Your PSA delegates and Industrial staff attended the AGM of the newly constituted National Parks Vocational Branch (NPVB; previously called the POVB) on Monday 2 November. The following is an update on what was discussed.
New Delegates
This was a voting AGM and the PSA is pleased to announce the following delegates were elected unopposed on the new 12 member NPVB:
Ben Owers Chair
Alex Deura Deputy Chair and Treasurer
Janet Cavanaugh Secretary
Naomi Goosen Women’s Contact Officer
Bronwyn Batten Park Programs Representative
Steve Carter Field Officer Representative
Cherie Shanks Administration Staff Representative
Delegate members
Danny Corcoran
Anita Zubovic
Nicolas Johan Ras
Two vacancies
Congratulations to the new delegates of the NPVB. Contact details for your specific delegate will be distributed soon.
The NPVB will discuss a proposal for an Aboriginal representative at the next NPVB Executive Committee meeting.
The Royal Commission into the 2019/20 fire season and the pay rise
Stewart Little, General Secretary of the PSA, attended the meeting and discussed outcomes of the Royal Commission and indicated that the detailed PSA submission assisted greatly in the NSW State Government providing additional resources to the NPWS to fight fires.
He also pointed out that while the Commonwealth Government can provide tax cuts and other state governments can provide reasonable pay rises to its staff, the NSW Government will not agree to such pay increases. Money from these pay rises would have flowed into regional communities, providing jobs and funds for businesses to survive and expand.
Further to this he also advised that the NSW Government does not have a comprehensive strategy to deal with mental health issues, which must be rectified in light of the horrific bushfire season our members in NPWS (and other public sector agencies) have endured.
Establishment Review – PSA directs members not to do work of vacant roles
PSA Industrial Officer for NPWS Michael Sinclair also advised the meeting that the PSA wrote to Department of Planning Industry and Environment (DPIE) in relation to the Establishment Review. This is undoubtedly a restructure ‘by stealth’. DPIE is attempting to delete unfilled positions which were part of the Future Parks restructure because there is “no funding to fill the roles”. This is despite NPWS declaring that all roles were fully funded at the time of the Future Parks restructure. To date no response has been received from the Department. However, it appears that following PSA representation some roles are now being filled. However, it is vital that members do not do the work of any vacant or unfilled role, otherwise the Department will continue to leave them unfilled, with a view to quietly deleting the position.
On that basis the PSA directs its members NOT TO DO THE ADDITIONAL WORK OF UNFILLED ROLES.
Please advise a PSA delegate or Industrial staff if this is occurring.
The PSA is very aware of the many new projects and funding for such projects. The PSA has clearly stated to DPIE that adequate roles (LEC) must be provided with the funds to undertake the work. Staff taken off other duties to perform project works MUST be backfilled. Funds must be provided for backfilling of these positions.
Housing policy
The PSA has provided input into this policy. It is also aware of the number of empty houses laying idle or being rented at full market rent for short term stays. Meanwhile, staff are unable to find accommodation in regional towns such as Jindabyne and other regional and remote locations. The NPWS should assist with the provision of housing for members at locations where accommodation is scarce. The PSA will continue to advocate on behalf of members on this issue.
Leave issues
The PSA continues to advocate on behalf of members in relation to the continuance of errors being made by payroll on leave accrual, overpayments, etc. Some requests for staff to pay back leave have been overturned after discussions with the PSA. If any members are being asked to pay back an overpayment, please contact the PSA so we can look at the specific details and advocate on your behalf.
Delay in resolving issues with Ranger progression
The PSA has arranged to meet with DPIE industrial staff on 19 November in an attempt to progress this matter. You will be kept informed on any progress.
Flying allowance
Discussions with the Department are ongoing, and we have not yet reached agreement. Discussions are ongoing regarding payment of flying allowance during incidents.
Uniform Reference Group
The Uniform Reference Group (URG) has been provided with samples of uniform to assess. Samples have also been provided to branches. The NPWS Executive have said no to caps; shorts and short sleeves unless you’re operating a marine vessel. Four uniforms will be developed for Visitor Centre staff; Rangers; Field staff and a Corporate uniform. The URG has been broken up into sub groups to deal with the four uniforms.
Law enforcement training
The PSA continues to discuss the training needs of members with DPIE. To this end some additional law enforcement training has been scheduled and vacancies in the NPWS RTO have been filled. The PSA has heard the concerns of members and will further advocate the need for a dedicated Investigator for EACH operational Branch to support staff involved with compliance and law enforcement.
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