The Public Service Association (PSA) has been in discussions with Senior Officers of Legal Aid, including the chief executive, regarding the current fuel crisis.

Regional and remote NSW communities and farmers are disproportionately affected, with fewer fuel outlets decreasing competition and greater daily travel distances at higher speeds leading to higher fuel consumption. Scarcity of fuel is an increasing issue for country and farming communities, leading to higher prices. At the time of writing examples of the cost of fuel included $3.29 per litre for Diesel fuel across New England Tablelands and $2.89 per litre on the Mid-North Coast without taking into account other country regions. In some areas the cost of unleaded 91 fuel is nearly $2.70 per litre.

The PSA has formally requested that Legal Aid allow the current flexible working arrangements, such as work-from-home, to be relaxed. This would take significant pressure off the regions’ fuel supplies also allowing farmers greater access to fuel in remote areas where there is a concern that fuel shortages may lead to food shortages.

Legal Aid provided an update to staff last week and more advice will be provided this week following a meeting of the Senior Leadership Team.

We will update members as soon as we receive further advice from Legal Aid.