More than 300 cleaners moving across to Canberra Health Services (CHS) on 1 October have begun receiving their new uniforms, marking a significant step in the transition of cleaning services into the ACT public service. The presentation of the uniforms recognises the essential contribution these workers make to safe healthcare delivery and formally welcomes them into the CHS workforce.
From next month, CHS staff, not an external contractor, will clean Canberra Hospital and community health facilities.
Every current cleaning staff member has been offered the chance to move into the ACT public service, a move that reflects the ACT Government’s commitment to secure employment and its broader principle that government services should be delivered by public servants wherever practical.
Cleaners hold an essential position within the health system, keeping hospitals and community health facilities clean, safe and welcoming for patients, visitors and staff. For many, receiving a CHS uniform represents formal recognition of the daily work they do to support patient safety, infection prevention and a positive experience for everyone who relies on the health service.
Ministers and union mark a hard-won outcome
ACT Minister for Health Marisa Paterson said in a statement the move was about acknowledging the contribution of the workforce. “Today is about recognising the more than 300 cleaners whose work helps keep our health facilities running every day,” she said. “While much of their work happens behind the scenes, cleaners make an enormous contribution to patient safety and the experience of everyone who visits our hospitals and community health centres.”
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for the Public Service Rachel Stephen-Smith described the milestone as the product of years of advocacy. “Our hospital cleaners deserve secure, permanent jobs, and that’s what these new uniforms mean,” she said. “It’s been years in the making, and for the over 300 cleaners putting on their new Canberra Health Services uniform for the first time, it’ll be a really proud moment.”
United Workers Union Property Services official Pema Choden framed the transition as a victory for organised labour. “Today is a historic day for Canberra Hospital cleaners,” she said. “Around 300 workers are moving into direct public sector employment because they stood together, organised together and fought for secure jobs and dignity at work.”
The transition forms part of a wider effort by the ACT Government to integrate outsourced health support roles back into the public service, with officials describing the change as a step toward one unified team delivering care for Canberrans.
