PSA members are directed to work to Departmental Policy and Procedure
23 April 2026
The Public Service Association (PSA) reminds Child Protection members of the ongoing importance of working strictly in accordance with Departmental policies, procedures, practice guidance, and written directions at all times.
Given increasing workload pressures, heightened scrutiny, and inconsistent messaging from management, members must take steps to protect themselves professionally and industrially.
When members are directed, explicitly or implicitly, to depart from policy due to lack of capacity, unrealistic timeframes, or media pressure, the risk is shifted onto individual workers.
As it appears discretion is now being brought into question by the Department, we direct members to ‘work explicitly to Departmental Policy and Procedure’.
What this means in practice, PSA members are advised to:
- Comply only with work that is required by Departmental policy and procedure, approved practice frameworks and/or formal written directions issued by management
- Do not depart from policy to “work around” capacity constraints, meet informal expectations, or compensate for systemic resourcing failures
- Do not accept verbal directions that conflict with policy
- If a direction is unclear, unsafe, or inconsistent with policy, request it in writing
- Work within your classification, role description, and delegation
- Do not perform duties outside your role unless formally directed and supported in writing
- Use workload planners, supervision records, and written communication to document capacity issues and competing priorities.
And if you are unsure if a decision or proposed action falls within policy or procedure escalate the matter to your manager, Director or Executive Director in writing.
The PSA is aware of the excessive workload, lack of staffing, refusal to backfill vacant positions and the extreme expectations placed on members. It is not your responsibility to work beyond contract hours or accept excessive expectations, it is the responsibility of the Department to manage its resources within legislation and policy.
The PSA will not accept members being Individually blamed for outcomes arising from systemic capacity and resourcing failures or directions that are in breach of policy, procedure or legislation.
If you are:
- Directed to take action inconsistent with policy
- Asked to prioritise tasks without regard to safety, workload, or procedural requirements
- Pressured to proceed without adequate information, supervision, or authority.
- You should:
- Pause and seek clarification in writing
- Document the issue (dates, instructions, impacts)
- Contact the PSA immediately for advice and representation.
The PSA will continue to:
- Actively represent members
- Challenge unsafe and unreasonable directions
- Escalate systemic workload and resourcing concerns
- Defend members who have acted in accordance with policy
- Members must not absorb the risk of system failure.
If you need advice, support, or representation, contact your PSA Organiser or PSA Member Support.