On the 30th August the PSA wrote to Botanic Gardens management regarding the impact of the Herbarium relocation from Sydney Botanic Gardens to Mount Annan on our members.

The following are some of the questions and comments posed by the PSA.

Travelling to the New Herbarium

Have members been consulted regarding where they live and if they have any concerns about travelling to and from the new Herbarium?

When will members be notified of the details of the train and bus timetables necessary for catching public transport to Mount Annan Botanic Garden, particularly to and from Campbelltown Station?

The PSA is aware members will incur significant increased travel times and costs travelling to the new site which will impact on their work and private lives as well as their health. The PSA would like to see some sort of subsidy for these staff.

Security arrangements

What safety measures will be put in place to protect members travelling to and from the new Herbarium on public transport especially during less temperate days when the weather is more dangerous (e.g. extreme heat in summer and freezing temperatures in winter).

Will there be safe car parking provided for staff at the new site?

When will security cameras and lighting be operational?

When are gates closed and the site swept of the public?

Members are concerned that the public can still enter the site on foot. Will there be after hours security?

The PSA understands CCTV is being installed in the new buildings – recording staff within the building. Is this remotely monitored live? Who has access? How long will the recordings be kept? Under what circumstances will the recordings be accessed?

Vacant Roles in Science

The PSA seeks your intention regarding the two Herbarium Curator roles which have been left vacant. Please provide this in writing.

RBGDT Business Practice Review

Even though the PSA attended a Joint Consultative Committee meeting 10 August. The PSA was disappointed to learn through our membership RBG have engaged to Change Management specialist to undertake a review across all directorates, identifying strengths, weaknesses and gaps within the organisation.

The PSA will be seeking a meeting with RBG Management as a matter of urgency to discuss the focus and rational of this review.

The PSA will continue to advocate for all members throughout this change and into the future. Please encourage your non-union colleagues to join at psa.asn.au/join

The PSA is also seeking feedback from all Botanic Gardens members with regards to current working arrangements during COVID-19 restrictions.