PSA Podcast: Why our Homes NSW members are true Champions of the State
Listen HERE (34 min).
The PSA’s Assistant General Secretary, Troy Wright, discusses the massive machinery of government change that brought the state’s public housing services together to form Homes NSW. The episode breaks down exactly what the merger of the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Housing, the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO), and the Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) means for both the tenants and the PSA members managing the transition.
The conversation dives deep into the daily realities of housing staff who are currently navigating an unprecedented state-wide housing crisis. From managing extensive waitlists and supporting tenants with complex mental health and social needs, to tackling the massive backlog of maintenance for ageing public housing properties, the workload is immense.
While the creation of Homes NSW aims to streamline these services, the practical reality of blending different workplace cultures and IT systems requires heavy lifting from the staff on the ground.
Finally, the episode highlights the critical role of the PSA during this monumental shift. Protecting hard-won conditions, ensuring workloads remain safe and manageable, and fighting for adequate resourcing are top priorities for the union. Ultimately, a successful public housing system that truly supports the state’s most vulnerable residents relies entirely on a well-supported, fully staffed workforce.