The National Parks Vocational Branch (NPVB) met at PSA House on 8 November for its Annual General Meeting and to discuss a range of issues affecting PSA members in the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

Resourcing of new reserves

Recently more than 500,000 hectares have been added to the NPWS estate with no or extremely minimal resourcing of these lands. On that basis a motion was put to the meeting:

‘that work bans on the new parks be introduced until the department demonstrates provision of adequate resourcing for their establishment and ongoing management’

The motion was passed unanimously. Subsequently a bulletin was distributed for the motion to take effect. The PSA asks that you follow the direction in the bulletin.

Dispute in Industrial Relations Commission regarding vacant, unfunded roles in NPWS

The dispute before the Industrial Relations Commissionhas been discontinued. However, NPWS management has given an undertaking to attempt to fill vacant roles where there are ‘pressure points’. To this end some vacancies have been filled at Scone and Griffith with consideration being given to vacancies at Coonabarabran and Glenn Innes. The Department has also advised if the PSA identified an area that require further resourcing, it will look at redistributing the current resources.

Corporate System

A new reference group has been established on ‘systems of record’ covering AMS; Elements; PWIS and the volunteer management system. Review of these systems (among others) is well overdue. Whilst this group isn’t a decision-making group, it can advise on issues pertaining to such systems with the hope that faults will be rectified. DPIE systems are also failing. A separate group has been convened to advise on SAP HR; Outlook; ArcGIS; CAMMS; Avenza and MS teams.

Women’s issues

In NPWS 51 per cent of employees are women. Key issues identified in a recent PSA surveys include flexible work arrangements; pay equity and mental health and resilience.

ESS Spokeswoman’s Awards for 2021 were announced and congratulations go to Anita Zubovic who won the ‘Courage to Challenge Award’. All four nominees from NPWS were PSA members.

DPIE’s ‘safe’ return to work post-COVID should include special consideration for carers whose level of resilience and energy are low since the pandemic. Also post-COVID return to work arrangements have been inconsistent across the state. They need to be uniformly applied.

Also it is recommended that staff would benefit from ‘trauma informed practice’ training to be able to better deal with the public, stakeholders and each other after this stressful period.

Concern has also been raised in relation to the roll out of a ‘Gender Awareness Module’, citing not enough safety mechanisms in place for participating staff.

Casual vacancies on the NPVB Executive

Despite some casual vacancies on the NPVB Executive being filled, there remained a casual vacancy for a Delegate to represent Aboriginal staff. The PSA/NPVB is pleased to announce that at the AGM this vacancy has been filled by Field Officer Jack Bulger. We welcome Jack and his input to the NPVB Executive.

Visitor Services Officers

A range of issues are currently affecting VSAs including lack of training; having to act as default Rangers; and having to suffer both verbal and physical assaults. The meeting agreed that VSAs should not be undertaking law-enforcement duties without appropriate training. This matter will be pursued by the PSA.

Law enforcement

A working group has been convened to discuss law enforcement matters. Anita Zubovic as PSA representative has been invited to the first meeting of the group. Martin Smith will be the alternate PSA representative if Anita cannot attend the meetings.

Fire Management Advisory Committee

The new online incident payment system has been deemed ‘fit for purpose’ (but yet to be tested in a major fire season). The Fire Management Advisory Committee (FMAC) is no longer interested in pursuing a dedicated fire shirt. FMAC is unhappy with the role out of the fire curtains for vehicles without being consulted. Safety issues include a trial of full faced respirators.

Uniform

The contract for the provision of uniforms to NPWS has been awarded to Stewart and Heaton, which is also the RFS supplier. Full changeover of uniform is planned for March 2022. Four uniforms are being developed for dress; field; office and visitor services. Policy; detailed procedures and code of conduct for wearing of the uniforms is yet to be developed.