PSA calls for urgent action on electorate office and ministerial staff security

The PSA has written calling for stronger safety and security measures to protect electorate office and Ministerial staff across NSW.

We have written to the Presiding Officers seeking an urgent review of current risk assessments, security arrangements and workplace procedures, and stronger, more consistent measures to address the risks of occupational violence and aggression.

Electorate and Ministerial staff have the right to be safe at work

Electorate officers and Ministerial staff work directly with members of the public in workplaces across NSW. Their work can involve field work, working alone or in isolated locations, and dealing with members of the public in circumstances where risks can be difficult to predict.

Recent incidents involving elected representatives, together with concerns raised by PSA members through our occupational violence survey, reinforce the need to ensure existing safety and security arrangements remain adequate.

The PSA has raised these concerns on behalf of members and is seeking consultation about the measures required to keep electorate staff safe.

PSA is seeking an urgent review

The PSA has called for a comprehensive review of safety and security arrangements, including:

• risk assessments of electorate offices and existing work practices;
• site-by-site assessments of electorate workplaces across NSW;
• a review of existing security procedures and control measures;
• consistent standards for modifying and securing existing premises; and
• appropriate safety and security requirements when new electorate office premises are leased.

Importantly, this should not be a one-size-fits-all exercise. The risks facing staff can differ according to the location, physical design and operations of individual electorate offices.

PSA proposes joint committee

The PSA has proposed establishing a joint committee involving representatives of the Presiding Officers, an appropriately qualified expert convenor and PSA representatives.

The committee would establish an agreed consultation process, develop a consistent framework for assessing risk and oversee the assessment of electorate office sites and existing safety procedures.

This would give workers and their union a genuine voice in identifying risks and considering the measures necessary to eliminate or minimise them.

Your safety matters

No staffer should feel that occupational violence, aggression, or threats are simply part of the job.

The PSA will continue to advocate for safe workplaces, effective security measures and meaningful consultation with electorate office staff.

Members who have concerns about safety or security in their workplace are encouraged to contact the PSA.

PSA Contacts

Greg Shaw
Senior Industrial Officer

Vivette Horrex
Organiser
vhorrex@psa.asn.au