The National Parks Vocational Branch (NPVB) convened on Tuesday, 13 August 2024, to address several critical topics, including:

Law Enforcement

The PSA has long advocated for improved safety measures for staff engaged in law enforcement. This includes better equipment, refined protocols, and enhanced training. Recent serious threats to staff involved in compliance activities underscore the urgent need for action. The PSA is pushing for:

• Finalisation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NSW Police.
• Adequate resourcing for the Specialist Investigations Unit.
• Implementation of recommendations from the Risk-E Business report on staff safety.

Issues Impacting Women

The PSA supports the continuation of the Women’s WHS Committee and its recent call for re-nominations. We advocate for:

• A dedicated PSA representative on the committee.
• Inclusion of a Health and Safety Representative to broaden the representation of women’s issues.

Project Officers and Ranger Issues

The PSA is deeply concerned about the significant reduction in NPWS Rangers over the last 15 years. A large decrease in ranger numbers occurred in the past—there were approximately 370 in 2010 and after successive changes over the years there are only around 200 now in 2024. This decline, coupled with the expansion of the NPWS estate and increased conservation programmes, has led to higher workloads for Rangers. We are pleased that NPWS executives acknowledge these concerns, but more action is required.

Key issues include:

• The need for a balanced structure within NPWS, addressing the proportion of Rangers, specialist Project Officers, and other staff classifications.
• The high number of temporary Project Officers and limited career progression opportunities. The PSA will seek a detailed breakdown of these positions and inquire about long-term plans.

Premier’s Memorandum – PSA Consultation and Next Steps

The PSA has received many queries from members about the Premier’s circular on working-from-home arrangements and have sought immediate confirmation that those employees currently working remotely can continue to do so. The PSA requires that until such time as genuine consultation has occurred, the status quo remains. We will continue to update members with any further developments regarding the circular from the Premier.

The PSA is here for you. Any member with issues with flexible working arrangements, including working from home, will be supported by their union.

Compensation for Out-of-Hours Travel and Work

Members have raised concerns about compensation for out-of-hours travel, including travel on weekends for meetings or training. We aim to clarify the distinction between ‘travel’ (compensated as Excess Travel Time) and ‘work’ (compensated as Overtime). Initial discussions suggest that transporting materials and equipment in NPWS vehicles should be classified as ‘work.’ Further meetings will address these concerns and explore appropriate solutions.

Your delegate team in NPWS is as follows:

• Ben Owers – NPVB Chair
• Janet Cavanaugh – NPVB Secretary
• Peter Mylan – NPVB Deputy Chair
• Annie Thompson – Aboriginal Staff Representative
• Aimee Poole – Admin Representative
• Naomi Goosen – Women’s Representative & Delegate (Blue Mtns)
• Steve (Stumpy) Carter – Delegate for Kosciuszko Field Staff
• Andy Leach – Park Programs Representative (i.e. Business Delivery, CAP and FIOB)
• Angela Lewis – Delegate (West and Northern Inland)
• Phuong Le – Delegate (Greater Sydney)
• Martin Smith – Delegate (North Coast)
• Alex Deura – Delegate (South Coast)
• Danny Corcoran – Delegate (Southern Ranges)

Did you know you can support the operation of the NPVB through making an additional small contribution through your pay? 

Just send an email to  requesting an ongoing contribution to the National Parks Vocational Branch of the PSA.

These donations are tax deductible and will appear on the annual statement provided by DPE to the Australian Tax Office.  As little as $2 per pay can assist with our campaigns.

Do YOU need support? 

Contact one of the NPVB executive or the PSA’s Member Support Centre on 1800 772 679.