Refuge management cancels talks

Date: 28 May 2001

Australian Services Union members have blasted the management committee of the indebted Young Peoples Refuge , Leichhardt, after it cancelled today's crisis talks to keep the threatened refuge open.

Management informed staff it would not be attending the talks with union members and government officials and will go ahead with its planned closure of the Inner West's only refuge for young women in crisis.

Its decision has forced the union to issue an urgent Dispute Notification before the Industrial Relations Commission as well as calling for State Government intervention.

Union members were to have presented a rescue package for the refuge during today's talks, including proposals to address a $5,463 shortfall in the refuge's budget.

But today's decision has left workers feeling angry and betrayed. They said they will do everything within their power to keep the refuge open and able to shelter six young women in crisis each day.

"We are outraged the new management committee would even consider closing such a vital service," the members said.

"We take young women from right across the State and we look at every referral. We have also provided shelter for young indigenous girls fleeing violence in country New South Wales as well as girls from non-English speaking backgrounds."

Further details contact:
Dawn Lotty - 0417 484 203

For further information

Contact:	Dawn Lotty
Union:	ASU Services
Phone:	93104000
Email:	greg@asu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.asuservices.labor.net.au

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