The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) met on Wednesday 8 September to discuss a range of issues affecting members in NPWS.

COVID update

Currently DPIE has no intention to introduce mandatory vaccination requirement but may need to reconsider this position consistent with other State Government agencies and Health orders. Consultation will occur with unions prior to any change in position on vaccinations. Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) has been introduced by the RFS and may apply to NPWS staff entering RFS venues. Currently there’s no plan to do this in the NPWS, unless a RAT test that can be self administered is approved for use. Rules regarding special leave have not changed. Discussion on the NPWS bandwidth ensued. The bandwidth for ALL NPWS employees is 0600-2000 (as per the Parks award).

Vacant roles in NPWS

The PSA and NPWS are currently working through the identified vacant roles in the agency. Advice was given to the PSA that some of the vacant roles have been targeted to be filled and the necessary funding provided to do so. A spreadsheet which identifies the vacancies and their status will be provided to the PSA soon.

The PSA is aware that NPWS has put out a memo on prioritising work as a way of managing the high workloads in NPWS. Work units will be meeting to work through this in the coming weeks. It is positive to see that workload issues are being recognised by NPWS management and systems are being implemented to address this issue. The PSA will monitor progress of this initiative to ensure that it reduces workload stress on our members.

Resourcing of Assets of Intergenerational Significance (AIS) and zero extinctions in NSW National Parks

The meeting was briefed on the identification of over 200 AIS’s and subsequent need to prepare action plans for each asset within 90 days. This new project comes with a significant work load and short timeframes for the preparation of plans (once an AIS is identified and gazetted). The PSA supports this conservation initiative and will be advocating for sufficient staff and financial resources to be allocated to NPWS to achieve this ambitious outcome.

Hunting in NPWS managed flora reserves 

There’s been little progress on hunting in flora reserves. An agreement between NPWS and the DPI Hunting Unit is being prepared as well as a risk management plan for NPWS staff working in areas where recreational hunting is permitted. NPWS staff will be authorised under the Forestry Act and an assurance has been given that no NPWS staff will be expected to enter or work in areas where hunting is permitted until the risk management plan is completed and implemented.

Approval and taking of overtime (OT) and Time in Lieu (TIL)

There’s been a number of issues in relation to this matter. Firstly members need to ensure that both overtime and/or TIL is approved by their supervisor first before undertaking additional duties. Secondly it is very clear in the NPWS Award (Section 16.1.2) that overtime/TIL occurs if directed to work longer than 7 hours (NOT after 10 hours OR with the end of your bandwidth which is 0600-2000) ! Your supervisors should know this if not refer them to the relevant section of the award.

Work Health and Safety (WHS)

The DPIE risk controls have now been approved. The draft WHS procedures are on exhibition and hence closed for consultation. The DPIE Health and Well-being Strategy was to be launched and a Memo will be distributed on 22 September.

Twenty three staff nominated as Health and Safety Representatives (HSR’s). Of those 7 have withdrawn their nominations; 11 have been trained – only 5 require training. The PSA also advised NPWS that there were issues with the ongoing functioning of the WHS Committees (some having infrequent meetings and lacking in the taking of meeting minutes).

Internal advertisement of Expressions of Interest (EOI)

The PSA is still questioning why not all internal EOIs are being put on the newly created page on insite. The PSA is advocating that all short term vacancies should be advertised on the Insite web page by to enable statewide coverage for those EOI’s.

Future of non Park Operations fire fighters

The PSA raised issues with staff in Park Programs and Business Delivery maintaining firefighting competency. The NPWS executive is seeking to retain all firefighters in the agency and will send advice to NPWS managers to ensure that there are arrangements in place to ensure that fire trained staff have access to training, PPE and opportunities to maintain their fire line hours.

Processing of incident payment this coming fire season

A new system for processing incident payments was trialled in the 2020/2021 fire season. The system appears to be working. It will continue to be used in the 2021/22 fire season. Staff will be reminded of the online system in the lead up to the fire season.

Women’s priority issues

The PSA asked about the status of the NPWS Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. A one page statement has been prepared. It will be forwarded to all JCC attendees for consideration.

The NPWS has committed to creating a working group to look at WHS issues affecting women. The composition of this group and where it sit will be developed further.

Flexible work Toolkit

It appears that Work From Home (WFH) entitlements are not being applied equitably throughout NPWS. With Park Operations having an inconsistent approach whilst PP and BD have a greater capacity to WFH. The PSA supports flexible work arrangements to be supported by the NPWS. Many of our members, including Rangers have demonstrated during COVID lockdowns that they can work from home. On that basis NPWS needs to be more flexible on the application of WFH entitlements. A meeting will be convened to further discuss the matter.

Farewell to Robert Quirk

The meeting was advised that Robert Quirk will be leaving the NPWS. The meeting wished him well and acknowledged his significant contribution to the NPWS over his many years of service. Rob was also a PSA member for 30 years taking out membership in 1987. The PSA acknowledges and thanks him for his contribution and lengthy membership of the PSA. Rob stated that he felt comfortable leaving NPWS at this point in time with it having a strong Minister who has provided significant funding; resources and support for important conservation work. Rob reminded the meeting of the important and strategic nature of the JCC group.