State Emergency Service: new PSA campaign “Value Us Because We Value You”
14 May 2026
State Emergency Service (SES) delegates met with Minister Dib to press for better funding for emergency services
Public Service Association of NSW (PSA) General Secretary, Stewart Little, has officially kicked-off a new campaign for NSW SES staff: “Value Us Because We Value You”, with a statewide meeting of SES staff on 6 May 2026.
The campaign recognises the critical role SES staff play in supporting volunteers and protecting communities across New South Wales, both during major operations and throughout non-operational periods.
Behind every SES response are dedicated staff working tirelessly to ensure volunteers are prepared, supported, and equipped to do their jobs safely and effectively. From training and planning, to logistics, systems support, and incident management, staff provide the foundation that enables volunteers to serve their communities.
While the contribution of SES volunteers is rightly valued and respected, it is important to recognise that staff are equally essential to the effectiveness of the service. Without properly resourced staff, volunteers cannot operate at the level required to respond to emergencies across the state.
A key focus of this campaign is the need for ongoing and sustainable funding for the SES, not only during high-profile operational periods, but also during quieter, non-operational years. These periods are critical for planning, training, capability development, and strengthening systems that underpin emergency response.
At a recent meeting with the Minister for Emergency Services, The Hon Jihad Dib, PSA SES representatives raised a number of issues affecting SES staff. These discussions highlighted:
- the need for increased and sustained investment in SES capability
- challenges with systems, resourcing, and workforce support
- the importance of strengthening preparedness through training and planning
- the growing demands placed on staff supporting both business-as-usual and operational requirements
The PSA will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of SES staff to ensure their contributions are recognised and properly supported.
The “Value Us Because We Value You” campaign is about ensuring that the people who support volunteers — and, in turn, protect our communities — are valued and resourced appropriately. SES staff are the backbone of capability. If we want a strong, effective emergency service for NSW, we must value and invest in the people who make it possible.
Contacts
Your SES delegates
State Headquarters
South East Zone
Western Zone
North Western Zone
Southern Zone
Metro Zone
Delegate vacancies remain in the Northern and North-Eastern Zones
PSA Staff
Anne Kennelly Senior Organiser
Ivan Coates Industrial Officer
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