consultation period. They will then consider the matter further and will either confirm the decision to close, or make a different decision.
Mr Hooton added: “ We've been working on this for the last few years and have been unable to come up with a viable solution, but we’re open to receiving proposals and will give them prompt and genuine consideration. We won’t rule anything out.”
Vision Australia has had to make this decision because it has made substantial losses over the last few years. It has investigated a number of options to make it work, and this decision comes despite the best efforts of all involved.
“Our priority is to support, and work with, each and every one of the staff members affected by this. We are determined to create a pathway that allows them to get through this in the most positive way possible,” he said.