The PSA has received concerns from members about the work health and safety of their colleagues and staff at Blacktown Courthouse. The PSA understands there have been issues with leaking roofs, unpleasant smells and mould, as well as exposed wires. This raises very serious concerns about the conditions which members are being made to work at this worksite.

Upon speaking with the Deputy Registrar at this court location, it was advised that this has been previously reported to the Department and that the issues are being looked at.

This is not good enough. When other arrangements can be made to look after the wellbeing, health, and safety of members such as working from home or alternate locations.

After this was raised by the PSA we were advised that Infrastructure and Assets staff were attending the Blacktown Courthouse on Tuesday 1 March, and that an electrician was called to this site and had advised the wires are not presenting a danger to members. The PSA was also advised that work in the roof of this court will commence within the next three or four months.

The request of the PSA is for the outcomes to be communicated to members and that all measures to ensure the work health and safety of members are treated as a matter of priority.

If you have any concerns around WHS issues, please call the PSA Member Support Centre on 1300 772 679, or contact your PSA Organiser Alex Sala on 0439 443 851. Additionally, please visit the PSA website HERE for training on work health and safety and other courses that may be of benefit.

Public Sector Wages Policy

In 2011, the NSW Coalition Government legislated to keep Public Sector wages down, deciding that 2.5 per cent would be the maximum annual pay rise the Public Sector could claim. The PSA lodges an annual pay claim on behalf of our members, but each year for the past decade, we have been limited, by law, to a maximum of 2.5 per cent. The effect of inflation and the NSW Government’s cap on wage increases means that the real wages of members have declined. This is compounded by members only receiving a 0.3 per cent salary increase in 2020 after the Government attempted to freeze Public Sector wages.

PSA Wages Claim 2022

A 2.5 per cent pay rise would mean a pay cut in real terms. With inflation running at 3.5 per cent, the PSA will be seeking a minimum increase of 3.6 per cent to members’ salaries. In addition, we will be seeking payment of superannuation on the unpaid portion of the first 12 months of parental leave for our members.

Members’ survey

We need to know how you feel about this. Please take a few minutes to complete our survey HERE. Completing it will take you less than two minutes. The survey will close on Friday 4 March.