As reported to members on 10 September 2026 the long running P-card dispute had resulted in an agreement to back pay Inspectors outstanding travel payments. The only remaining issue was to consult on a draft P-Card Travel Policy Provisions Circular.
Consultation closed on the 18 September 2026 with final agreement on the policy resulting in a go-live date of 6 October 2026.
The following communication to staff went out on 6 October:
- Email to all staff employed by SafeWorkNSW SEE HERE
From 6 October 2026, a new Travel Provisions Circular sets out how SafeWork NSW pays allowances for approved overnight travel. This email explains what’s changing, how past travel will be paid for inspectors, and what you may need to do.
- SafeWorkNSW Travel Provisions Circular – October 2026 SEE HERE
New agreed policy circular outlines Travel provisions payable to all staff from 6 October 2026.
- SafeWorkNSW PCard and Travel Provisions Circular FAQs – October 2026 SEE HERE
The attached frequently asked questions have been put together to help provide you with more information regarding travel expenses and the lump sum payment for inspectors.
PSA win
After a lengthy and frustrating dispute, the final successful outcome for SafeWork Inspectors came into effect on 6 October 2026. The new Travel Provisions Policy delivers significant improvements over the previous arrangements. Under the new policy, SafeWork NSW will pay allowances for approved work-related travel for all SafeWork NSW employees, including:
- Non-executive employees can use P-Cards for travel expenses and claim meal and incidental allowances up to Award or Treasury rates, whichever is higher.
- Staff can receive full meal allowances without receipts in some circumstances, while residual claims can be made where P-Cards are used.
- Incidentals for overnight travel are payable in full, with any residual claimable where P-Cards are used.
A special thank you goes to the PSA SafeWork Inspectors Vocational Advisory Group delegates for their ongoing advocacy and support. Their efforts have secured outlined backpay arrangements and ensured that all SafeWork NSW members will benefit from fairer travel reimbursement provisions into the future.
This is an important PSA win and sets a benchmark for members across the NSW Public Service seeking reimbursement for work-related expenses, whether through the use of a P-Card or under the Crown Employees (Public Service Conditions of Employment) Award.
This outcome demonstrates the value of collective action and the importance of members standing together through the PSA to achieve lasting workplace improvements.
PSA Contacts
Member Support Centre 1800 772 670
Delegates
Maree Davidson Chair
Toni McKay Deputy Chair
Gavin Parker Secretary
Liam O’Dwyer Delegate
Kate Grajales Ochoa Delegate
Jodi Cleaves Delegate
Louisa Burns Delegate
Lily Gilbert–Smith Delegate
PSA staff