Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in the recent PSA survey of our members in the Reconstruction Authority. Your feedback has highlighted important issues affecting your working conditions, wellbeing, and how changes are being managed. Here’s a summary of the key findings and what we’re pushing for on your behalf:

1. Flexible hours and overtime: unequal and unclear

• 93 per cent know the CEO can suspend flexible hours during recovery periods.
• Alarmingly, 58 per cent feel advice on overtime and flex is unfair or inconsistent.
• Over half of you lose flex hours during deployments with few arrangements to make up lost time.
• Many are working long shifts averaging 9–12 hours daily, often without clear compensation or support.

2. Workplace support and debriefing: not meeting your needs

• Nearly 70 per cent didn’t request psychosocial support, yet some who asked were left without help.
• Only 39 per cent took part in debriefs after deployment. A critical gap in learning and wellbeing.
• This points to a culture that either lacks support or where workers do not feel safe asking for it.

3. Office reassignment and travel: impacting your lives

• Almost half (47 per cent) were reassigned to new offices without consultation.
• Many face long commutes, up to several hours one way, with substantial travel costs, often paid out of pocket.
• Over half have Work Health and Safety concerns related to these increased travel demands.

4. Organisational change and executive consultation: trust is low

• 62 per cent are concerned about ongoing organisational changes.
• Only 6 per cent feel consulted when changes affect them.
• The overwhelming message. PSA members want honest, transparent, and early communication. Not just announcements after decisions are made.
• Many call for genuine consultation opportunities: meetings, surveys (including anonymous options), and direct feedback.
• There is frustration over rushed, poorly managed change processes and a workplace culture described by some as “toxic” due to poor leadership and communication. 

5. Stress and burnout: a crisis in our workplace

• More than half have considered sick leave or workers comp due to work-related stress.
• Nearly 40 per cent have actually taken sick leave for stress — a clear sign of serious morale and wellbeing issues.

What is the PSA seeking from the NSWRA?

1. The re-establishment of the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC). A dedicated consultative forum between the PSA and the NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive to facilitate ongoing dialogue and collaboration.
2. Meaningful and genuine consultation with PSA members prior to any changes affecting roles, office locations, or organisational structure, ensuring staff have a real voice.
3. Clear, timely, and transparent communication about organisational changes, including opportunities for PSA members to provide input and feedback throughout the process.
4. Comprehensive change management planning and adequate resourcing, to ensure organisational transitions are managed effectively and staff wellbeing is prioritised.
5. Fair and transparent overtime and flexible work arrangements that are consistently applied across the Authority.
6. Mandatory debriefings and enhanced psychosocial support, with managers trained and resourced to provide proactive, ongoing wellbeing assistance to staff.
7. Addressing workplace culture concerns and the underlying causes of stress and burnout through independent, evidence-based reviews of workloads and staffing arrangements.
8. Robust Work Health and Safety protections related to extended travel requirements and office reassignments, minimising risk and fatigue for members.