After a lengthy dispute between your union and the NSW Department of Customer Service (DCS) we advised Inspectors in Fair Trading that we had reached a without prejudice agreement in relation to clause 29 Meal Expenses on One-Day Journeys of the Crown Employees (Public Service conditions of Employment) Reviewed Award 2009.

You were asked to respond to the PSA in relation to endorsing the Agreement and we are pleased to advise that more than 97 per cent of respondents said YES!

This means DCS has committed to accepting applications for meal allowance claims dating back to 1 January 2023 for Building Inspectors and Automotive Inspectors.

Current and former Safework Inspectors will receive a one-off lump sum payment of up to $3000 (dependent on years of service) to cover claims not made or declined in the past few years;

OR

They ill be able to independently submit claims for a four-year period preceding 1 July 2023 with appropriate supporting documentation.  ^.

While there is still some devil in the detail to be ironed out, the PSA expects that within the next 6-8 weeks those electing to take the lump sum payment will be receiving it in their pay. We note that this is an allowance and not earnings, therefore should not be taxed.

Further, from 1 July 2023, DCS employees who undertake travel in the course of their ordinary duties and meet the requirements of Clause 29, will be paid the allowance upon application and approval.

This agreement, hard won by your union across a number of years of negotiation, disputation and conciliation in the Industrial Relations Commission, is a testament to the tenacity of our members: to our combined efforts and unwillingness to be denied access to rights and entitlements enshrined in our Awards.

The PSA thanks you for your willingness to go on this journey with us. Remember that we are only as strong as our members.