The PSA is your voice – we are raising your concerns regarding members’ job security at the Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW).
Recently in Budget Estimates, AGNSW Director Dr Michael Brand was asked about the staffing arrangements of the Sydney Modern Project. Read the exchange here:
The Hon. WALT SECORD One last question: The Public Service Association [PSA] has expressed concern about the staffing involved in Sydney Modern. It is concerned that there will be no permanent jobs associated with the extension.
Dr BRAND That would not be our position. We have been working with the State Government through our business case to ensure that as we get closer to the opening date of the new building—for the last three financial years we have had an uptick in our operating budgets to allow us to bring on the additional people we need at the appropriate moment for planning. For example, planning an exhibition requires people, say, three years out. Other positions like visitor services would come on very, very close to the actual opening of the building. Roughly doubling the size of the building does not mean you have to double the size of your staff. There are no offices in the new building but there will, of course, be more security, more visitor services and more cleaning, for example, that would take extra positions. But we absolutely have extra positions coming on to manage the expanded facility.
We want to ensure there is the appropriate level of future staffing across all AGNSW Departments. The effective way to establish that is continued consultation with the PSA.
The PSA will keep advocating for an increase permanent jobs in other areas not mentioned in AGNSW Director Dr Brand’s reply. This includes in Installation, Registration, Curatorial, Administration, Building Services, Conservation, Venues and Events, Public Programs and Education and other AGNSW areas.
PSA members have told us – we want an increase in permanent jobs. We listened, and we took your voice to the NSW Parliament. We will keep advocating for permanent jobs as the Sydney Modern Project planning continues.
You can see all NSW Budget Estimates Transcripts HERE.
The PSA is your voice at the Art Gallery of NSW. Join the PSA today at www.psa.asn.au/join.