PSA and Multicultural NSW – Joint Consultative Committee Meeting May

Please find the below report back for the May meeting between the PSA and Multicultural NSW (MNSW) which occurred on 13 May 2025.

Work, Health and Safety (standing item)

MNSW conducted an evacuation drill in early May. MNSW advised it was successful, and MNSW will send out additional communication to members in the case of an emergency or a drill.

MNSW also advised that the vicarious trauma training set originally for April is now scheduled for 5 June at 2pm. MNSW informed the PSA that there are sessions provided by employee assistance programs (EAPs) which can be accessed on the intranet for various Work Health and Safety (WHS) issues. Further, MSNW has also engaged the Black Dog institute for further mental health support to members.

Flexible working policy

The PSA advised that broadly, members did not have an issue with the updated MNSW flexible working policy.

Recruitment (standing item)

MNSW advised that a number of temporary employees have been converted to ongoing employment.

IT issues and the time it takes to resolve matters

MNSW acknowledges that there have been problems with working from home and internet connectivity over the last month. MNSW have sought to address this by investigating server issues and VPN issues. However, hard wired ethernet is the best solution for connectivity as it limits the problems with WIFI. MNSW also advised that one on one service by IT has been offered to members, and MNSW will issue a trouble shooting guide on the intranet regarding connectivity.

Payroll and shared services – delays in getting back to members

The PSA advised MNSW members are experiencing delays of many months regarding requests for service. This is affecting leave balances for members, especially those who have transferred from outside MNSW.

In response, MNSW acknowledged that the transfer of leave balances has been an issue. The PSA advised that members would like MNSW to assist with leave balances that have not been transferred. MNSW advised that if there is evidence of the leave balance, such a screen shot, MNSW will acknowledge the leave balance without the leave having been transferred.

MNSW will seek a discussion with DCJ regarding the issue.

Overtime regarding events and regional engagements

The PSA advised that members are experiencing issues with getting overtime approved for events and regional engagements. MNSW agreed to review the policy and get back to the PSA.