Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure responding to the fuel crisis
Yesterday the Public Service Association (PSA) wrote to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI ) regarding the current fuel crisis.
Regional and remote NSW communities and farmers are disproportionately affected, with fewer fuel outlets decreasing competition and greater daily travel distances at higher speeds leading to higher fuel consumption. Scarcity of fuel is an increasing issue for country and farming communities, leading to higher prices. At the time of writing to the Department examples included $3.29 per litre for diesel fuel across New England Tablelands and $2.89 per litre on the Mid-North Coast without taking into account other country regions.
The PSA has formally requested the Department allow the current flexible working arrangements to be relaxed for regional staff. This would take significant pressure off the regions fuel supplies also allowing farmers greater access to fuel in remote areas where there is a concern that fuel shortages may lead to food shortages.
We are waiting for a formal response from the Department.
Development Coordination Authority: Change Management Plan
The PSA is reaching out to members affected by the proposed Change Management Plan to establish the Development Coordination Authority (DCA), announced to DPHI staff at a Town Hall on 25 March 2026.
DPHI has proposed that from 1 July 2026, the DCA will commence operating under a new integrated organisational model that brings together functions currently performed across the Department and other agencies. While some employees transitioning into the DCA will continue performing work that is substantially the same as their current roles, others will undertake work that is similar in nature or experience changes to accountabilities and role requirements. These changes reflect the DCA’s objective of operating as a single, coordinated point of contact for state input into the NSW planning system.
To support commencement of the DCA from 1 July 2026, a range of organisational, structural and operational changes are proposed to be implemented. This includes establishment of a proposed new organisational structure, workforce planning and internal role mapping, and development of business rules to support consistent and efficient operations. Collectively, these changes are proposed to align with existing and incoming functions with the DCA’s mandate while ensuring continuity of services and a smooth transition for employees.
Advice to the PSA indicates Stage 1 impacts Transport for NSW, the Rural Fire Service and DCCEEW, with further information and drop‑in sessions proposed. Other affected agencies may include EPA, DPIRD, Sydney Water, WaterNSW, Hunter Water, Subsidence Advisory, Fire and Rescue NSW and the SES.
The PSA is seeking from DPHI clear detail on consultation arrangements and will advocate for PSA members, to minimise impacts, and ensure consultation and industrial rights are upheld. The PSA will continue to engage with to members to provide feedback to DPHI on the CMP.
Meet your new PSA delegates
The DPHI Departmental Committee recently held its Annual General Meeting, where delegates elected a new Executive. Below is your chance to meet your delegates and learn who will be representing staff over the coming year.
Tom Chapman Chair
Having worked in the NSW Public Service for nearly four years, I became a PSA member and completed delegate training as soon as I secured a fixed‑term contract in January 2023. At that time there were no delegates based in Orange, and I was more than happy to step up and help fill that gap.
Since then, I have actively participated in the Joint Consultative Committees for the past two years and have recently been elected Chair of the DPHI Departmental Committee, where I am committed to helping ensure the voices of PSA members are clearly represented within the Department.
Before joining the NSW Public Service, I worked on Sydney Harbour for Manly Fast Ferries and spent three years as a Delegate for the Maritime Union of Australia. During that time, I sat at the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement negotiation table, working to secure full-time employment for what had previously been a 100 per cent casualised workforce.
I strongly believe the union gives individuals a voice and enables constructive, well‑managed change.
I look forward to representing PSA members across DPHI and advocating for what is best for workers and staff throughout the Department during these times of change.
Kristy Rizzo Vice-Chair
I became a union delegate to support fair treatment, clear communication, and staff wellbeing within our sector. I aim to ensure employees are informed, supported, and represented, and to contribute to a respectful, consultative workplace that enables strong public service delivery.
Donovan Harris Secretary
I have 25 years’ experience working in the NSW Public Sector across various departments and universities and have been a PSA member since 2001. I have taken on the role of union delegate because I am deeply committed to ensuring our workplace is one where every employee can thrive and because I believe collective action is essential to ensuring we all have access to a fair, transparent and employee-friendly workplace.
I am committed to ensuring our workplace is one where every employee can thrive. I hope that I can do this by ensuring our collective benefits and conditions are maintained and enhanced, based on conditions that reflect 21st-century ways of working, such as embracing technology in ways that enhance what we do rather than be seen as a way to reduce staffing. I want to see the organisation commit to upskilling staff to be able to take on new roles and projects rather than engaging consultants and contractors to do work than can and should be done by departmental staff.
Jack Turner Assistant Secretary
I am a delegate because I know what can be achieved with a strong an active membership in terms of workplace conditions and pay. An active PSA is particularly important during these tough economic conditions and housing crisis.
In my role I hope to provide support for members to resolve workplace issues and grow the membership.
Committee members
Alex Bannister
Alex is a long-term member of the PSA working for Value NSW. She hopes to see the PSA grow and continue to have a voice, especially for rural members.
Arthur Simak
I joined the PSA fairly recently but have always had a long standing respect for what the union does representing its workers. A colleague recommended me and I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to finally get involved and to act on behalf of our workforce.
I know that over the years there have been fewer people joining the union. I’d like to make sure people are aware of their rights, that we are here to support them and that participating as a community and collective is the best way to make sure they are properly heard.
Daniel Keily
Daniel works for the Office of Local Government and has been a PSA member and delegate for many years.
Louis Scipione
I am a Senior Planning Officer with DPHI based on the far north coast. I became a PSA delegate because I value fair, transparent, and lawful workplace practices and believe better outcomes can be achieved through collective representation. My experience as a HSR has also highlighted the importance of advocacy, accountability, and clear communication when issues arise. As a delegate, I aim to support members by being an accessible and reliable point of contact, advocating for fair and transparent work practices, and ensuring employee’s voices are heard in decision making.
Yingyaun (Charles) Liu
I am a software developer and work for Value NSW to support VALNET Property System.
I see many times the people get harassed, disadvantaged from managers or even dismissed. It is not fair for us, I think it is the time to fight back. That is the reason I joined the PSA member and became a delegate.
I commenced as a delegate in February 2026. I have always embraced the PSA community, taken part in union activities, listened to members’ voicesn worked closely with members, inviting more people to join the union and fought for PSA members’ fair rights.