Use of force in prisons: job numbers critical

The NSW Ombudsman’s review into the use of force in the state’s prisons contains useful recommendations, but ignores the critical issue – job numbers, the NSW Public Service Association says. The NSW Public Service Association has welcomed the NSW Ombudsman's review of policy and practice around the use of force in the state's prisons, particularly recommendations for better prison officer training and improvements in CCTV…

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O'Farrell takes axe to shift penalties, carers' leave, remote living allowances

Hundreds of thousands of public sector workers face losing access to shift penalties, carers’ leave and allowances for living in remote areas under award changes proposed by the NSW Government, says the Public Service Association of NSW.  The government has proposed radical cuts to conditions, including:  Winding back provisions for carers; Cutting penalty payments for shift workers; Cutting allowances for workers in remote locations; Cutting…

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NSW Govt flags Victoria-style dismantling of TAFE

The NSW Government's flagged reforms to the TAFE system will undermine quality skills training and lead to a proliferation of shonky private operators, the Community and Public Sector Union warned today. The Government's endorsement of measures outlined in the Public Sector Commission of Audit released last week will see TAFE institutes underfunded in favour of private training companies in the name of greater competition. "The…

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Prison officers reject needle exchange program for NSW jails

The Public Service Association of NSW, which represents prison officers, urges the State Government to rule out following the ACT trial and implementing a needle exchange program in jails across the state. While the PSA recognises the serious health issue with blood borne disease transmission, a prisoner needle exchange program would pose an increased health and safety risk for prison officers. Senior Industrial Officer Stewart…

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Western Sydney community services staff walk out in protest at lack of staff, resources

Community services child protection workers in St Marys and Penrith have stopped work for an hour this afternoon over concerns about the impact of inadequate staffing, according to the Public Service Association of NSW. Today’s action follows the walk off of Wollongong workers last week after a recent tragedy involving a child known to Community Services highlighted the severe risks of having inadequate staff numbers…

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