Office of Emergency Management: move to Department of Premier and Cabinet

On 6 April 2020, the Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice advised members of the following: Today the Premier announced the creation of new NSW Government agency, Resilience NSW, to “drive world-leading disaster preparedness and recovery approach for the NSW community”. Resilience NSW will be headed by Mr Shane Fitzsimmons, the current Commissioner of the Rural Fire Service, who in the new role…

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NSW Trustee and Guardian Strategy & Governance Restructure: redundancies on hold until further notice

Thank you to all the members who sent further feedback following our last bulletin on 30 March 2020. Since then, the PSA has been in contact with the Director of Strategy & Governance who has advised that in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency will not declare any Strategy & Governance employees excess until further notice. This is a change to the initial plan…

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Electorate Officers: Special Leave information

The PSA is writing with regards to Electorate Officers accessing special leave entitlements. The PSA has been in contact with management recently regarding communications sent out on Tuesday 31 March. The PSA sought clarification regarding the leave Electorate Officers should access when there is no work available. Management’s response was that Electorate Officers should avail themselves to the 20 days’ special pandemic leave if required.…

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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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