Ombudsman: Provisions for working during the pandemic

In March 2020, the PSA helped negotiate special provisions for all NSW Public Servants during the COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted in the Premier’s Circular, titled C2020-01 Employment Arrangements during COVID-19. The PSA reminds members of their entitlements during the pandemic: The general hierarchy is that staff should be able to work flexibly, which includes working from home or an alternate location where available. When an…

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TfNSW: COVID-19 consultation

As last reported to members on 26 March 2020 HERE, TFNSW and unions meet weekly for a briefing from the TfNSW Secretary and COVID-19 Taskforce. On 3 April the latest issues were reported. Two employees and seven contractors across the Transport cluster have tested positive prior to 3 April and have been placed in isolation. Unfortunately, a long-term employee contracted the virus whilst on extended…

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Legal Aid: PSA continues to press for AVL appearances for weekend bail courts

The PSA met with CEO Brendan Thomas on Monday, 6 April 2020 and other managers to discuss the issue of weekend bail courts. The CEO assured the PSA that AVL appearances is still Legal Aid’s preferred position. Mr Thomas said that there were still some significant technical issues to do with delivering papers and AVL bandwidth which made the exercise more difficult for the high…

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Reporting Services Branch: accessing COVID-19 Special Leave

Under the NSW Government Circular C2020-01, if members are required to self-isolate, they can either work from home or, if the Department is unable to set up working from home arrangements, they are to be put on Special Leave. A link to the Circular can be found HERE. The PSA understands that members who have underlying health conditions have been told to self-isolate by their…

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EPA continues to push through changes during the COVID-19 pandemic

The PSA is extremely disappointed with EPA management’s decision to push the realignment through at this historically challenging time. Despite the suspension of restructures in other NSW Government departments, the EPA has continually refused to postpone the implementation of this restructure despite the concerns of our members not being adequately responded to.  The PSA understands from members that there are still major failings with the…

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