ODPP Update - March 2020 (PDF version)

This week, the PSA wrote to the ODPP to confirm the measures taken by the Office in regard to COVID-19. The ODPP responded and advised that it: 

• Has issued many communications to staff with related material from various sources (NSW Health, NSW Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Supreme, District and Local Courts, etc) informing and educating all staff on appropriate practices, actions and impacts.
• Has established a dedicated COVID-19 intranet site which staff are being directed to. It includes updates on all aspects of relevant material, NSW Health Updates, Court updates, leave and attendance information.
• Has established a core team of senior executives to determine ongoing strategies and oversee the ODPP’s responses to various matters that arise.
• Has senior executives working with line managers in relation to individual concerns from staff and responding as quickly as possible.
• Has established a Pandemic Service Delivery Continuity Plan which has been communicated to relevant staff.
• Has conducted a series BCP ‘scenario planning’ specifically testing aspects of our pandemic response.
• Has recognised as a significant organisational risk and placed on the agenda for the next Audit and Risk Meeting.
• Has established a register in relation to staff to monitor and track all COVID 19 related issues and incidents raised by staff.
• Is consulting with Courts and Tribunal Services, Legal Aid NSW, Department of Communities and Justice and the Prosecutions Command in Police on a regular and ongoing basis and informing all staff of this as the situation progresses (as per 1 above).
• The DPP personally has been liaising with the Chief Judge of the District Court as to alternative court arrangements in relation to jury trials and low-contact work.
• Is implementing strategies to avoid gatherings of large cohorts of critical staff and use of technology over face-to-face contact.
• Has introduced social distancing options and flexible working arrangements where possible and practical and will continue to review options to expand these options (especially for those staff who are considered vulnerable with respect of COVID-19).
• Has arranged flu vaccinations to be rolled out to staff in April.

The ODPP has also advised that they are continuing to receive new and changing information every day and doing their best to ensure staff are kept up to date and safe.

If members have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the PSA.

Your PSA staff

Alex Sala Organiser  
Monika Wunderlin Industrial Officer  

What can you do?

• Encourage your colleagues to JOIN the PSA online
• Give a copy of this bulletin to your colleagues.
• Print this bulletin and put it up on your notice board.
• Get involved as a PSA Delegate or Contact: get in touch with your Organiser