If it’s not measurable it’s not manageable: Why the Workload Planner is a must

With the new Child Protection Award in the process of being finalised, we are urging our members to engage in the use of the current Workload Planner (WLP). The culture of dedicated staff going above and beyond in the work they are allocated impacts wellbeing and means nothing changes for the wider workforce and importantly, the children, young people, and families of NSW.

To assist you in setting boundaries and prioritise your workload, and to give you tools to say “No” to work you simply do not have the hours to complete the PSA will be running Workload Planner Lunch & Learn sessions both in Community Service Centres and via Microsoft Teams.

The current WLP is easier to use than you might think. We urge you to put it into action because the fact remains, if it’s not measurable, it’s not manageable. The Workload Planner gives the PSA, and Managers Client Services, Directors and Executive District Directors, evidence to clearly demonstrate there are not enough workers to meet the workload.

All Community Services PSA members are invited to attend the upcoming Lunch & Learn to demystify using the WLP to take back control of your workload, not just for you, but for the people who rely on you.

Date Tuesday 16 September 2025
Time 12:00pm-2:00pm
Location Liverpool CSC Conference Room Level 1

The meeting will also be held via Microsoft Teams. All members are welcome to jump on regardless of location or role.
Join the meeting here
Meeting ID 498 929 574 896 5
Passcode E26YA6ZY

Bring your laptops & have the WLP ready!

We will also be introducing new PSA Organiser, Andrea Cartwright.

If you would like PSA Organisers to run the next Workload Planner Lunch & Learn from your workplace, email Organiser Andrea Cartwright

Consultation on Proposed Cyber Information Security Team realignment

On the 28 August the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport wrote to the PSA to advise of Consultation on Proposed Cyber Information Security Team realignment.

A copy of the change proposal was provided to the PSA. Consultation on the proposed structure of the Cyber Security Team commenced on Tuesday 2 September and will proceed until 5:00pm on Monday 15 September.

Impact on roles and people

There is no impact on number of roles and grades in the proposed structure.
There are proposed changes to the requirements to the 2 grade 11/12 clerk roles, which will impact one ongoing employee and one temporary employee.
There is proposed minor changes to reporting lines for the other roles in the structure, which are captured in the role descriptions.

PSA member feedback

Any members who have any concerns can forward their feedback to or 1800 772 679 please quote case ID C10009966 by close of business 15 September.

Contacts

Claudia Bianchi Organiser

Greg Shaw Senior Industrial Officer

Legal Aid NSW: guidance on Flexible Work update

Independent Formal Mediation

We are awaiting further information from Legal Aid in relation to the scheduling of mediation to progress the issues arising from the changes to flexible work arrangements.

Individual Flexible Working Agreements

We welcome the decision of Legal Aid to allow staff who have not completed Individual Flexible Working Agreements to be able to continue working under their existing agreement to the end of September, however this does not resolve the dispute.

Members who have not renewed their agreements are encouraged to do so, based on their individual needs and circumstances. If your agreement is not approved, please contact PSA Member Support Centre .

Members who have renewed their agreements but feel they were unable to request arrangements beyond those outlined in the policy or guidance – whether due to short time frames or difficulty articulating their needs – are encouraged to contact the PSA for assistance.

Flexible Working Hours Agreement 1997 and core hours

Members are reminded that the Flexible Work Policy and Guidance do not replace or override the Flex Hours Agreement, it remains in place and unchanged. You are entitled to flexible work hours regardless of whether you are working from home or in the office.

Flexible working arrangements and workers compensation

If you are at work and are injured, you are entitled to make a claim for workers compensation. It does not matter if you are working from home, the office, another office location or court – and whether or not those arrangements are covered by your Flexible Work Agreement – you are entitled to make a claim for any injury you receive at work.

Next Steps

The PSA is seeking Legal Aid to withdraw the Guidance document.

Legal Aid, your delegates and PSA staff will participate in the independent mediation process.

Legal Aid must ensure that current approvals remain in place until new applications for flexible work are finalised.

The PSA will continue to update members on the progress of this very important issue.

As previously advised, the PSA will support all members who have flexible work arrangements denied to them by Legal Aid because of the Guidance document including, where necessary, seeking assistance of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.

Contacts

Member Support Centre

Greg Corrigan Senior Industrial Officer

Alex Sala Organiser

Ministerial Drivers: Meeting on the proposed Finance and Transport Services restructure

Following the announcement of the proposed restructure to the Premier’s Department Finance and Transport Services, the PSA and your Ministerial Drivers workplace delegates will hold a members’ meeting to discuss the proposed restructure and impact to members.

This meeting will be held in person at Parliament House’s L4 Drivers Room.

If you know any non-members who would like to learn more about union support, please invite them to attend.

Meeting details

Date 10 September 2025
Time 2:30pm-3:30pm
Location L4 Drivers Room, Parliament of NSW

Your PSA Workplace Delegates

Glenn Freeman

Nathan McMasters

Your PSA contacts

Claudia Bianchi Organiser

Greg Shaw Senior Industrial Officer

The PSA NSW has 125 years of proud history, and you stand on the shoulders of more than 40,000 members who know we are stronger together.

Did you know your union also offers you:

Free emergency ambulance cover
Free journey insurance
Substantial shopping discounts
Legal services and many other member benefits

Congratulations to the new General Assistant Advisory Group Delegates

The Public Service Association (PSA) is pleased to announce the newly elected delegates to the PSA General Assistant Advisory Group (GAAG). These representatives will play a crucial role in advocating for general and farm assistants across the public service.

Newly elected Delegates

Chairperson Wade Appleby (Colo High School)

Vice Chairperson Jessica Trudgett (Nowra High School)

Secretary Hayden Berry (Barramurra Public School)

Assistant Secretary Shaun Matheson (Blairmount Public School)

Women’s Officer Fiona Doherty (Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre)

Delegate Matthew Danks (Casino High School)

The GAAG serves as a vital platform for representing the interests of general and farm assistants, advocating for improved working conditions, and providing valuable input to PSA campaigns and initiatives.

Farewell and thanks to outgoing Delegates

We extend our sincere appreciation to the outgoing delegates:

Bill Martin
Michael Burrell
Sam Sale
Jason Pickering
Wayne Gaw
Glenn Hall

Their dedication, commitment, and tireless advocacy during their tenure have been instrumental in advancing the interests of General Assistants and creating positive outcomes for all members.

We look forward to working with the new Delegates to build upon this strong foundation to promote, support and win for all our members.

First General Assistants Advisory Group meeting

Your newly elected delegates and PSA representatives held the first GAAG meeting on Wednesday 3 September 2025. It was an extremely productive meeting. A bulletin will follow soon with your delegates report back from the meeting, so please keep an eye out for it.

Meeting for PSA members at the Office of the Children’s Guardian

We’re coming to meet with you to gather agenda items for the upcoming joint consultative committee with Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) management. This is your opportunity to talk directly to your union about the issues that matter to you in your workplace.

You are the union, and we use the strength of our collective voice and the Industrial Instruments to advocate for your rights and conditions at work.

All staff are welcome

Bring along a non-member to join the first 10 minutes of the meeting so they can hear about the value of being a PSA member. After that, the meeting will be members-only.

When Thursday 11 September 2025
Time 12:30pm-1:30pm
Where OCG Meeting Room
Who PSA Industrial Officer Graydon Welsh, Organiser Alex Sala, and your workplace delegates Leonie Wright and Miguel Quineche

Working remotely?

You can join us via Microsoft Teams.
Join the meeting here
Meeting ID 425 528 795 031 8
Passcode 83Dq6ja6

Stronger together!

The PSA has a proud 125-year history, representing more than 40,000 members who know the power of collective strength.

As a member, you also get access to a range of exclusive benefits, including:
✔️ Free emergency ambulance cover
✔️ Free journey insurance
✔️ Substantial shopping discounts
✔️ Osara Cancer Care support
✔️ Legal services – and many other member benefits.

Proposed divisional realignment at Museums of History NSW

Consultation on the proposed divisional realignment at Museums of History NSW (MHNSW) commenced on Friday 5 September 2025 and will remain open until 5.00pm on Friday 19 September 2025.

All PSA members are encouraged to review the proposal SEE HERE and provide feedback on any aspect of the proposed structure during this consultation period .

The change management plan, including all relevant Role Descriptions, will be made available for consultation via the People & Culture page on MHNSW Workspaces. .

Staff Impact- as advised at the briefing to staff.

Q: How does this proposed realignment differ from previous changes? A: This realignment represents the next stage in MHNSW’s evolution. While previous changes have been in response to emerging needs, this is a deliberate, organisation-wide review that aligns MHNSW structure with the long-term strategic direction set out in the MHNSW Strategy 2025–30.

Q: Will anyone lose their job as part of this proposed realignment? A: No. The Band 2 Chief Operating Officer role will be removed from the current structure, but that role will be vacant at the time of the realignment, as its current occupant finishes their secondment on 30 September 2025 and returns to their substantive role in another department.

Q: Will my current role or team change? A: Some reporting lines and division names may change. Any specific impacts on roles are outlined in the Change Management Plan and Role Descriptions.

Q: Will I need to re-apply for my role? A: No. The proposed changes do not require staff to reapply for their current role. Vacant Executive roles will be recruited via a comparative recruitment process.

Q: How will the executive roles be filled under the proposed realignment? In cases where a division is being renamed, but its core functions remain largely the same, the relevant executive will continue in their role with a new role title and some minor edits to their position description.

Where a Band 1 Executive role is vacant, an internal Expression of Interest (EOI) will be undertaken to fill the role on a temporary basis. A full comparative recruitment process will be undertaken in accordance with the Government Sector Employment legislation.

There are 7 PSSE roles at the MHNSW.

SEE other Frequently asked Questions HERE.

PSA member feedback:

PSA members are encouraged to provide feedback or concerns to the PSA at or 1800772679 please quote case ID C10009961 by cob 17 September 2025.

For Industrial Support, contact:

Claudia Bianchi Organiser

Greg Shaw Senior Industrial Officer

UNITED WE BARGAIN DIVIDED WE BEG

Great Koala National Park announcement: More questions than answers for Forestry Corp NSW staff

After the NSW Government’s announcements of the boundaries for the Great Koala National Park on Sunday 7 September, the CPSU NSW met with FCNSW executives on Monday 8 September to discuss the immediate implications for operations and our members.

What does this mean today?

The immediate effects of the moratorium are that operations within the identified boundaries will cease. However, members would be aware that nearly all operations within those boundaries are already on hiatus and have been so for some several months now.

Short term and longer term effects for members

These major announcements have the potential to affect a number of CPSU NSW members in the longer term. Right now there is little detail, apart from no job losses whilst the moratorium remains in place. This is cold comfort for our members who know major change is coming. However, it gives the CPSU NSW the time to seek proper discussions and negotiations with decision makers, both internal and external.

There are no answers on several the burning questions including:

the length of a moratorium and whether it can or will be truncated or extended
the impact to operations, depots, roles and positions
the details on any potential roles in NPWS
the capability for current State-Owned Corporation workers to transition to the Public Service with their entitlements intact
the administration of Voluntary Redundancy Programs, Expressions of Interest for VR or staff transfers
any transition assistance provided by FCNSW or the NSW Government
the current and forecast future financial position of FCNSW
the legislation required to be enacted – both State and Federal.

CPSU NSW meetings with NSW Government

The CPSU NSW’s Forestry Field Officers Association has a meeting booked with the Agriculture Minister on 19 September. It is hoped that the initial conversations with revolve around:

the types of Government assistance that will be provided to FCNSW and its government employees as part of the transition
who will pick up the tab for the current fragile financial circumstances of FCNSW as well as understanding the Government’s intentions for the operations of the Corporation into the future
mobility provisions of FCNSW employees being able to transition into public service roles.

With everything else in Forestry Corp NSW muddied by the Great Koala National Park announcement, one thing is clear this will be the beginning of major change for our members.

Not a union member? It’s time to join.

Art Gallery of NSW – members meeting campaign update

Thank you again to all members who participated in the lunch time walk out on 27 August 2025. It was a huge success, attracting a great turnout and media attention.

PSA members are invited to the next members’ meeting to discuss the next steps of the Art Attack – Stop the Cuts campaign. Please join your PSA senior industrial officer, organiser and delegates for ongoing discussion on the proposed restructure and impact to staff.

Your PSA delegates and staff will be in attendance to assist members with any issues and concerns.

We strongly recommend your attendance at this meeting in person or online so that feedback can be collated as part of a PSA submission to management.

Agenda

Welcome and acknowledgement of country.
Report back on consultation of Change Management Plan – PSA Senior Industrial Officer Greg Shaw and AGNSW delegates
Campaign activities

Report on leafletting AGNSW on Wednesday 3 September 2025
Leafleting of Sydney Contemporary 11 September 22025 5.00pm – 7.00pm
Lunchtime action outside Parliament House Tuesday 16 September 2025
Campaign letter to the Minister

General Business

Members are encouraged to send any further agenda items that they would like discussed to PSA Organiser

If you know any non-members’ that would like to learn more about union support, invite them to attend.

PSA members are also invited to forward your concerns and/or feedback to or 1800 772 679 by close of business 11 September 2025 (slightly earlier than the internal timeline to allow PSA to collate feedback for their submission). If speaking to the PSA MSC, please quote Case ID C10008930.

Meeting Details

If you are onsite, please join us in person or use the link below to join on Teams.

Date 11 September 2025

Time 1:00pm- 2:00pm

Location Centenary Auditorium

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID 465 380 593 442

Passcode:f2jr2NF3

Contacts

Delegates

James Ricupito

Nik Rieth

Sharne Fielder

Daniel Kilp

Owen Lewis

William Newell

Emma Hayman

PSA staff

Claudia Bianchi
Organiser

Greg Shaw
Senior Industrial Officer

TfNSW Job Cuts Dispute – continued hold on further “detailed design” of branches

The PSA was back in the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) on Friday 5 September 2025 to conciliate the dispute around the proposed plan to cut 950 positions from TfNSW.

As referred to in our previous bulletin, there was an exchange of information throughout last week, as well as meetings between TfNSW and the unions, in order to narrow and define relevant issues that are in dispute.

TfNSW makes commitments around labour hire

TfNSW gave a number of commitments to the unions in terms of labour hire, aimed at further reviewing those positions. The PSA is unable to provide specific detail on these commitments while the dispute is still ongoing, however we maintain the position that every labour hire position removed, or converted to a TfNSW position for affected direct permanent employees to be placed in, is an Award position saved.

Further report back in IRC this week

There will be a further report back in the IRC on Wednesday 10 September 2025. There will be no further “detailed design” of branches scheduled pending this conciliation in the IRC.

PSA delegates meet to discuss next steps

Your PSA delegates met on Thursday 4 September 2025 to discuss a wide range of matters, including the above industrial dispute, and the associated campaign for the NSW Government to find any required savings from the more than 1000 TSSEs across Transport, rather than targeting less generously remunerated positions. Resolutions were passed to take further action in this campaign, the details of which will be distributed once they are finalised.

Don’t forget that the PSA has drafted a template letter that members may wish to send to their elected Member of Parliament. The letter asks whether they support the plan to cut 950 TfNSW workers, whilst continuing the protection racket for more than 1000 Senior Executives in Transport. You can visit the below link, which will allow you to view the template letter, amend as you see fit, and automatically send to your elected Member of Parliament. Letter template can be found HERE.

Your TfNSW delegates

Following the recent election of the TfNSW PSA Departmental Committee, the following delegates were formally confirmed at the meeting on 4 September 2025.

Safety, Policy, Environment and Regulation

Rachael Knight

Nathan Sweeney

Planning, Integration and Passenger

Angela Carroll

Hayley Dellaca

Leisa Sedger

Varada Shinde

Coordinator General

Adam Carroll

Michael Rohrlach

People, Communication and Workplaces

Joanne Kent

Arshdeep Kohli

Dane Richards

Gloria Nallas

Finance, Technology and Commercial

Gary Sladden

Point to Point (Combined Electorate)

Mick Lister

PSA Central Councilor

Lachlan Mercer

Homes NSW: functional review – consultation

Your Sydney district delegates and PSA staff met with the District Director and were briefed on the consultation process about the functional review with staff and the PSA.

There will be a Town Hall meeting for all staff in the district on 11 September 2025 about the Department’s proposed district structure that will commence in October.

There will be no loss of jobs as a result of this review.

During the period of consultation, we strongly encourage members to attend the meetings and to raise any questions, concerns, or proposals with both your managers, delegates, and the PSA.

We will collate members’ feedback and that will form the basis of our discussions with senior management as part of the formal consultation process.

Your feedback on the proposed structure is critical to ensuring the best outcomes.

Please send your feedback and questions to the PSA by email to with the subject line SYDNEY DISTRICT Functional Review or contact your delegates.

Contacts

John Grusovin

PSA staff

Rachel Eldred
Organiser

Greg Corrigan
Senior Industrial Officer

Conservation Programs, Heritage and Regulation (DCCEEW – CPHR) change on the horizon

The PSA has received a number of reports from concerned members of changes being introduced in the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water – Conservation Programs, Heritage and Regulation branch without following proper consultation procedures. The PSA requested an urgent meeting with management and PSA Industrial staff met with DCCEEW management Thursday 28 August.

Management assured the PSA that staff were being engaged as part of a co-design process, and a proposed structure has not yet been developed. This co-design process was adopted in response to staff feedback in PMES results where staff expressed a desire to be involved sooner and more openly in the change process. DCCEEW management acknowledged some of the some of the language used for these co-design sessions was unclear.

DCCEEW management outlined a timeframe for formal consultation to likely begin mid-September 2025 and committed to meeting weekly if needed to discuss member concerns.

DCCEEW management are aware of their consultation obligations. The PSA was clear, if management fail to act in accordance with those obligations, the PSA will consider the industrial options available to us.

Keep an eye out

Over the coming weeks the PSA and our members will be asked to provide feedback on a change management plan. The PSA will be holding members’ meetings. You are the experts in your work. You understand the issues you deal with on the coalface, the obstacles you face, and the things that enable you to work effectively.

Know a non-member?

We’re stronger together. Organisational change doesn’t only impact PSA members. Consider joining to ensure you’re supported throughout the change process and beyond. Become a member today.

Contacts

PSA Delegates

Conservation Programs, Heritage, and Regulation

Erika Roper

Catherine Ellis

Samantha Altmann

Daniel Cain

Katrina Stankowski

Stephen Lewer

Paul Childs

Water Group, Dam Safety

Cameron Ellis

James Gillespie

PSA Staff

Michael Parsons
Organiser

Mick Sinclair
Industrial Officer

If it’s not measurable it’s not manageable: Why the Workload Planner is a must

Recent News

Consultation on Proposed Cyber Information Security Team realignment

Impact on roles and people

PSA member feedback

Contacts

Recent News

Legal Aid NSW: guidance on Flexible Work update

Recent News

Ministerial Drivers: Meeting on the proposed Finance and Transport Services restructure

Meeting details

Your PSA Workplace Delegates

Your PSA contacts

Recent News

Congratulations to the new General Assistant Advisory Group Delegates

Newly elected Delegates

Farewell and thanks to outgoing Delegates

First General Assistants Advisory Group meeting

Recent News

Meeting for PSA members at the Office of the Children’s Guardian

All staff are welcome

Working remotely?

Stronger together!

Recent News

Proposed divisional realignment at Museums of History NSW

Recent News

Great Koala National Park announcement: More questions than answers for Forestry Corp NSW staff

What does this mean today?

Short term and longer term effects for members

CPSU NSW meetings with NSW Government

Recent News

Art Gallery of NSW – members meeting campaign update

Contacts

Recent News

TfNSW Job Cuts Dispute – continued hold on further “detailed design” of branches

Safety, Policy, Environment and Regulation

Planning, Integration and Passenger

Coordinator General

People, Communication and Workplaces

Finance, Technology and Commercial

Point to Point (Combined Electorate)

PSA Central Councilor

Recent News

Homes NSW: functional review – consultation

Contacts

Recent News

Conservation Programs, Heritage and Regulation (DCCEEW – CPHR) change on the horizon

Contacts

Recent News

Become a member today