Driven by her relentless pursuit of positive change, Bec dedicated three years to transforming PCA from a volunteer association into a professional entity, united in its mission to advocate for the rights and well-being of pathology workers. 

Armed with a natural curiosity and an unwavering commitment to asking the hard questions, Bec challenged the status quo, demanding accountability and reform within the Australian pathology sector. 

As the ongoing struggle continues, Bec remains undeterred in her quest for justice and equity, steadfast in her belief that PCA will continue to evolve and thrive as a force for positive change. 

In a narrative reminiscent of David versus Goliath, Bec Luxton's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of a brighter future for all in the pathology profession.

Bec's Personal Welcome Message 

I would like to personally welcome you to a community that has developed greatly over the last four years, mainly due to the passionate Phlebotomists who have contributed to making the PCA the supportive network they needed in times during their Professional Carrers. 

Our goal is to make the Pathology Industry the rewarding a developing career in a innovating and exciting sector that we all know it can be. We strive to bring our Patients world class Pathology Innovations and know Australia can lead the way if Science was the focus instead of profits.   

 Our foundations are being shaped by our inaugural members, establishing a lasting legacy for all future Australian Pathology Workers. As we continue to expand and enhance member benefits, they are being carefully tailored to the feedback and needs of professionals in the field. I warmly invite you to join us, contribute, and share in these benefits alongside your professional peers. 

PCA 2024 - A Year of Achievements and the Road Ahead

In just one year, the Phlebotomists Council of Australia (PCA) has made remarkable strides as a grassroots association that has grown to be the Peak Body for Australian Pathology Workers, driven solely by the dedication of its members and volunteers, without corporate funding. Through countless hours of volunteer effort and unwavering commitment, PCA has worked tirelessly to advocate for pathology workers and the broader pathology industry in Australia.

Transforming Workplaces, Strengthening the Industry

PCA’s impact is evident across Australia:

• 23 workplaces have seen improvements through active PCA Member engagement.
• 7 states are now supported by the PCA Peak Body.
• 6 months appearing in the Fair Work Commission’s Gender Undervaluation Review.
• 23 letters of concern were sent to Members of Parliament regarding the future of Pathology in Australia.
• 17 consultations were attended on behalf of PCA members to ensure their voices were heard.
• 4 PCA Member Council Volunteers were elected and are actively contributing to change.
• 6 Professional Development courses were designed and made available for PCA Members.

Advocacy and Industry Reviews

PCA has played a key role in crucial reviews:

• NPAAC Pathology Services Accreditation Review
• Certificate for Pathology Collection Review
• Fair Work Commission Gender Undervaluation of the Modern Award Review

Pathology Firsts

• First-ever Peak Body and Professional Association established for non-registered Pathology Professionals.
• Filing materials and submissions in an industrial relations body on the value of the work performed by Pathology Support Staff in Australia.

All of this, and much more, has been accomplished by a grassroots movement led by an injured pathology worker who could no longer work in the profession. Alongside Professional Associates, Legal Representatives, the PCA Member Council, active members, and educated representative members, PCA is restoring respect and value to pathology workers.

The Key to PCA’s Success

PCA’s Membership Fees are half the cost to Pathology workers than typical Trade Unions Memberships. The majority of the workers are on part time hours earning under $30 an hour. To belong to any association, generally means going without. Empowering and educating Phlebotomists and Pathology Workers, who often work in isolated environments, is vital. When working alone, navigating emotionally challenging situations can be daunting. Without colleagues to turn to for advice, who do they rely on?

Professional Development Tailored for Empowerment

That’s where PCA steps in! We have partnered with Danny Simms, a dedicated learning and development consultant, to bring valuable education to our members. Through member focus groups, we identified key training needs and developed the PCA Professional Education Series, designed specifically for Pathology Workers.

This education series, a collaboration between the PCA Learning and Development Team and PCA members, addresses a long-standing gap in the industry where clinical and technical training has been lacking for years. Our unique core behaviour training provides:

• A suite of programs and an AI coach for easy, relevant learning experiences.
• Bite-sized lessons accessible on the way to work, during lunch breaks, or at home via phone, tablet, or computer.
• Essential behavioural skills training to help pathology professionals excel, regardless of employer or workplace.

Professional Growth, Empowering Professionals

At PCA, we believe in empowering professional pathology workers through education. As individual technicians, ongoing professional development is crucial. We have further expanded on the PCA Professional Education member benefit to respond to our most common member enquires from 2024 and produce an Education Series around the topics:

• How to raise a Formal Grievance
• Verifying your Pay through your Pay slips, what do they mean?
• Your rights to Workcover
• Understanding your Modern Award or Workplace Agreement