The Disability Workers’ Union

CPSU NSW: The Disability Workers’ Union represents disability support workers across various vocations within the disability sector. Initially represented by the Public Service Association of NSW (PSA) when the NSW Public Service through Ageing, Disability and Homecare (ADHC) had responsibility for the care of people with disability, The Disability Workers’ Union was able to undertake coverage of union members when they were transferred across to private providers or non-government organisations.

The Disability Workers’ Union still believes there is scope for the public sector to be responsible for the most vulnerable people in NSW and will continue that fight. However, as a priority, it will always fight and advocate for members within this sector, making sure they are paid correctly and working conditions are at a level that provides members to support those that require the utmost care and support.

Prison Officers Vocational Branch

The POVB is the Prison Officers Vocational Branch of the PSA, representing all non-commissioned Correctional Officers, Overseers and Casual Correctional Officers.

The unique work conducted by POVB Members in the NSW prison system requires a practical degree of autonomy in managing its industrial affairs. The PSA acknowledges the Management Committee of the POVB, in conjunction with PSA Central Council, as the decision-making and policy making body of the POVB. The State Executive of the POVB shall  manage the affairs of the POVB in between meetings of the Management Committee. The Chairperson of the POVB has day-to-day control of the affairs of the POVB and shall convene all meetings and activities of the State Executive and Management Committee.

The POVB prides itself of having strength in numbers and density in membership, and our Delegates’ and Members’ unified approach in fighting for safety and security in our often very dangerous work environment. The POVB motto “we face what you fear” is what unifies members.

How is the POVB structured?

Nearly every Correctional Officer working in a NSW public correctional facility is a POVB member. Currently the POVB is 6000 members strong, which is between 98 and 99 per cent of all Officers. All POVB Members are attached to a POVB Sub-Branch.

There are currently 54 POVB Sub-Branches, consisting of Correctional Centres, Court Escort Security Units, Medical Escort Units and specialised units in Security & Intelligence. Each POVB Sub-Branch conducts annual elections of Delegates and has paid monthly POVB meetings, where all POVB Members within the Sub-Branch can attend and raise important workplace issues.

POVB Delegates from each Sub-Branch are the backbone of our union, and take many issues to management to ensure safety, security and fairness in our workplaces. POVB members typically raise issues with their local Delegates and in most cases those issues are resolved locally.

Twice a year, the Chairpersons from each of the 54 POVB Sub-Branches meet and form the POVB Management Committee – the decision-making body of the POVB. Changes to the POVB Rules can only be amended by the POVB Management Committee and all major issues relating to the POVB are raised in that forum to the Commissioner of CSNSW.

Retired Associates Membership

Retired Associates membership provides former members employed in NSW Public Sector and those eligible under coverage of the CPSU NSW an avenue to stay involved within the union movement.

Regular meetings bi-monthly are conducted within PSA House at 160 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000, with special guests invited to speak about the important issues relevant to this group of members.

Membership to the Retired Associates is recommended immediately upon retirement to maintain access to the Provident Fund, with the Provident Fund maintainable up to the age of 70.

Along with the Provident Fund, Retired Associates also have access to a range of member benefits that includes discounts to a range of products and services that can make life more affordable during retirement. However the following member benefits are excluded:

• Emergency Ambulance Cover
• Journey Insurance
• PSA Scholarships for children and Kris Kruden Women’s Scholarship

There is also membership without the Provident Fund that still affords you access to the other member benefits, thus it is still worthwhile.

Executive of the Retired Associates

Dave McKeough President
Robert Asbury Senior Vice President
Barry Blanchard Junior Vice President
Nicola Christie Assistant Secretary/Women’s Contact Officer

Vacant positions

Secretary
Welfare Officer

Executive Committee members

Wayne O’Mara
John Walz

Meeting dates

Tuesday 24 February 2026
Tuesday 28 April 2026
Tuesday 23 June 2026 – Annual General Meeting
Tuesday 25 August 2026
Tuesday 27 October 2026
Tuesday 1 December 2026

Membership of the Retired Associates Branch

Membership with Provident Fund is $42.45 per year.

To be in the Provident Fund members must join the Retired Associates immediately after retirement.
Membership of the Provident Fund ceases at age 70.
Membership without the Provident Fund is $36.75 for the year.

Meetings

General meetings are bi-monthly and held at PSA House, 160 Clarence Street Sydney NSW 2000.

The Retired Associates invites members, and others who may be interested in joining to attend.
Meetings commence at 10:30am and are a great source of information about retirement, superannuation, lifestyle, health and other issues. Meetings conclude with light refreshments at lunchtime and a warm welcome is assured.

For further information please contact Dave McKeough on 0417 680 626 or by email 

The Professional Staff Union

The CPSU NSW: The Professional Staff Union represents members classified as professional staff in universities within NSW.

The Professional Staff Union solely negotiates on behalf of and only for professional staff at the bargaining table in enterprise negotiations. We believe, in the role and functions you do within the university environment, thus need the support and guidance solely representing your needs.

The Professional Staff Union was the first union to achieve family and domestic violence leave in any industrial instrument when in 2010 it was able to negotiate 20 days leave per year for members subjected to family and domestic violence at University of NSW. This achievement paved the way for this type of leave being accessible across enterprise agreements nationwide and for Crown Employees within NSW.

The Professional Staff Union has also fought and won superior superannuation benefits to the legislated employer contribution of 12 per cent with a number of university enterprise agreements having a minimum of 17 per cent superannuation.

The Professional Staff Union understands the importance of the tertiary sector that educates our leaders of tomorrow.

PSA Schools

Representing the largest cohort of members within the PSA (10,000 plus), the school section of the membership covers a multitude of employee classifications supporting the functions and students within the school environment. The PSA represents:

• School Administrative Support Staff (SASS)
• General Assistants’ (GA’s)
• School Psychologists
• Student Support Officers and
• School Administrative Officers in Science

Significant Wins

In recent years, the PSA has fought and won significant issues for members in schools including,

• Pay Equity case for SASS members achieving between 19 per cent and 35.8 per cent pay rises depending on job classification due to undervaluing of those roles based on gender,
• Prevention of privatisation of GA roles and functions within schools,
• Significant pay increases for School Psychologists,
• Most importantly in 2023 secured permanency for 7000 support staff in insecure roles.

The PSA’s commitment to enhance and promote the working lives of these groups of members will always continue.

PSA School’s Recognition Week

Each and every year in September, the PSA promotes the tireless work of staff within schools who are the backbone in running schools. Follow the link HERE to find out more on the history of PSA School’s Recognition Week and the importance of the people who support our next generation.

Union Fee Schedule

Union fees have been adjusted in line with the NSW Public Service pay rise that occurred on the first pay period after 1 July 2025. This came into effect on 4 August 2025
These figures include 10% GST.

The rates are:

Members proceeding on Leave Without Pay in excess of three months need to advise the PSA so as to maintain their financial membership of the PSA and the Provident Fund at a special rate of $38.04 p.a. However, members on Leave Without Pay for a period less than three months pay the usual rate.

PSA fees are tax deductible.

CPSU NSW Membership

The Community and Public Sector Union NSW (CPSU NSW) have proudly fought the advancement of pay and working conditions in various areas of its’ coverage. As the union covering university professional staff, TAFE NSW (non-teaching), disability services, power industry generators, private gaols, state-owned corporations and former NSW public service entities.

In coalition with the Public Service Association of NSW (PSA), the CPSU NSW has proudly fought to secure and advance the pay and working conditions of employees within the federal sector landscape. It provides support, expert advice and collective as well as individual representation with any difficulty that may be encountered in the workplace.

By joining the CPSU NSW you are bolstering the collective number and doing so greater achievements can be made on enterprise bargaining, flexible working, workplace practices, improvements in workplace health and safety, worker’s compensation and much much more. We also have your back in disciplinary matters and will always fight for better pay.

As a CPSU NSW member, you are also a member of the PSA, meaning you are part of one large union, with two powerful voices helping within the state and federal systems.

There are also a wide range of member benefits for you and your family immediately accessible upon joining (see below).

This is the time to join the CPSU NSW and enjoy the fruits of previous generations of members that have laid the foundations for you today.

PSA Membership

For more than 120 years the Public Service Association of NSW (PSA) has proudly fought to secure and advance the pay and working conditions of public servants in diverse roles across NSW Government departments, agencies and schools.

As a major public sector union working on behalf of fee-paying members in NSW, the PSA helps members in all aspects of their working lives. It provides support, expert advice and collective as well as individual representation with any difficulty that may be encountered in the workplace.

No Government of any political persuasion offers to boost workers’ pay packets or workplace conditions, but tens of thousands of PSA members working collectively are able to achieve significant outcomes.

By joining the PSA you are bolstering the collective number and doing so greater achievements can be made on flexible working, workplace practices, improvements in workplace health and safety, worker’s compensation and much much more. We also have your back in disciplinary matters and will always fight for better pay.

Areas of coverage by the PSA in NSW government departments and agencies include:

• Audit Office
• Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Waters
• Communities and Justice
• Community Services
• Corrective Services
• Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport
• Customer Service
• Education (Support Staff, General Assistants and Department of Education)
• Health
• NSW Parliament
• Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
• Premier and Cabinet
• Primary Industries and Regional Development
• Transport
• Treasury

There are also a wide range of member benefits for you and your family immediately accessible upon joining (see below).

This is the time to join the PSA and enjoy the fruits of previous generations of members that have laid the foundations for you today.

Membership

Who are we

For more than 125 years, our union has proudly fought to secure and advance the pay and conditions of the workers who keep NSW running.

The union, which currently has more than 40,000 members is divided into the Public Service Association of NSW (PSA) and the Community and Public Sector Union (SPSF Group) NSW Branch (CPSU NSW).

The PSA represents public servants in diverse roles across NSW government departments and agencies. The CPSU NSW is there for workers in universities, TAFE colleges, disability services, private gaols and state-owned corporations. All PSA members are part of the CPSU NSW, and all CPSU NSW members are part of the PSA.

The PSA CPSU NSW fights for its members state-wide in all aspects of their working lives, providing support, expert advice and collective as well as individual representation with any difficulty that may be encountered in the workplace.

In doing so, the union and its membership have shaped the industrial landscape in this state.

No employer or government of any political persuasion offers to boost workers’ pay packets or conditions, but tens of thousands of PSA CPSU NSW members working collectively can achieve significant outcomes.

In addition to the PSA CPSU NSW increasing pay and extending conditions, members also receive assistance with a range of other workplace issues including the protection of flexible working hours, bullying, worker’s compensation, disciplinary matters, women’s rights, work practices, and work health and safety.

Member cost of living draw

From Thursday 7 May 2026 to Thursday 17 December 2026, each Thursday fortnight all financial members at 3:00pm will be eligible to win a $500 gift card courtesy of the PSA CPSU NSW. There is nothing you need to do apart from being a member of the union. Visit Cost of Living Giveaway Terms and Conditions for further details and dates of each draw.

It’s time to join the PSA CPSU NSW

When you join the PSA CPSU NSW, you’re never on your own at work. Membership gives you access to expert advice, representation and a collective voice to protect your rights.

Workplace advice and representation

Legal and insurance support for members

A stronger collective voice on pay and conditions

Exclusive member benefits to mitigate cost of living pressures

Joining Process

Getting started takes less than 2 minutes.

The first step just collects your basic information so we can support you if you are unable to finish the application.

What are the costs?

Membership fees are affordable and based on your employment salary level. You will see full details before anything is finalised.

In most circumstances, union fees paid are tax deductible.

Start your membership

There is no obligation until you complete your application.

Still not sure?

Still not sure? Discover the member benefits that complement everything else your union provides.

View Member Benefits

Further Information

If you require further information, feel free to view the below cards which provide further information on the PSA, CPSU NSW and various other sections of the membership

POVB Legal Fund

In June 2003, the PSA established a legal fund as a protective measure for non-commissioned prison officers who may be charged with a criminal offence in the workplace.

The corrections industry can be dangerous with uniformed staff often placed in positions of direct conflict with inmates and members of the public.

This can lead to unfair accusations of criminal behaviour.

As the PSA does not provide financial assistance to any member who has been charged with a criminal offence, the PSA Executive decided to establish the legal fund.

To contribute to the fund, contact the elected Prison Officers Vocational Branch official at your workplace for an application.

Alternatively, talk to the POVB Organiser or Industrial Officer at the PSA on 1800 772 679.

They can also assist if you wish to access the fund.

Any such requests will be passed on to the trustees.

Only financial members of the union are entitled to contribute to the fund.

Subscription is $8.00 per fortnight which is tax deductible and includes GST.

Download and Join POVB Legal Fund

Switch

Why you should switch from payroll to direct debit or credit card

The Public Service Association prefers members pay fees via direct debit or credit card. Relying on your employer to forward your payments via payroll deductions can be cut off at any time leaving you without coverage, we encourage members to make the switch.

By making the switch today from payroll deductions to direct debit or recurring credit card you will get:

• More privacy by keeping your payments to the PSA a confidential matter between you and your union
• Greater control of your finances
• Independence from relying on your employer who may cease your payroll deductions at any time leaving you vulnerable
• Peace of mind knowing you have secured your PSA membership in the future
• Reassurance when it comes to issues within the workplace.

To make the SWITCH just log in here and amend your details online or complete SWITCH form here.

Privacy

Introduction:

This statement applies to personal information collected by Public Service Association of NSW. It is for the purpose of collecting data through various channels on the website in order to extend the services to our suppliers and clients.

Personal information:

It is our usual practice to collect personal information directly from you.

Sometimes we collect personal information from a third party if you have consented or would reasonably expect us to collect the information in this way, for example from publicly available sources such as websites or telephone directories.

Public Service Association of NSW does not collect personal information about you if you only browse this website. This website only uses session cookies during a search query of the website or when you access the forms in various categories. When you close your browser the session cookie is destroyed and no personal information is kept which might identify you to us in the future.

Uses:

We only use your personal information for the purposes for which you give it to us and for related, internal management purposes.

We do not give information about you to other agencies, organisations or anyone else unless one of the following applies:

you have consented
you’d expect us to or we have told you we will
it is required or authorised by law
it will prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to somebody’s life or health or
the disclosure is reasonably necessary for law enforcement or for the protection of public revenue.
We analyse non-identifiable website traffic data to improve our services.
Your choices:

You may access personal information that we hold about you or you can ask us to correct personal information we hold about you.

If you are on one or more of our email lists you may opt out of further contact from us by clicking the unsubscribe option in all emails sent to you or one the unsubscribe links on the website.

Important information:

Public Service Association of NSW is bound by the Information Privacy Principles of the Privacy Act 1988.

How to contact us:

For further information you can contact our office:

Public Service Association of NSW

GPO Box 3365, Sydney NSW 2001
Phone 1800 772 679
Fax (02) 9262 1623