Victory - Nov 2020 (PDF version)

The PSA has fiercely lobbied NSW Politicians and now the Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA) has been taken out of the Sporting Venues Authorities Amendment (Venues NSW) Bill 2020.

Overview

Members might recall the bulletin provided by the PSA on the introduction of the Sporting Venues Authorities Amendment (Venues NSW) Bill 2020. The Bill significantly impacted SOPA staff and the future administration of SOPA as a whole. However, our bulletin today has great news for PSA members on the progression of the Bill and the subsequent amendments.

The PSA and the process of lobbying

After its passage in the Government-controlled Lower House of NSW Parliament, PSA representatives began lobbying Parliamentarians on the immediate and long-term consequences for SOPA staff.

Understanding and sharing your concerns, the Labor opposition along with the Upper House Cross Bench have amended the Sporting Venues Authorities Amendment (Venues NSW) Bill 2020. It was subsequently sent back to the Legislative Assembly where by several of those amendments were accepted. The Bill now has been ratified and assented into law. The important factor for SOPA staff was the removal of SOPA from the bill in its entirety.

The PSA believes this is a victory for SOPA members and the continued administration of SOPA as a whole – as it was created.

What does this mean for SOPA as an entity and as an employer?

The venues contained within the confines of the SOPA precinct will remain with SOPA. The vesting of land within its confines can now only proceed through an Act of Parliament, rather than the stroke of a pen. Furthermore, there no venues staff will transfer to Venues NSW as a part of the progression of this legislation. The venues will remain with SOPA so that they can derive an income, along with the provision of community and sporting club assistance, whilst providing both commercial and residential developments in line with its original design and committed standards.

Never, ever transfer staff?

This does not mean that the NSW Government may into the future use Public Sector Administrative Orders to move SOPA venues staff to Venues NSW or any other Government agency. It simply makes the transfer much more unlikely.

PSA delivers for its members

This once again demonstrates the ability of the PSA to:

1. reach out to those powerful interests
2. identify issues that are at the core of our membership
3. successfully lobby to ensure YOUR WORKPLACE is protected.

A big thanks to our SOPA workplace Delegates who again have provided tireless assistance. Strong workplace structures make for better workplace outcomes for members.

Not yet a member? It’s time that you joined at www.psa.asn.au.