Housing Services: Functional Review not a ‘cost cutting exercise’

The quarterly Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) meeting was held on 11 August 2025 for Housing Services. PSA industrial staff attended with delegates and leadership from Homes NSW.

JCCs are an important platform for discussions on matters affecting our members. Key discussions on 11 August included:

Functional Review

While leadership did confirm there would be no job losses, there may be transfers across district offices. Each district will have its own implementation plan and be affected differently. Meetings to discuss the plans with the PSA have begun.

To take part in the formal consultation period, please reach out to your workplace Delegates or Organiser with any feedback, comments, questions or suggestions. Member feedback will form the basis of our discussions with senior management so it is critical members speak up to ensure the best outcomes.

Work Health and Safety

There has been upskilling for managers to help them to navigate Work Health and Safety (WHS) issues, leadership said. Ninety-six per cent of staff has completed the mandatory online training, and workplace violence training is being reviewed. The PSA will be sent a copy of it once it is finalised.

Members are reminded to log all incidents with Safety Suite. For more information about incident reporting, please read and share our bulletin on why it’s so important.

Relocations

The Tuggerah relocation is close to completion with staff expected to move in early September. Housing Services is also in the early stages of the George Street, Parramatta relocation.

Concierge

A PSA delegate raised concerns around increased psychological harm with the concierge model, saying it has introduced workplace hazards. The PSA has raised a dispute about the concierge model in the Homes NSW Lismore office. PSA delegates also continue to raise concerns with the concierge model proposed for the Tuggerah office location and the WHS issues that arise. Reports into responding to workplace violence are being provided to the department to further support the concerns of members and how to best address them.

Members are encouraged to share feedback about the concierge model with PSA Regional Organiser Rebecca Reilly:

Workload

In some district offices staff are expected to work past core hours to support client needs. Leadership confirmed that there is a process in place to meet the requirement. The PSA has asked for a copy of that strategy to share with delegates.

The next Housing Services JCC meeting is scheduled for November. Members are encouraged to share any issues they have with local delegates.

Contacts

Member Support Centre

Greg Corrigan Senior Industrial Officer

Rachel Eldred Organiser

CPSU NSW meeting for members at Southern Cross University

Consultation on the change proposal for the reshaping of Technology Services Southern Cross University.

CPSU NSW Regional Organiser Rebecca Reilly will be onsite at Lismore Campus on Tuesday 26 August 2025 to speak to staff impacted by the reshaping of technology Services at Southern Cross University. All other members are welcome to join us for a hot beverage paid for by the CPSU NSW.

Consultation on change proposal closes Tuesday September 9. If members have feedback they would like the CPSU NSW to submit, de-identified, on their behalf, please send this to quoting reference number C10009385 by close of business Friday September 5.

We understand that although the proposed changes are looking to retain the same number of fixed and continuing staff (107 FTE), 72 roles are marked as disestablished, and all roles need to re-applied for. There is little detail on how the expression of interest process will take place and how redeployment will work should an application be unsuccessful.

Details

Date Tuesday 26 August 2025
Time 10:00am-12:00pm
Location Goodman Plaza Lismore Campus

Contact

Rebecca Reilly Regional Organiser
0419 980 503

Restructures at your university: We want your feedback

Your union has been made aware of change proposals that were announced last week for the Library, College of Human and Social Futures and College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing.

As part of the consultation process, if you have feedback that you would like the CPSU NSW to submit, de-identified, on your behalf please send this to quoting the following reference numbers and note the following dates:

Library

Reference number 10009389 – by close of business on Tuesday, 26 August 2025.

Consultation closes on Wednesday, 27 August at 5:00pm.

College of Human and Social Futures

Reference number 10009398 – by close of business Wednesday, 27 August 2025.

Consultation closes on Thursday, 28 August at 5:00pm

College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing

Reference number 10009391 – by close of business on Wednesday, 27 August 2025.

Consultation closes on Thursday, 28 August at 5:00pm

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Branch Delegates, who are here to assist with any workplace questions, provide advice and support, and advocate for your interests.

Branch Delegates

Mark Smith

Shell Dillon

Zain Hamid

CPSU NSW Industrial Staff

Lisa Nelson Senior Industrial Officer

Mike Galvez Industrial Officer

Ian Braithwaite Organiser

Scope: CPSU NSW member update

Enterprise bargaining in Scope

CPSU NSW members will be aware that the union is presently bargaining with Scope for a new Enterprise Agreement.

In consultation with local workplace representatives, CPSU NSW has prepared a log of claims. The log of claims is like a wish list where member interests in advancing wages and conditions are detailed formally and served on an employer.

CPSU NSW continually pushes for increased pay and better conditions in the workplaces where we have members. HACSU have also lodged its log of claims. The remaining bargaining representatives are still to formalise and serve their logs of claims on Scope.

The full CPSU NSW log of claims can be accessed HERE. The CPSU NSW log of claims has been served on a without prejudice basis. This means that your union can adjust, withdraw or modify elements of the log of claims during negotiations.

Bargaining meetings are currently paused pending Scope receiving logs of claims from the various bargaining parties, although we expect that bargaining will recommence in September.

HR and payroll compliance errors

Scope notified its employees and CPSU NSW that it had identified payroll errors as part of the bargaining process for the new enterprise agreement. Primarily the errors relate to Scope employees in Victoria.

A series of regular meetings with Scope are being held for information and progress reports to be shared with CPSU NSW.

There are four payroll and HR issues identified by Scope where underpayments had occurred. Not all identified errors involve underpayments to CPSU NSW members. These are underpayments to:

High Intensity Support Allowance

An allowance was not paid correctly to some employees supporting NDIS participants requiring high intensity daily personal activities. This underpayment may affect some Scope employees in NSW.

High Intensity Support may include:

Complex health care needs: such as Complex Bowel Care; Enteral feeding and management; Severe Dysphagia management; Tracheostomy management; Urinary Catheter management; Ventilator management; Subcutaneous injections; and, Complex wound care.
Behavioural interventions: Tailored strategies to manage and reduce behaviours of concern.
Crisis intervention: Immediate support during episodes of challenging behaviour to ensure safety.

Scope advises that some CPSU NSW members may be impacted by this payroll underpayment.

First Aid Allowance

The process for claiming the First Aid Allowance has not always been clear or applied consistently for eligible employees in Victoria. Scope advised that it has continued to pay the First Aid Allowance to CPSU NSW members.

Scope advises that CPSU NSW members are not impacted by this payroll underpayment.

Level 1 Support Workers incremental progression

A small number of employees classified at Level 1 in operational roles have not received the correct pay progression.

Scope advises that CPSU NSW members are not impacted by this payroll underpayment.

Enabling Functions Classification

Scope have identified a small number of classification issues with how some roles in enabling functions are classified under the SCHaDS Award.

Scope advises that CPSU NSW members are not impacted by this payroll underpayment.

What’s next?

Scope self-identified these underpayments and reported these payroll issues to the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO). As part of the FWO process Scope made undertakings to make full backpay to all employees affected by these payroll issues past and present. Scope have also undertaken to include backpay to Superannuation as part of the restitution process.

As these payroll issues affect many employees, calculations will be complex, and each affected employee will have a different backpay amount. It will take Scope some time to methodically calculate each affected employees’ underpayment.

The FWO involvement and oversight of this underpayment issue will help Scope ensure its payroll system complies with existing employment instruments now and into the future.

CPSU NSW members may already have been contacted by Scope HR regarding a potential underpayment as Scope predicts that contact will be made with all affected employees by the end of August 2025.

Scope have set up an area on its intranet to provide information to its employees on these payroll problems. Members are advised to actively monitor the intranet as Scope has committed to continuously update it with new information as it arises.

If you have received advice on an underpayment and you are sure it is still incorrect, contact your assigned People Partner at Scope to discuss your concerns with them. After you’ve had that discussion, if you believe the backpay calculations are still wrong, contact CPSU NSW who will take up your concerns with Scope.

Scope and CPSU NSW continue to meet to discuss the backpay and remediation options for members with updates being to members as the developments occur.

PSA Aboriginal Education Officers: We need your feedback

The Public Service Association (PSA) has been reaching out to our Aboriginal Education Officer (AEO) members over the past year.

We have been doing this during our Organiser worksite visits and at AEO regional conferences. We have been working with active AEO members, and representatives on the PSA Aboriginal Council to hear about what’s important to members working in this vital role.

On 14 August 2025 we met at the union office with several AEO members who are keen to be more involved in the PSA and support their colleagues.

At the meeting representatives from the Department of Education attended PSA House to brief us on some proposed changes for AEOs which are outlined below.

Their intention to review the current AEO statement of duties

Attached is the current statement of duties. We are seeking feedback on any concerns or oversights such as:

What is missing from your statement of duties?
Has your role significantly changed since this was created?

How AEO positions are designated to schools

The PSA currently understands that the methodology of AEO placement is flawed, with the designation of AEOs not actually reflecting the number of Aboriginal students found within the school. Send your feedback to the PSA for inclusion in our submissions.

Email or contact our Member Support Centre on 1800 772 679 and quote case number C10008547.

Feedback closes COB 3^rd September 2025 – this feedback will be raised with DOE representatives.

Aboriginal Education Officers Vocational Group

The PSA is currently finalising plans to re-establish the Aboriginal Education Officer Vocational Advisory Group. This group will meet quarterly and provide a dedicated space for AEOs to come together and discuss issues unique to the AEO role. This group is important to ensure that AEO voices are heard, and issues are addressed collectively.

A nomination bulletin will be distributed to eligible members – if you or your colleagues are interested or want more information, please contact your AEO Organiser Monique Anderson at

PSA meeting for members at the Office of the NSW Ombudsman

The PSA will be holding a members’ meeting to allow you to raise any concerns or questions you may have. It will allow us to gather agenda items for discussion at the upcoming Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) meeting with management.

This is also an opportunity for members and non-members to meet with your PSA Organsier and Delegates to learn about the role of the PSA in your workplace and discuss how your union can best support your workplace.

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

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

Details

Date 27 August 2025
Time 11:00am-12:00pm

The meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams
Join the meeting here
Meeting ID 485 200 217 148 2
Passcode Ve7Va69J

Workplace Delegates

Mathew Bright

Erin Hoyer

Nathan Rodrigues

John Braddick

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:

Emergency ambulance cover
Journey and personal accident Insurance
Substantial shopping discounts
Legal services and many other member benefits

Update on the NSW Education Standards Authority Child Safe Action Plan

The PSA has been advised the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), together with the Office of Children’s Guardian, has undertaken an assessment of roles that would under the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 No 51 (NSW) be classified as undertaking “child-related work” and therefore require a Working with Children Clearance.

The PSA has met with NESA to be briefed on the process, which will be open for consultation and feedback from 20 August 2025.

We are aware there are many NESA employees who already have WWCC. However, there will be employees who have never been required to apply for a clearance in the role they currently sit in or in previous roles. There will be roles that have direct contact with children and other roles that by their nature have access to confidential records or information about children.

The process and proposed timeframe for ensuring compliance will be contained in the announcement materials and will be subject to consultation and feedback.

Contacts

Member Support Centre

Michael George Organiser

Katy Ambler Industrial Officer

4 per cent and conciliation of the Fisheries Employees Award

Fisheries Employees Award members have had their say and have overwhelmingly accepted the interim 4 per cent increase to the Fisheries Employees Award backdated to the first full pay after 1 July 2025.

Accordingly, the PSA has written to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) advising that we accept the recommendations and Department of Primary Industries Fisheries (DPI Fisheries) has confirmed that they will pay the 4 per cent interim increase. This interim increase deals with the historic disadvantage when Fisheries Employees accepted 3 per cent for 2024/25 based on a ‘structural reform’ that never materialised.

Part of the NSW IRC recommendations made by Commissioner Webster is that the PSA enter conciliation with the assistance of the Commissioner for two full days on 21 August 2025 and 4 September 2025.

Whilst it is hoped that with the assistance of the NSW IRC, the PSA and DPI Fisheries can broach the substantial gap between the two proposals, there is nothing that is guaranteed and neither party is not bound by any recommendation provided by the NSW IRC – although all due consideration should be made.

If after conciliation, there is an in-principle agreement, part of the PSA processes is to put the agreement to an endorsement of the membership. The ultimate power resides with members who have the say whether to endorse or reject any agreement reached. Non-union members have NO say.

While we hope this is the final stage of the prolonged process, it is important for members to understand that if no agreement is reached an arbitrated settlement could take months.

Oh and when the agency talks about negotiating in good faith you might want to ask them about the 6 months of radio silence.

There is power in the union.

PSA meeting for members at the Australian Museum

The PSA will be holding a members’ meeting to allow members to raise concern or questions you may have and to allow us to collate agenda items for discussion at the upcoming Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) meeting with management.

This is an opportunity for members and non-members to meet with your PSA Organsier and Delegates to learn about the role of the PSA in your workplace and also discuss how your union can best support your workplace.

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

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

Details

Date 25 August 2025
Time 1:00pm-2:00pm
Location Demountable Board Room

If you are onsite, please join us in person. Members elsewhere can use the link below to join on Teams.
Join the meeting here
Meeting ID 475 564 827 824 6
Passcode oV2RW3zp

Your Workplace Delegates

Sophie Phillips

Henry Sisley

Tess Allas

Contacts

Claudia Bianchi Organiser

Greg Shaw Senior Industrial Officer

The PSA NSW has more than 125 years of proud history. 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:

Emergency ambulance cover
Journey and personal accident Insurance
Substantial shopping discounts
Legal services and many member benefits

NSW Police Force Station Staff Let’s Connect – PSA, Your Union Can Visit Your Workplace

Your union is here to represent you, support you, and make sure your voice is heard. One of the best ways we can do that is by visiting your workplace and connecting directly with you and your colleagues.

We’d love to come along and spend some time with your team. There are a few different ways we can do this, depending on what suits you best:

Team Meetings – Speak to your District Managers (DM) and Invite us along to one of your regular team meetings. This is a great way for everyone to hear about the benefits of union membership, ask questions, and learn more about how we can support you.
Morning or Afternoon Tea in the Lunchroom – We’ll bring merchandise and treats. You just bring yourselves! This is an informal and relaxed way to chat about your union and the support we can provide in your workplace.
Lunch & Learn Sessions – Over your lunch break, we can run a short session where you’ll hear more about your rights at work, the protections your union offers, and the difference we make when we work together.

These sessions are a chance to connect with your organiser, raise any issues or concerns, and hear how your union is working to improve conditions across the state.

If you would like your organiser Kim Villanti to attend your workplace, simply fill in the attached survey and let us know your preference. Whether it’s a team meeting, morning tea, or a lunch & learn, we’re happy to work around what suits you and your colleagues best.

Complete the survey here to express the details of your visit.

Together we’re stronger, and together we can make a real difference.

Save the date: Forestry Corp Departmental Committee and the Forestry Field Officers Association to meet at PSA House

On Friday 19 September 2025 the PSA will be hosting a meeting of the Forestry Corporation Departmental Committee and the Forestry Field Officers Association (FFOA) at PSA House Sydney.

Please add this date to your calendar.

The DC Delegates will be meeting from 10:00am-12:00pm and the FFOA from 1:00pm-4:00pm. People unable to attend in person can use the Microsoft Teams link here for both meetings.

The PSA will provide Forestry Corporation with a release letter for Delegates to attend these meeting. Members can attend the FFOA meeting in their own time.

The FFOA Executive will provide an AGM Agenda closer to the date.

Contacts

Graydon Plumridge Organiser

Shane Howes Industrial Officer

UTS Log of Claims endorsement meeting

Your CPSU NSW UTS Branch has developed a Log of Claims based on feedback from members via our online forums and our member survey.

The CPSU UTS log of claims reflects the interests and concerns of Professional Staff members at the university and will be used to advance professionals staff conditions of employment during bargaining.

Meeting for members

We have set up a meeting via Teams to go over and get your endorsement for your log of claims for Enterprise Bargaining commencing soon.

Details

Date Thursday 21 August 2025
Time 12:30pm-1:30pm

The meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams.
Join meeting
Meeting ID 490 902 401 026 3
Passcode M8a6yG9V

Your UTS CPSU NSW workplace delegates are all Professional Staff who know the university and are here to assist with any workplace questions, provide advice and support, and advocate for your interests.

Andreas Dalman Branch President

Greg Hampshire Branch Secretary

Thomas Dobson Assistant Secretary

Fleur Sargent Women’s Officer

Michael Soo WH&S Officer

The stronger we are, the better our chances of success at the bargaining table.

CPSU NSW contacts

Member Support Centre
1800 772 679

Lisa Nelson Senior Industrial Officer

Mike Galvez Industrial Officer

Jose Vasquez Organiser

The CPSU NSW is the union for Professional Staff and will always put your interests first.

You can email us at if you have any questions.

Not a member?

Join the CPSU NSW, the Professional Staff union.

Housing Services: Functional Review not a ‘cost cutting exercise’

Functional Review

Work Health and Safety

Relocations

Concierge

Workload

Contacts

Recent News

CPSU NSW meeting for members at Southern Cross University

Details

Contact

Recent News

Restructures at your university: We want your feedback

Recent News

Scope: CPSU NSW member update

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PSA Aboriginal Education Officers: We need your feedback

Their intention to review the current AEO statement of duties

How AEO positions are designated to schools

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PSA meeting for members at the Office of the NSW Ombudsman

Details

Workplace Delegates

Contacts

Recent News

Update on the NSW Education Standards Authority Child Safe Action Plan

Contacts

Recent News

4 per cent and conciliation of the Fisheries Employees Award

Recent News

PSA meeting for members at the Australian Museum

Details

Your Workplace Delegates

Contacts

Recent News

NSW Police Force Station Staff Let’s Connect – PSA, Your Union Can Visit Your Workplace

Recent News

Save the date: Forestry Corp Departmental Committee and the Forestry Field Officers Association to meet at PSA House

Contacts

Recent News

UTS Log of Claims endorsement meeting

Meeting for members

Details

CPSU NSW contacts

Not a member?

Recent News

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