The National Parks Vocational Branch (NPVB) met on Monday 2 August  2021 to discuss a range of issues affecting PSA members in the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

Industrial dispute: vacant roles

The PSA lodged a dispute in the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) last Thursday, as your union has not been provided information on job losses through the Future NPWS restructure and subsequent filling of vacancies. The PSA understands there are around 120 unfilled ongoing roles in the NPWS that have not been provided to the Association.

The information provided by the Department to the IRC was there has been an increase 330 roles since 2019. However, the PSA was quick to point out that this information was misleading, as these 330 roles were temp roles and created by a $400 million stimulus package for new project. They are not ongoing roles. The PSA advised the IRC if the Department has deleted 120 roles, the NPWS should have provided the PSA a Change Management Plan on what roles, classifications and locations were affected.

Chief Commissioner Constant advised if these roles were deleted there needed to be consultation with the PSA.

The Chief Commissioner has stood the matter over until 12 August 2021 and has advised both parties to provide a list of ongoing roles that have been identified as being deleted from the 2018 structures.

DPIE Flex Agreement

The meeting discussed the new draft Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) Flex Agreement. The general consensus of the Delegates was that the new agreement is of little benefit to members in NPWS as it does not suite the operational work, nor meet members’ family needs.

The current NPWS Flex Agreement is contained in our Award and cannot be changed without the consent of the PSA. At this point in time we are not seeking to change this agreement.

COVID-safe work arrangements

Such arrangements were discussed at the meeting. It would appear there is a lack of consistency in work arrangements in the different branches of NPWS. Whilst this may be necessary for a range of operational needs, there are still issues with this approach.

Concerns have been raised by members in relation to COVID-safe work arrangements, specifically in relation to the conditions and approval of filming agreements in NPWS. Most recently large film crews have had their filming agreements approved to work in National Parks in the Greater Sydney Branch (GSB) with little consultation with both members and the PSA. This is extremely concerning for the PSA and its members and we are currently in discussion with the Department.

Sexual harassment in the workplace

Claire Pullen from the PSA was present at the meeting to provide a presentation on the PSA’s ‘model clause’ pertaining to sexual harassment in the work place. Ms Pullen indicated that employees have a ‘duty of care’ not just in respect of resolving such issues when they arise but to ensure that all members (particularly women, who are most affected) work in a safe environment. The presentation was well received by the Delegates. Ms Pullen advised that when the model clause is finalised, it will be provided to departments for consideration and adoption.

Further to this, a briefing note will be prepared on other such issues (including WHS women’s issues) for further discussion at our upcoming NPWS Joint Consultative Committee meeting in September. The briefing note will be prepared by Naomi Goosen, the Women’s Representative on the NPVB.

EOIs for new roles

The PSA is calling out the Department on its approach to Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and their distribution. In one word, it’s dodgy to say the least. It would appear that often a small ‘select’ pool of prospective applicants are being provided the opportunity of applying for some EOIs at the discretion of their Director.

This is made apparent by the advice from the Department:

• ‘All Branches have been ‘encouraged’ to list new internal EOI’s for roles longer than four weeks on the ‘Jobs Board’ on Insite when they become available’.

This permits a ‘captain’s pick’ by Directors, which lacks any semblance of transparency or equity. In spite of numerous representations to the Department on this issue, it continues unabated.

The PSA will continue to vigorously pursue the matter with DPIE. The Department loves to ‘talk the talk’ on equity so let’s see them ‘walk the walk’!

Casual members’ issues (cash floats and secondary employment)

The PSA has disputed with the Department the issue of members taking cash floats home from toll booths in National Parks. Members should be paid to return floats to the local office before returning home.

Due to the effect of COVID-19 on visitation and hence casual shifts in NPWS, members are working fewer hours and shifts. Thus the NPWS may not be the member’s ‘first’ employer.

The PSA has disputed the Department’s position on ‘secondary employment’ for casual staff in the NPWS. This matter is being followed up by the Department. You will be kept informed on this issue.

Shorebird meeting: SCB

The issue of management of the Shorebird project in South Coast Branch (SCB) is ongoing. Due to issues with COVID-19, the most recent meetings on the project have been postponed. However, a further meeting is planned soon with note that the PSA is not satisfied with the Department’s position on this matter.

Staff housing

Issues over who should occupy staff housing are ongoing. The PSA’s position on this matter is that those who occupy such housing do so on the basis of the area’s ‘operational needs’  The process of determining this should be clear and transparent; the PSA will continue discussions with NPWS in relation to this matter.

Know anyone yet to join the PSA?

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