Thank you to our members and delegates for providing a swathe of feedback on the proposed New Ways of Working (WoW) initiative. Your union collated feedback received and provided this to the department. The Environment Protection Authority provided a response to the feedback last week. The following outlines key points of feedback from the PSA and the EPA’s considerations and responses.

Objectives of the Proposed Model

• PSA Feedback: the PSA raised concerns about how the WoW model addresses the goals of uniting branches, promoting consistency, and reducing task switching. There was a lack of clarity on how the model impacts these areas.
• EPA Response: the new model aims to reduce task switching by allocating Local Government Areas (LGAs) to specific Work Units and Unit Heads. This will narrow the scope of work for officers, potentially improving continuity and local relationships. Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will focus on either core LGA work or strategic work to further reduce task switching. Thematic Leads will work to enhance consistency and efficiency by developing guidance and templates.

Resourcing Concerns

• PSA Feedback: members expressed concerns about the lack of detail on resourcing requirements and the impact on operational work. There was also uncertainty about whether there are sufficient officers to cover both thematic and operational work.
• EPA Response: thematic areas will be introduced in stages to better understand resourcing needs. An Expression of Interest (EOI) process will be established for staff to participate in thematic streams. The EPA acknowledges the need for additional resources and is considering the impact on current operations. Additional Unit Heads are proposed to address span of control issues.

Workload Management

• PSA Feedback: there were concerns about the absence of clear plans for managing competing workloads and work-related stress under the WoW model. Members also noted that the model might not alleviate existing stress levels.
• EPA Response: the Steering Committee Working Group is addressing governance arrangements, including business rules and conflict resolution. The new model is designed to reduce work stress by decreasing the number of different tasks and increasing flexibility. While overall workload may not decrease significantly, the aim is to improve efficiency and give staff more input into their work processes.

Thematic Teams and Governance

• PSA Feedback: there were concerns about the alignment of thematic team work with operational priorities and potential duplication of efforts. The need for a clear governance model and business plans for thematic teams was highlighted.
• EPA Response: thematic Leads will prepare business plans detailing scope and resourcing needs. These plans will be reviewed by the Operations Leadership Team (OLT). A Steering Committee Working Group will handle governance and ensure that thematic work aligns with operational priorities without duplicating existing efforts.

Consultation and Transparency

• PSA Feedback: members questioned whether the consultation process was about implementation rather than model suitability and raised issues about the transparency of the survey data supporting the preferred model.
• EPA Response: all feedback is welcomed, including on both the proposed model and its implementation. Weekly Executive Director drop-in sessions are available for staff to raise concerns. The survey data indicated a strong preference for Model 4, and the EPA is committed to making the model work despite implementation challenges.

Forestry and Skill Equity

• PSA Feedback: there were concerns about equity in skill expectations, particularly for staff needing to upskill in foundational areas versus those with high-level skills in non-foundational areas. Also noted was the lack of provisions for forestry staff levels.
• EPA Response: the EPA proposes that all staff have baseline knowledge in foundational areas, while expertise in non-foundational areas remains specialised. Thematic Stream Leads will determine resources needed for their streams. Divisional resourcing will be considered by the OLT, with an emphasis on maintaining and developing forestry staff.

Next Steps

The PSA and your delegates will meet with EPA senior leadership later this week to discuss further. We encourage members to participate in ongoing consultations and provide their input on any further issues or suggestions.

For more information or to share your feedback, please contact the PSA Member Support Centre at or call 1800 772 679.