whatcouldyoubesaving, I FWDed the whole email to Christine Milne but won't post it here as the other contents are not relevant and I don't want to abuse ppl's privacy,
Is the green loans program going to run out?
(161 posts) (53 voices)-
gazgc
MemberI just sent the following email to Peter Garrett's office:
"Looking for some good news, Mr Garrett? HERE IT IS!!!!
A whopping 10,000 people have signed up to be assessors in the Green Loans program and the public's interest in getting these assessments has also massively exceeded expectations.
People might not have taken up the green loans but thousands of households have been able to reduce their energy bills and their greenhouse emissions.
That is great news!!!
Of course it's hard to get this good news through to the public while the program is bogged down in controversy and subject to audits.
But there is a clear solution here: just announce that your department will double funding for this excellent scheme, extending the program for another 360,000 homes while simultaneously fixing the current "glitches".
Obviously there is no need for more assessors, but it would clearly be a waste to have these 10,000 trained eco-warriors disperse back into the unemployment lines. You have already assembled a "Green Army", so put them to work!!!
You should also announce that your department will quickly identify any assessors who have not been doing a professional job, and they will lose their licenses. Cowboy operations will be also closed down, and no companies will get special treatment.
Furthermore, all assessors will be required to upgrade their qualifications to the new Certificate IV course later this year, and only those who did their Green Loan training through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) will have this additional training provided free by your government (this commitment was made by the former head of the Green Loans program, Stephen Berry). Again, this will help weed out shoddy operators.
I am a father of three who left a well-paid job at the end of last year. I completed my HSA training before Christmas, but am still waiting for my ABSA assessor number to be mailed out. I have already invested thousands of dollars in setting up a business, training, insurance, registration, etc. My family have been living on credit cards for weeks, and it's not easy being positive about things in my situation.
Nevertheless, given the state of our environment, we have no choice but to remain positive. I implore you to give urgent and serious consideration to my highly positive recommendations, and pass these positive vibes on to the electorate ahead of the next election. "
Hope that helps!
UPDATE: Correction - I have been TRYING to send this email for the past 30 minutes but it looks like the government server is having problems. Now why does that sound so ironic???
I will keep trying, but maybe anyone who agrees with my sentiments could also cut-paste the above mail, edit the personal stuff to suit their own situation, and send it to Mr Garrett via the following site:
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/members/memfeedback.asp?id=HV4
If anyone also wants to post this on the ABSA forums please go ahead. I still do not have access.
Posted Wednesday 10 Feb 2010 @ 10:54:21 am from IP # -
rhills
MemberHi Gazgc,
If you've not tried resending your excellent email to Peter Garrett, I'd try again. I heard on the ABC today that Government servers were targeted this morning by a Distributed Denial of Service Attack (apparently initiated by a group opposing the Government's attempts to "censor" our Internet connections). Evidently most Federal Govt websites and mail servers were out of action for an hour or three.
Cheers,
Posted Wednesday 10 Feb 2010 @ 4:08:35 pm from IP # -
trickst
MemberHello,
I have a client who I did an assessment for last week who has organised his solar quotes and is ready to get his Green Loan. The problem is he will have to wait on his report from DEWHA, does anyone know of a reason why I can't just print off his report and give it to him so he can proceed with the Green Loan application? Are there any repercussions that I should be aware of?
You advise will be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Trickst.
Posted Wednesday 10 Feb 2010 @ 10:12:47 pm from IP # -
William Farrugia
MemberHi All,
I am seeking Independent Assessors that require appointments in Brisbane.
You will be provided with 5 confirmed appointments per day.
If your interested please contact me williamfarrugia@hotmail.comKind Regards.
William Farrugia.Posted Thursday 11 Feb 2010 @ 4:16:29 pm from IP # -
whatcouldyoubesaving
MemberHey William Farugia maybe you and anna76 can go hang out at a different forum. Don't you understand that you are a major part of the problem... Your call center operators clog our call center. Your sales staff are only interested in getting a booking and your assessors will only be able to do tick and flick jobs as they have to get to the next booking and you take a fee. The householder gets a peice of paper and what this was designed to do was to interact with householders in their own environment and supply tangable tailored solutions.. If it was a case of recommending the same things for every-body then the department would have just done large scale public forums.
For instance do your assessors take the time to explain what electricity is how it is calculated. Do they help their clients to reposition or size correct plug packs.. Because some of them use power as-well.. My guess is your a wagoner that has &^&^*&(* this program for the rest of us..........Posted Thursday 11 Feb 2010 @ 9:21:39 pm from IP # -
trickst
Memberwhatcouldyoubesaving: - repositioning of clients powerbaords is NOT advisable, all your doing is asking for trouble. You never touch any potential hazards within the client’s household.
Also, you do realise that the assessors that are sub-contracting do quick assessments because 9 times out of 10, the client is NOT really interested in the program, they just agree because it's free.Posted Friday 12 Feb 2010 @ 1:26:23 am from IP # -
Alex7
MemberDear Fellow Assessor community,
I am a WA based assessor. I believe the program in theory was fantastic but that the government is solely responsible for its mismanagement.
While there might be a future for some assessors that future is a long way off and may never eventuate. I am hopeful Mr Garrett pulls his head out of the sand and announces an increase in the program BUT on the basis of preparing for the worst:
If you would like to join a CLASS ACTION against the minister and the government along with dozens of other assessors whom I have already contacted please e-mail me at alex@galiclaw.com.au.
Sincere regards,
AlexPosted Friday 12 Feb 2010 @ 1:34:08 am from IP # -
Alex7
MemberAlso, please if you do decide to request information on the Class Action being prepared provide your:
Assessor Number
Address
Phone number
and e-mail
in response to me.It will save my personal costs in phoning all of the assessor names I took from the list at ABSA. I have phoned over 60 people now and am still going.... at least 2000 plus to go to make such action not only viable but one which the Government will sit up and take notice of.....
Posted Friday 12 Feb 2010 @ 1:36:56 am from IP # -
whatcouldyoubesaving
MemberSorry trickst
I probably didn't make myself clear..
When I say repositioning power boards what I mean it to stand in front of each set up with the house holder and ask them how they currently isolate power for those appliances and then IF POSSIBLE we discuss the potential to move that power board so that at the end of appliance usage they can access the board and isolate the power.
I also speak about this in terms of what you could be saving in power you may have to pay in chiropractor costs "HA HA"if the power board is not easily assessable like right down behind the ETU or desk.
I also speak about the fact that illuminated power boards actually consume energy as-well and that sometimes depending on the usages it is better to set up multiple boards so that you turn on all the appliances in the modern entertainment unit set up if all you want to do is watch the morning news.
Of course this only applies to people that have an interest in reducing unnecessary consumption. Although in saying that it would be a nominal amount of people that are not at least somewhat interested.
What I'm talking about is individually assessed appliances with discussion about usage patterns, life style choices , asset management strategies and all the other things that come into play and this just cant be done if you've got 7 jobs a day to do...
I believe I am a conscientious assessor that will go to any length to make sure the householder understands whats going on how to calculate consumption and to make real cost and environmental savings. I try to educate them sufficiently so they can use their knowledge to help say kids moving out of home or gran in the bungalow.
I wouldn't physically touch someone elses power board but I certainly will do all I can to find a viable not "false economy solution"
Too many people recommend something that will not only take 15 years to pay for itself but don't calculate the embodied energy in it either and I believe there is a huge potential for recommendations to be made on false economies of scale.And it is exactly for this reason that i would like people like William Farrugia to leave our industry so those who are truly able to make a difference are able to and those how are out to exploit others and create false economies of scale to find something else to do.
I wouldn't mind betting Mr Farrugia has a diploma in business or marketing as opposed to a diploma in renewable energy or a science degree.
NOT HAPPY JAN
Posted Friday 12 Feb 2010 @ 2:21:16 am from IP # -
ABSA is seeking SUGGESTIONS for IMPROVEMENT of HSAS and GREEN LOANS and SUBSEQUENT PROGRAMS
The following ideas have been gleaned from assessor emails and ABSA forum posts. They are listed here without judgement. Some suggestions relate to activity within ABSA’s control and some would be the responsibility of DEWHA. ABSA will share this information with DEWHA and make recommendations for change.
If you have any further ideas or think that yours has not yet been captured please direct them to ideas@absa.net.au by Friday 19 February 2010.
Quality assurance process for HSAS and subsequent programs
ABSA and DEWHA to build and implement auditing/quality assurance program
DEWHA provide ways to be able to continue home assessments
Make a home assessment a tax deductible expense
Fund more home assessments (target ½ to 1 million homes)
Instigate a householder co-payment to extend program
ABSA develop new categories of assessorsThrough additional training and/or recognition ABSA could recognise other categories of assessor such as:
Retrofit for those who conduct assessment and carry out retrofit activities
Quality control assessor who will audit other assessors
Mandatory disclosure and GreenStart for emerging programs
Commercial
Standards
Develop Australian Standards for sustainability assessment
Assessor trainingAll HSAS assessors be trained to be recognised against Certificate IV in Home Sustainability Assessment by 30 June 2011
Nationally accredited training developed to support NatHERS and Mandatory Disclosure assessment activities
Have all assessors sit an exam
Investigate quality of training and revoke certification where it is proved inadequate training was provided
Those who provided inadequate training to refund participants
Speed up endorsement of Certificate IV in HSA so training can be delivered under the Australian Quality Training Framework
Reconfirm DEWHA’s promise of free training to migrate assessors to new qualification
Note: ABSA is planning to introduce a CPD framework that will encompass much of the above
Green Loans booking arrangementsTurn off direct uplink to booking system or allow all assessors to access the uplink.
Limit bookings per person
Release postcode information
Longer hours for call centre
Fix portal
Better direction of call centre options ie householder, assessors, financial institutions, changes/cancellations/payments
Implement a ‘no door knocking’ and ‘no cold calling’ rule.
Product informationIdentify “approved” sustainability products
Conduct product information sessions Australia wide
Project managementDEWHA embrace principles of good project management in planning and implementing programs with clearly stated aims and objectives, key tasks, triggers for action, particularly endpoints.
Rename Green Loans program – take emphasis off loans and place on energy saving outcomes.Posted Saturday 13 Feb 2010 @ 10:30:39 am from IP # -
movin
MemberAnd finally the voice of reason prevails!
HUUUUUGE applause Richard247 for the single most sensible, logical, inspiring post definitely in this thread at least. I would post on ABSA forum but been waiting month now for forum login approval.
I think you have pretty much summed up 98% of what that needs addressing with this scheme. I thoroughly agree with a rating system of accreditation. So if a householder specifically wants more information on hypothetically, PV, or a greywater system, or windows, then the assessor who has studied to a Cert IV standard, can answer their queries and can give a householder faith in the system their engaging with, as a result of the professional standard of knowledge they received. Cert 4 covers all these subjects and more.
People need to be realistic though. Under current framework of Swinburne Uni Cert IV in Renewable technologies, at best-you will get R.P.L. for energy auditing module(40hrs I think) as a result of being employed under this scheme.Some serious auditing of assessors needs to be conducted and of the existing assessments and the scumbags of the scheme, then made answerable for the pile of crap they have helped create. eg termination of contract.
Might I suggest this would be relatively easy process to ascertain the commited professionals to the scheme by establishing an EFFECTIVE auditing call centre with a few very simply questions like the obvious number 1 no brainer-Q)How long did your assessment take?
Allowing for small units, anything under an hour MINIMAL!!!! in my personal opinion is substandard!Q)Did the assessor explain any of the technologies recommended?
Again Cert IV covers all these.Q)Were the dataplates of any electrical appliances power ratings either asked about or recorded?
I heard lots of talk of being audited on my body of work and assessments I have conducted, but no actions. There was an organisation who tendered for this auditing role under DEHWA's guidelines and actually won the contract.
Does anyone know who they are? or heard of a single assessor who has had a single job audited or questioned?
Have these people fraudualently represented their conteractual obligations as auditors? Were there no KPI's under the terms of the tender document to audit X number of assessors or assessments? If so, who is making sure these are being kept? You, me, everyone single person reading this is paying for it with out tax $.Im sure there are several more questions that could be asked.
If we as professionals dont create an overall industry standard of some quality, and soon, then either the substandard one that exists, shall be thrust upon the public continuosly and unwillingly, and thus completely debunk peoples faith in the process, undermining the longevity and viability of the whole program.Good luck to us all
Posted Saturday 13 Feb 2010 @ 12:22:20 pm from IP # -
greenvalue
Member[quote trickst]Also, you do realise that the assessors that are sub-contracting do quick assessments because 9 times out of 10, the client is NOT really interested in the program, they just agree because it's free. [/quote]
See, I could have not explained the problem with cold calling any better than you, who relies on this, just did! There still are thousands of householders in this country who are very interested in making REAL changes for the better. But the current numbers of assessments are being eaten up too quickly by cold callers and door knockers convincing (in a more or less pushy manner) house occupants to take up this free offer - just because it is free and makes them (the cold caller or door knocker) a nice bundle in commission.
You're right: most householders targetted by these street-to-street, block-to-block operations are not really that keen to change things (although: they might adopt one or two really obvious suggestions if they ever receive such a detailled assessment) or are not in a situation to implement big changes because their landlord doesn't give a toss...Yet the ones who do care, and were the initial target group of the Green Loans Program, could be missing out due to several factors:
1. available assessment quota being misused by quick-$-interests;
2. government's resources being over-stretched:
a) interested householder cannot ring hotline to make appointment,
b) report being sent out too late to take advantage of dwindling rebates;Shame on you large-scale-rip-off-operators!!!
Posted Saturday 13 Feb 2010 @ 10:50:40 pm from IP # -
trickst
MemberRE: greenvalue - Shame on you large-scale-rip-off-operators!!!
Yes I do work for FF, have done since the trial stages back in June of last year, so I’ve probably been with the program a lot longer than you. During that time I have trained up a lot of the new assessors that have come on board, and I agree that quite a few of them should not be part of this program. But then again I know of quite a few independent assessors who are simply in it for the money and really couldn't care less about offering realistic solutions (their in and out within the hour).
The reason I sub-contract is because at the time of training I was studying (Building Surveying) and working part time, hence I could not afford to fund the training and accreditation myself. I still study, so the work load (and rate of pay) suits me perfectly.
There are plenty of assessors within FF that take pride in their work and have a genuine interest in helping people and helping the environment. So in future please refrain from shooting your mouth off without knowing all the facts.
This program has been a failure because of DEWHA, plain and simple.
Posted Sunday 14 Feb 2010 @ 1:47:14 am from IP # -
greenvalue
MemberGosh, I'm getting sick of this emotional bs, where people don't even read a thread anymore, but just blast off!
trickst: if you re-read my post above yours you'll find that I complained about the cold calling and door knocking, both of which in large scale operations is usually done by different people than the assessments! And I stand by this: these practices push many households into accepting assessments despite a clear lack of interest in any change (the reasoning "it's free" seems to be enough).I didn't say (or even imply) that all FF assessors are bad, so don't feel like I stepped on YOUR toes! I mentioned "they might adopt one or two really obvious suggestions if they ever receive a detailled assessment" = to get a detailled assessment you need a semi-decent assessor.
I still hate the fact that the pool of assessments is used up by people tricked into an assessment who, without pushy cold callers on the phone or the door, wouldn't have considered one.
Posted Sunday 14 Feb 2010 @ 7:58:06 am from IP # -
trickst
MemberRE: Greenvalue - I didn't say (or even imply) that all FF assessors are bad, so don't feel like I stepped on YOUR toes! I mentioned "they might adopt one or two really obvious suggestions if they ever receive a detailled assessment" = to get a detailled assessment you need a semi-decent assessor.
You must be joking? Have you ever tested that theory? Enter as much detail into one assessment, than enter as little detail in the same assessment. See what happens. Nothing, the outcome will be the same. Any good assessor knows this.
It's not about what is written in these rubbish reports; it's about what options the assessor provides during the appointment. Clearly you are too reliant on the report and don't do your job properly.
Posted Sunday 14 Feb 2010 @ 9:10:39 am from IP # -
Movin,
Thanks for the compliment, we all welcome some 'positive' feedback and ideas, let's try and get this mess sorted out!trickst,
Have you a Certificate IV in training and assessment, I just wanted to be certain after your comment "I have trained up a lot of the new assessors....." and are you affiliated with an RTO?
Did I read that someone within this forum believes an organisation has been engaged to conduct audits of assessments? If anybody knows anything further please post it here?
As Stephen Gallagher Manager HSAS, posted on the ABSA forum 11/02/10 "Because as far as I[he was] am aware, there has been no audit process implemented"
As a tenderer to conduct Audits for the Green Loans Scheme I had been just recently advised that no decision has yet be made......
The Honorable Peter Garrett has said that 'one aspect' of the Green Loans will be 'audited'.....by an independent Auditor,.....anybody know which 'single' aspect he's talking about?
In a Media Release I am certain I read somewhere Peter Garrett mention "600 audits" being performed...that's different to assessments...and this number was going to be increased...yet no Auditor has been appointed????
Regards,
Richard247Posted Sunday 14 Feb 2010 @ 10:57:48 am from IP # -
trickst
MemberRE: Richard247 - Have you a Certificate IV in training and assessment, I just wanted to be certain after your comment "I have trained up a lot of the new assessors....." and are you affiliated with an RTO?
Sorry Richard I should have been a bit clearer. I train up the new assessor's in the field after they receive ABSA accreditation. So a Cert IV in training and assessment is not required.
In response to the auditing, we have been advised that DEWHA is now conducting regular in-field audits, this is on top of own in-house audits which are conducted on a monthly basis.
Posted Sunday 14 Feb 2010 @ 11:35:55 am from IP # -
cool at home
MemberThere is so much good sense written in these posts, but one thing that needs to be mentioned (and is alluded to but not clearly spelt out) is that the Green Loan booklet is NOT a decent home sustainability audit. Personally I'd rather they canned THAT part of the process first - that would weed out a lot of the rubbish who think that quick data collection totally fulfills their responsibilities. It would also save those of us who actually know something about HSA and care about what we do a couple of hours that could be far better spent using our eyes, ears and mouths (the latter to discuss and recommend in detail). I HATE that awful booklet and all the trouble it has led to, cold calling has wrecked the scheme, as have a lot of greedy companies paying chicken feed to sub-contracted assessors (and so driving the time allowed for assessments down) while pocketing tax payers money for little, and poorly trained and/or disinterested sub-standard assessors. And whether you like it or not, FF and their ilk are VERY responsible for the mess we are in.
As an assessor I want to see major changes made to the program, but as a taxpayer I cannot support extension of it at all. It will just pour more money into the pockets of the greedy. Make assessments tax deductable and increase qualification standards, but then its better to let the market go back to a more balanced position - fewer assessors doing quality work for highly critical customers.
Posted Sunday 14 Feb 2010 @ 12:25:47 pm from IP # -
gazgc
MemberThe Age/SMH today has a detailed look at where this federal program might be heading cf. state alternatives (although they are talking about mid-2011 onwards). Of course we'll probably have an election by then, which could change things. I won't post the whole article, but definitely worth a read:
Meanwhile, I read that the booking system is deliberately running in "GO-SLOW" mode so that the program does not wind up too quickly - anyone else know about that? Does it apply to Fieldforce too?
Posted Sunday 14 Feb 2010 @ 8:14:00 pm from IP # -
banjofran
MemberI wish to share my most recent post on the Absa forum as nearly nothing is being done to protest against the situation.
Why are the posts gone so sedate on the forum we still have all the problems we faced in the last while if not more so
I feel one of the biggest hurdles we face as independent Assessors is the Aussie "She'll be right" attitude where else in the world would people take this shite from their own government well not in europe I am sure of that,
It never ceases to amaze me how many people read these posts and yet so few comment or raise their concerns. I see so many people simply walk away from this mess and are cutting their loses, but you and I still have to wait on the phone for days while FF pick and choose all the work they want while they destroy the green industry, Our industry.
Can anyone tell me why we put up with this situation Do some of you think it is more dignified to stay quiet well I would find it more dignified to raise hell about my treatment from Dewha, Absa, Feild Force, the Call center etc
I believe some members have been lulled into a false sense of achievement with the good work of the green party. We have a fine facebook group for proactive actions and yet no posts or news most days We have had one protest in Queensland (well done Queensland) and yet with the big assessor populations of NSW and Victoria no a hint of protest. The letter campaign has possibly had the most success but will not maintain the momentum required. what about the Emergency General meeting? We have had no support from Absa just a lot of spin. We have a lot of talk about legal action but it still remains just talk, sometimes we are so stressed we turn on each other in the Forum threads, we have another independant forum and no posts.
So please tell me what does it take to get you guys off your asses to organise? lets cut through all the bull s**t that is put up as a distraction to us every day because she will not be right. remember you reap what you sew.
My post is directed at the silent majority who want this fixed but will not get their hands dirty. We can all see the good work done by a couple of dozen Assessors and I presumed/hoped those active posters would realise my remarks were not directed towards them, however I am not having a go at anyone I was aiming at motivation.
I love doing this work and can not be passive while FF and others steal the food from my children's mouths. ...............banjofranPosted Tuesday 16 Feb 2010 @ 12:37:18 am from IP # -
whatcouldyoubesaving
MemberBanjofran.. I agree ............I have posted a link on several threads for expressions of interet for class action.. no great results thats for sure.. the other thing is it people like Green Roof telling us hes made 3500 calls in two hours obviously a call centre.. its people like him that are stopping the rest of us getting through to the call centre to make appointments.. i have forwarded his details to Peter Garrett and asked that operators like him are banned from cold calling. and selling leads.. FF is one thing but these call centre lead selling business are a major major major part of the problem.
Posted Tuesday 16 Feb 2010 @ 12:48:32 am from IP # -
gazgc
MemberBanjofran,
Thanks for that post. It's exactly what I wanted to hear! DEWHA is trying to keep a low profile here but it's obvious the Green Loans fiasco is bubbling just below the surface of the insulation mess. This mess is set to explode.
Please can you or anyone else please give me that Facebook link? I am still waiting on an assessor number, even though ABSA said over three weeks ago that we would get it in three weeks.
Does anyone have any other useful links? I am going broke and I have no idea what's going on.
Posted Tuesday 16 Feb 2010 @ 6:17:46 am from IP # -
banjofran
MemberHi Guys I have maintained a thread on the Absa site reloading difficult questions including what do you guys need to do to gain access to the forum I don't think Absa are very happy but I don't give a S**t. I am now going to push for compensation for the assessors and try demand Absa presents the bill to Dewha I do not expect to achieve much but I will keep asking. I am so fed up I will not be happy until I have been paid a reasonable amount for the weeks and days I have spent on the bloody phone even if I am the only assessor in australia to support this action.
The facebook group is called ( Household Sustainability Assessor Network ) a search on facebook will get you there it is organised by vicky, and you will have to apply to join, it is quiet most off the time but you can ask whatever you need to know.There is a new independent Assessors forum not very functional yet but the guy is smart and committed so log on and read his news updates,
( http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?aBID=134904 ) You should all note that dewha has free access to the Absa forum and do read your posts, this came as a shock to a lot of us, I hope I don't sound like a nut but the Absa forum can be very frustrating. banjofranPosted Tuesday 16 Feb 2010 @ 8:03:51 am from IP # -
cool at home
MemberBanjofran, I agree with you - will log on to the facebook page. I've written to and called the Minister twice, reported cold callers and those offering me '7 assessments a day' to ABSA and the GL program, and write in this and other blogs. If there is a concerted effort for some sort of co-ordinated action then I'd definately like to see it. As a part time worker with family responsibilities I can't hang on the phone for hours - I have bookings but haven't been able to get a single AN number for 3 weeks - have made hundreds of calls and spent long periods on hold, been cut off numerous times. No one seems to care and the loss of income is horrendous.
I haven't had any invoices paid this year either, and can't get anyone on the phone to tell me why.
I think GL program WANTS to send a lot of us out of business - they'll see this as a market adjustment. Problem is it is the cr@p that will stay afloat - the independants won't.
I have probably just managed to cover my costs - or I will have when my invoices to date get paid - but compared to what I could have earned... well that is another sad story.
Posted Tuesday 16 Feb 2010 @ 8:17:32 am from IP # -
banjofran
MemberI hope this is not another false dawn but all we have left is hope. ...............banjofran
We have created a site for you to register. We need all assessors to join. Send this link to everyone you know who is an assessor and tell them to join. Strength in numbers is how we assessors are going to get affirmative outcomes for us all. We will be getting articles about this class action in all the major newspapers and we will be talking to talk back radio so we can get the message out to ALL assessors who are registered with ABSA and do not have access to this forum.
James Dorwardho53803@sustainabilityassessorsaustralia.com.au
http://www.classaction.sustainabilityassessorsaustralia.com.au/
Posted Wednesday 17 Feb 2010 @ 1:54:43 am from IP # -
alfresco24
MemberThere's only one reason for the 'failure' of the HSAS project; too many poorly trained assessors run by mercenary individuals and companies, who are supervised ineffectively by a compromised accreditation procedure run by a immature association and clumsy government agency.
In other words it has been stuffed up from a bunch of angles, and the responsibility distils down to bad management who wouldn’t listen when warned.
Assessor pre-requisites were ignored widely, allowing huge numbers of marginal people with questionable commitment and ability, to get accreditation and expected to go out to dispense quality information relevant to individuals. Was there any checking/auditing?
Assessments were poorly executed in many cases, and reports of poor quality delivered to home owners.
Trainers were not trained in some cases, and qualifications were not scrutinised and checking/auditing did not appear to take place.
New candidates were encouraged to apply even when all the above was known and the pool of assessors had exceeded all known requirements.
In terms of value for money this is very poor, and the tax payer cant be happy with that, nor should the fate of hundreds of genuine assessors who changed their careers be forgotten.
While it's great for ABSA/DEWHA to be seeking consultation now through their forum - where was that effort back in September?, and where was the definitive action (or action of any kind) in October?
First thing first, DEWHA & ABSA should;
1. Suspend all home assessments immediately.
2. Verify qualifications of all trainers.
3. Verify pre-requisites of all assessors.
4. Verify all proper training was delivered and required exercises passed.
5. Verify all assessments of all doubtfull assessors were conducted correctly.
6. Suspend accreditation of trainers and assessors where standards are not met.Only then can it proceed with running this scheme with any sense of integrity.
Posted Wednesday 17 Feb 2010 @ 7:04:55 am from IP #
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