As we approach the close of 2023, your union, the PSA, has been hard at work addressing the issues that matter most to you.
NSWSHO Uplift
During the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC), we learned that the Uplift has progressed to the next stage, undergoing an analysis by Treasury. This marks a significant step toward negotiations for a long-awaited pay rise for staff. The PSA remains committed to advocating for a timely resolution, with an anticipated update by the end of March 2024.
Court Officer’s Uplift
The recent announcement of the Court Officer’s uplift on December 6, 2023, is a positive development resulting from the concerted efforts of the PSA. This accomplishment, following extensive advocacy efforts and collaborative engagements, sets the stage for improved pay and conditions for our members.
Role Description
We recently met with Court Officer members at the Downing Centre JAR (with AVL facilities available for others) to discuss concerns about the Role Description. Key points were raised, and we’ve obtained clarification on mandatory training requirements and flexible options for existing staff.
- The First Aid, Vicarious Trauma and Certificate III training will be mandatory for staff at this stage.
- The 12-month requirement only applies to future staff who commence work at NSWSHO.
- The timing for completion of these courses will be flexible for current staff.
- Existing staff can also opt for a “Recognition of Prior Learning” (RPL) qualification if they do not wish to do the course.
- The Working with Children Check (WWCC) is not required in most circumstances, this is a generic requirement which is inserted in all role descriptions. If members are requested to complete a WWCC, please contact us.
Sheriff’s Office Advisory Group Meeting and JCC
On November 22, 2023, the Sheriff’s Office Advisory Group (SOVBAG) convened at PSA House, followed by a JCC session with management on 23 November 2023.
Training and recruitment
An in-depth update on projected recruitment is scheduled for early 2024. The Academy is currently offering various training programs, and we are actively addressing concerns about the mandatory Certificate III for Court Officers.
The Academy is currently providing:
- Certificate IV in Leadership and Management
- Certificate III in Government (Sheriff’s Officer stream)
- Certificate III in Government (Court Officer stream)
- NSWSHO will continue to advise us of any future training programs.
Work, Health, and Safety
We’re working with NSWSHO to establish a more effective framework for communicating serious incidents. Our ongoing efforts include requesting updates on WHS Incidents and Reports, ensuring the well-being of our members.
Consultation and communication arrangements:
The draft terms of reference for the JCC have been finalised, awaiting signatures from both the PSA and NSW Sheriff’s Office (NSWSHO).
Legislation changes
Updates on amendments to existing legislation, including the introduction of Body Worn Video Cameras (BWVC), were provided. The BWVC trial is scheduled for January 2024, with PSA representation on the steering committee.
People Matter Employment Survey
We’ve requested access to the survey results for discussion at our next meeting.
Bails Court
We’ve engaged with NSWSHO, CTSD, and the Department of Communities and Justice to address concerns about changes at Newcastle and Wollongong. The PSA is committed to ensuring proper communication and consultation moving forward.
We put the following questions to management and received the following answers:
- Who was the decision-maker behind the current arrangements which have been implemented at Newcastle and Wollongong? The current arrangements have not been made by a single person. Each registry over the last few years has adopted the AVL approach.
- The information considered during this determination: As AVL appearances have become the dominant form of bail’s court operations, CTSD has determined that Sheriff’s Officers are not required due to no public attendance at Bails Courts.
- The implementation timeline: These changes were implemented at Wollongong in November this year, and May in Newcastle.
- NSWSHO, CTSD, and DCJ have acknowledged that the communication and consultation with both the PSA and impacted workers could have been handled better. The PSA has received a commitment that future processes will be handled better.
- At this stage, the outstanding WHS concerns that we have are in relation to Fire Evacuation and other emergency procedures which list Sheriff’s Officers. We will look at having these procedures reviewed and addressed by NSWSHO/CTSD/DCJ.
- If members have further concerns, please contact us.
Civil Enforcement Command
We have requested that management conduct a review of the Service Charter, reflecting changes in SORTS and fieldwork dynamics. Sydney Office is slated to move from Central to Hospital Road due to construction. Mount Druitt is being used as a pool location.
Security duties
After the JCC, the PSA met with Deputy Sheriff Mayer and Acting Superintendent York to discuss member concerns around attending locations one-out.
Risk assessments are driven by a variety of factors, this also includes statistical data. We strongly encourage all our members to report all reportable incidents. This will greatly assist in the risk assessment process.
Local management (individual court OICs/Supervisors) also have the discretion to allocate staffing resources according to their individual risk assessments. The risk assessment provided by Intelligence and Risk Command is a good indicator of the general risk. However, there should also be continuous assessment of conditions.
The PSA have also requested an organisational snapshot of Manager/Supervisor allocations throughout NSWSHO work sites.
SOC
Expect a finalised draft agreement from NSWSHO for consultation by late January.
Sheriff’s Office Anniversary
Numerous events are planned in the lead-up to the anniversary. Check NSWSHO communications for details.
SOVBAG review
We acknowledge concerns about the current structure of SOVBAG and are in the process of reviewing the Constitution. A new draft Charter is expected in early 2024, pending final consultation and approval.
As we navigate through these issues, we remain dedicated to finding resolutions that positively impact our members. Wishing you and your families a joyous and safe Christmas and New Year as court operations wind down for the festive period.
If you need to raise an issue, please contact the Member Support Centre or one of the contacts below.