Public Service Association of NSW (PSA) will recall earlier this year it was reported  the NSW Government was potentially cutting $14 million funding to NSW Integrity Agencies.

These reported cuts were reported to impact the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), the Audit Office, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, the NSW Ombudsman, and the NSW Electoral Commission.

The PSA immediately began campaigning against these reported $14 million funding cuts . At the time, PSA General Secretary Stewart Little stated that “Independent and consistent funding, which is allocated at arm’s length from the government, is needed urgently. Keeping NSW corruption free shouldn’t be treated as a line item in the budget, it is a core service we need”.
The PSA is pleased to report this concerted effort was successful. The reported $14 million dollar funding cuts were not passed on in the 2021 – 2022 NSW budget. Many Integrity Agencies saw slight funding increases.

This is a step in the right direction. However, we consider NSW Government must go further and commit that Integrity Agencies will receive consistent, regular funding models not subject to efficiency dividends. Keeping NSW corruption free is a core service that requires consistent, expected funding funding.

Ombudsman increases permanent employees – approximately 20+ temporary employees converted to ongoing positions

Stopping these reported budget cuts has had positive impacts for PSA members.

The NSW Ombudsman has converted 20+ employees from temporary roles to ongoing roles. The PSA considers this would not have been possible had these funding cuts been implemented.

The PSA has been advocating for an increase in permanent positions at the NSW Ombudsman. We consider this is a good outcome.

The PSA will be continuing to advocate for an increase in permanent positions at all integrity agencies. The PSA supports ongoing, long-term public service jobs.

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