Members, you would be aware that EPA throughout the COVID lockdown has applied the COVID Plan as developed by DPIE.
However, the PSA was disappointed to learn the EPA has now decided in light of the mandatory return to work date and vaccination dates, the DPIE model no longer fits.
You might ask why and the answer as given to the PSA is that you are a regulatory organisation.
The PSA’s position is that EPA and DPIE given that they were using the same protocol throughout the COVID lockdown, should adopt the same return to work and vaccination date. DPIE to their credit have extended their mandatory return to work and vaccination date until 28 February 2022 whereas EPA however, remain at the 31 January 2022.
What this says to the PSA is the EPA does not support your flexibility with respect to your return to the office nor is it consist with DPIE protocol.
If you are affected by this please contact the PSA Member Support Centre on 1300 772 6749.