PSA/CPSU NSW vaccine survey results

The PSA/CPSU NSW’s most recent survey on workplace attitudes to vaccination was completed by 12,832 members over three days (30 August-2 September).

The survey found:

76.63 per cent of members had received at least one shot, which was higher than the state average, which is 70.5 per cent.
54.2 per cent of members had received both shots, compared to 36 per cent nationally and 39 per cent in NSW.
22.43 per cent had received their first inoculation and 6.47 per cent were booked in for their vaccinations.
8.3 per cent of respondents said they were worried about the side effects of vaccination and were not yet inoculated.
Two per cent of respondents thought a COVID-19 vaccine was unnecessary.
Almost all employers are approving members’ requests to take Special Leave to get vaccinated. This leave entitlement was negotiated by the PSA/CPSU NSW.

Less than one per cent of respondents said their request for Special Leave to receive their vaccination had been knocked back by a manager or supervisor.

For information on your entitlements if you fall ill with COVID-19, click HERE.

More than three-quarters of respondents (57.83 strongly agreed, while 17.41 per cent agreed) agreed vaccines should be mandatory for “workplaces that have a high level of interaction with the public”. While 8.74 per cent of respondents were neutral on the subject, 4.4 per cent disagreed and 11.61 per cent strongly disagreed with mandatory vaccinations in such workplaces.

Public Health Orders

At present, the Public Health Orders prescribe mandatory vaccination for certain members, as outlined below:

• As of 6 September, authorised workers from local government areas (LGAs) of concern now have until 19 September 2021 to get vaccinated. However, they are required to have booked a vaccination by 9 September to receive a COVID-19 vaccine on or before 19 September 2021.
• By 9 September 2021, all relevant care workers, including Disability Support Workers, who live or work in an LGA of concern must have had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Between 30 September and 30 November, health workers must have had one dose of vaccine to be able to work. After 30 November, a Health worker must have had two doses of vaccine.
• All Ministry of Health employees are covered by the Public Health Order.

You can read more information about the Public Health Orders HERE.

Members are reminded they are legally required to follow Public Health Orders. Public Health orders are made under the provisions of section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW).

The PSA/CPSU NSW reminds members mandatory vaccination is not a new phenomenon generally or in employment. Commonwealth laws impose vaccination requirements to receive federal childcare subsidies and family payments. In four states “No Jab No Play” laws limit access to childcare and kindergarten for unvaccinated children.

Employees in various fields in the public service have been required to be vaccinated against certain diseases for some time and some employers have been found liable in negligence for failing to require employees to be inoculated against transmissible diseases.

Where a Public Health Order prohibits a worker (such as a health care worker) from undertaking their duties unless vaccinated, an employer is likely to be justified in disciplining or dismissing an unvaccinated employee (other than one exempted on medical grounds).

An employer is able to direct employees to be vaccinated in order to perform work in their employment so long as the direction is lawful and reasonable, particularly in high-risk industries. There have been two recent decisions by the Fair Work Commission regarding dismissals related to refusal of mandatory flu vaccinations. In both cases the Fair Work Commission considered that it was a valid reason for the employers to dismiss the workers for refusing to have an influenza vaccination.

You can read the Public Sector Guidelines regarding COVID-19 vaccinations HERE.

In an unfair dismissal claim each case will turn on its individual facts and circumstances and members should Call the Union.

The PSA/CPSU NSW understands this is an emotive topic for some members. Your union urges members to discuss any concerns about COVID-19 vaccines, including medical exemptions, with your doctor and talk to your employer about your options.

For any workplace issues, including vaccination rules, members can call the union on 1800 772 679.

Members are reminded this is general advice only. They can direct more specific inquiries to an Industrial Officer or the Member Support Centre on 1800 772 679.

Take our all-member vaccine survey: CLOSING TODAY

Earlier this week we reached out to ask if you have been vaccinated, if you want to be vaccinated, and if there have been any workplace barriers to being vaccinated.

Thank you to all those who have already taken the survey: the response has been massive so far.

If you haven’t filled the survey out yet, please take a couple of minutes to tell us your experience:

www.surveymonkey.com/r/covidvaccinesurveyAugust2021

The survey closes at 5pm TODAY, Thursday 2 September.

Accessing the COVID-19 vaccine

Vaccine – May 2021 (PDF version)

Vaccinations for COVID-19 are becoming more widely available through local GP clinics and the Vaccination Hub in Homebush Bay.

It is also the PSA’s understanding that the State Government is working to create regional hubs in concert with the Federal Government.

The PSA has been contacted by a number of members in various agencies in respect to what type of leave they should access and, for some members in frontline roles, their status in respect to the federal Department of Health’s website i.e., 1(a), 1(b), 2(a), 2(b) etc.

See a chart outlining the Federal Government’s age and occupational timetable and our membership’s status HERE. Please make an inquiry to the Member Support Centre if your occupation is not included.

In general, members should be aware they are entitled to access their sick leave to seek medical treatment. They may also be able to access FACS Leave in the case of seeking vaccinations for family members and loved ones.

The PSA represents numerous members in high risk frontline roles. A meeting was held yesterday between the General Secretary Stewart Little and the Minister for Health Brad Hazzard.

The PSA was able to put forward its concerns for members employed at the Ministry of Health, in Disabilities, Corrective Services, Youth Justice, NSW Police, Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue, State Emergency Service, Schools, Community Services, NPWS, Service NSW, Regulatory Inspectors, Cultural Institutions, Transport for NSW, Sheriff’s Office, Trustee and Guardian, Courts, the Office of the DPP and other areas.

Given the emergent situation in Victoria, the PSA has urged Minister Hazzard to use his offices to better coordinate a whole-of-government response to the vaccination of PSA members.

The PSA will today write to all Departmental Secretaries and to NGOs for those employed in disability services, to seek a more cooperative and coordinated approach for the vaccination of all members.

TAFE NSW – Covid 19 and welcome to 2021

Covid 19 and welcome to 2021 (pdf version)

The CPSU NSW, would like to welcome you back to work and into 2021. We would also like to remind you that if you have any concerns or issues, please don’t hesitate to call the Member Support Centre (MSC) on 1800 772 679 or contact a Delegate, whose details are below.

While we hope 2021 will be less chaotic than 2020, it is still likely to be a year of change, and so it’s more important than ever to be engaged with your union. That means attending meetings when possible, keeping your delegates up to date with any changes or things that are occurring in your workplace, keeping an eye on your emails, and talking to your colleagues about the union.

If you’re interested in getting even more involved, we encourage you to contact us.

COVID-19 continues to present a lot of challenges. CPSU NSW Industrial Staff and delegates have been engaging with TAFENSW management in the last week to ensure safe work protocols are in place as staff return to work.

The CPSU NSW met with TAFENSW on Thursday 14 January to clarify the following points and will be meeting again on 19 January 2021:

Mask wearing for staff, students and the public is required in the library, the main offices (HUBs), as well as hospitality, beauty and massage therapy areas. Staff undertaking work in the offices in these areas away from the general traffic do not need to wear a mask.

• The CPSU NSW has requested that TAFENSW use the Service NSW QR code system – because of its widespread, common use elsewhere, and the fact it is simpler to use. It can be set up on your phone to remember personal details. It is easier than filling in TAFE form each time with name location and phone number. The code is only mandatory for hospitality and beauty. It is not required in areas such as canteens and buying a takeaway coffee.
• Risk assessments – these may need updating/reviewing to ensure they are still current. If nothing requires amending, then just extend the date. Only be amended if there is a need to amend i.e. a change in controls e.g. masks.
• Room capacity signs – they are still valid to indicate social distancing capability of a space 1.5 metre social distancing as practical. Square metre rule

Outstanding Matters that your union is continuing to seek clarity on and will keep members up to date with any changes.

The CPSU NSW is currently seeking clarification on the extension of COVID leave and seeking advice from NSW Health on the use of the Service NSW QR Code.

If you have any related concerns raise them firstly with you line manager and contact the CPSU NSW for advice.

Union benefits

It’s also useful to note the many advantages of being in the union that you may have forgotten about. First of all, we have regular training sessions, both in person and online, which you may be able to access. For more information, please go HERE.

The CPSU NSW also offers Journey Cover Insurance, which is if you get injured going to and from work. We have a variety of other benefits including emergency ambulance cover, a free will service, and discounts for a variety of things from groceries to gym memberships. For more information, click HERE.

The CPSU NSW is a member-led, democratic union. Membership gives you a real voice and a vote in determining your pay and working conditions.

Not a member of the CPSU? Join the union HERE.

Join the Rebuild Our TAFE campaign HERE.

CONTACT THE CPSU NSW

Industrial Officer
Matthew Drake-Brockman

Organiser
Shane Jobberns

Your CPSU NSW delegates

Southern Region

Wollongong

Regina Kimmich

Brad Cowie

Karline Lindsell

Leeton

Nicholas Wright

Wagga Wagga

Dave Prowse

West Region

Parkes

Leanne Riley

Dubbo

Suzie McMartin

North Region

Gosford

Gale Iseppi

Newcastle

Helen Crooks

Tighes Hill

Liz Garlick

Hamilton

Stephen O’Brien

Cessnock

Walter Upson

Coffs Harbour

Brook Down

Port Macquarie

Marc Fearby

Wollongbar

Paul Dennis

Sydney Region

Ultimo

Simon Gray

Jeff Bar-David

Janaka Biyanwila

Frank Dunn

St Leonards

Joe Harris

Hornsby

Patrick Kiss

Western Sydney Region

Campbelltown

Tracey Doyle

Thomas Bank

Richmond

Dannii Sabharwal

Blue Mountains

Glenda Pryor

Strathfield

Isabella Ramirra

TAFE Digital

Strathfield

Scott O’Brien

CPSU NSW urges NSW Nationals to rethink support for changes to university student fees

Nats Rethink – Aug 2020 (PDF version)

The CPSU NSW has called on National Party MPs to rethink support for the Higher Education Support Amendment (Job-Ready Graduates and Supporting Regional and Remote Students) Bill and stand-up for regional universities, students and jobs.

Assistant Secretary Troy Wright has written to Senator Perin Davey, and National MPs The Hon. Michael McCormack MP, The Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP, The Hon. Kevin Hogan, and The Hon. Andrew Gee MP. All these MPs’ electorates have universities that are facing significant job losses.

In his letter, Mr Wright urges National MPS to “reconsider support of the Higher Education Support Amendment (Job-Ready Graduates and Supporting Regional and Remote Students) Bill (the Bill). Not only will the Bill see, if passed, an increase in some course fees but will see a further reduction of $700 million to $1 billion funding to the university sector. At a time when Australia should be investing in skills and knowledge to rebuild a post-COVID economy, we find this projection alarming”.

Additionally, the CPSU NSW has again implored the Federal Government to “urgently provide additional funding, to the higher education sector, [and] enable [universities] to continue to play their vital role in our community. In particular, that the cap on domestic student numbers be lifted and that because all universities have been impacted by a reduction in revenue because of COVID-19, that the JobKeeper Scheme be extended to them”.

NOT A MEMBER OF THE CPSU NSW? JOIN ONLINE HERE

CPSU NSW – The Professional Staff Union

The CPSU NSW submission to the Inquiry into the Future Development of the NSW Tertiary Education Sector

Inquiry Submission – Aug 2020

In the wake of the COVID-19 and the decline of international student enrolments, the NSW Legislative Council has established an urgent inquiry into the future of tertiary education in New South Wales. You can view the inquiry’s terms of reference HERE.

While the Commonwealth Government is principally responsible for universities, the NSW Government has a significant interest in supporting their success.

In our submission to the inquiry we chose to focus on the following terms of reference:

1. Tertiary education’s economic development role, especially university campuses and Country University Centres (CUCs) in regional NSW;
2. The mission of NSW universities, with a particular focus on the role of universities to serve specific geographic communities;
3. The post-pandemic return of foreign student numbers and the financial sustainability and risk management strategies of NSW tertiary education institutions;
4. The current levels of coordination and/or support provided to NSW universities by the NSW Government.

Click HERE to read a copy of our full submission.

We believe urgent action is required by state and federal governments to protect, support, reposition and grow all our public universities. Without this, critical Australian research, innovation and training will suffer and thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be lost across the economy. In the context of this inquiry we have recommended the NSW Government implement these key initiatives:

1. The NSW Regional Growth Fund is increased to have a new funding stream to assist universities build critical regional infrastructure.
2. That additional applied research grants are applied to regional Universities to assist the universities develop evidence based approaches for regional industries and regional specialisation of those universities.
3. That the Regional Growth Fund be extended to include provisions for universities to assist students of low socio-economic background by supporting university infrastructure that assists students of low socio-economic background attend university including public housing supply.
4. Uncap domestic student numbers (restore demand model) and rather than capping international student numbers, place restrictions on the amount universities are allowed to charge on international student fees so that they are no more or less “valuable” to a university than a domestic student.
5. Diversity of international students – limit the overreliance on any one country and implement measures to minimise over reliance on any one country to ensure stability and sustainability of the University sector.
6. The NSW Government utilise its position of influence at National Cabinet to prioritise delivery of a “secure corridor” to support future international student intake.
7. The NSW Government could utilise its position of influence at National Cabinet to push for the establishment of a national Research and development budget as a percentage of GDP and to have this budget achieved over ten years.
8. The NSW Government utilise its position of influence at National Cabinet to push for an increase in Commonwealth funding for an expansion of domestic university training to prepare our workforce for the future.
9. The NSW Government utilise its position of influence at National Cabinet to remove the cap on demand driven enrolment funding.
10. The NSW Government utilises its influence at National Cabinet to advocate for the federal government to extend the JobKeeper subsidy to the University Sector.

For further information on our submission, contact the CPSU NSW on 1800 772 679.

NOT A MEMBER?
JOIN ONLINE TODAY HERE

CPSU NSW – The Professional Staff Union

Petition calls for urgent action to protect university jobs

PDF version

Labor spokesman for Innovation, Science and Tertiary Education, Clayton Barr MP, has sponsored a public petition calling on the NSW Parliament to protect jobs in our public universities.

Click HERE to sign Clayton’s petition.

The performance of NSW universities has been one of the great success stories of the last two decades. They now employ around 35,000 (FTE) staff and contribute substantially to the state’s economic life.

Despite this the Commonwealth Government has refused to include public universities in its JobKeeper program, forcing many to drastically downsize their operations and shed jobs.

NSW universities will be central to the post-pandemic recovery, in terms of innovation, as an export industry, and for the direct contribution they make to our national economy. It is critical our public universities retain their capacity to succeed in a highly competitive international marketplace, now and into the future.

The petition needs 20,000 signatures to trigger a parliamentary debate and we urge all members to support it.

CPSU NSW – The Professional Staff Union

Not a member?

Join today HERE.

Tell us what you think: ODPP survey on your working environment and well-being

This year has been anything but ordinary so far, and the challenges of the past few months have undoubtedly been stressful for staff at ODPP.

The PSA recently conducted a webinar about Mental Health and your Wellbeing via Zoom and the feedback from those who attended was encouraging.

Building upon our webinar, the PSA has put together a survey to gain further information on your current working environment and more importantly your wellbeing.

www.surveymonkey.com/r/RDQ86TS

Please take some time to participate in this short survey and note all response are confidential

Your participation, experience, and knowledge are invaluable and will help the PSA in the fighting to improve your working conditions.

Know anyone who is not a member?

Ask them join at psa.asn.au/join and invite them to have their voices heard by taking part in the survey.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your union

PSA Member Support Centre 1800 772 679
Alex Sala PSA Organiser
Monika Wunderlin PSA Industrial Officer

Service NSW: COVID-19 update

The PSA met with both the Service Centre Directors Regional and Metropolitan on 7 August 2020 to be provided with an update and to raise issues as to Service NSW operating procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Temperature checks

The PSA is advocating that temperature checks should be in place across all Service NSW Centres and Contact Centres, not just for Driver Test applicants.

Service NSW advised the PSA that it will trial temperature checks for all customers at Wetherill Park, Newcastle, Albury, Liverpool and Macarthur Contact Centres. The PSA will seek that the results of the trial are assessed quickly and temperature checks rolled out to all Service Centres ASAP.

Counter screens

It was reported to the PSA that in metropolitan centres that approximately 80 per cent of all centres now have screens for CSRs. This is at a lower level for the regional centres but the clear message to the PSA was that screens were available for staff and if that staff would like to have a screen they should raise this request with their manager in the first place.

Hygiene officers, security guards and other protective measures

All centres should now have hygiene officers, with two and in larger centres. They are responsible for cleaning and wiping down of all customer contact services.

All metropolitan centres now have security guards, whose role is to manage customer flow into the centres.

All centres should now have Customer Quotas based on the four-square-metre guideline for social distancing. This obviously varies from site to site based on the size of the centre.

All centres should now have single use pens which are collected and cleaned after use by customers.

Face masks

Face masks are being strongly recommended for all customer-facing staff, in particular those staff on the dance floor.

The PSA is aware of some concerns that have been raised by Driver Testers with regards to masks and with some specific concerns in relation to aged driving tests.

An instruction should have gone to all Driver Testers on Friday 7 August 2020 that in line with WHS advice and DCS policy, they will be instructed that they are required to wear face masks as they cannot maintain a 1.5-metre distancing.

Driver Testers who have an issue with this instruction are encouraged in the first instance to raise concerns with their manager.

While there are some legitimate concerns that have been raised in relation to the use of masks the overwhelming WHS issue is about maximising the protection against COVID-19.

Service NSW is also in the process of obtaining reusable 3 layered cloth masks that will be provided to staff. Staff will receive multiple masks along with guidelines and instructions for use and cleaning.

Operating hours  

At the height of Stage 3 restrictions a decision was made to reduce across Service NSW, centre opening hours to 9:00 to 5:00. Currently Service NSW is in the process of returning to its ordinary pre-COVID-19 operating hours across the state.

This is being done in a phased way with the centres with high customer volumes being first to be brought back to normal hours.

Knowledge test area

There has been a significant reduction to the available knowledge test computers by closing of every second computer and this is starting to cause a significant backlog and create high demand.

Service NSW is looking at how it can safely bring all computers back. Where possible extension screens will be installed and Service NSW is also looking at the option of requiring all applicants to wear face masks.

Wellness check

Members have raised concerns as to the wellness check and its validity. Where a JP is available and can sign the check it is a statutory declaration, However, in areas where that is not possible it is still a declaration.

The PSA advises that if you have concerns the applicant is not being truthful, you should raise this with your manager for immediate assistance. The PSA will support our members with any issues.

Out-of-area tests

Understandably concerns from regional members have been raised about Sydney Metropolitan residents looking to book driving tests in regional areas.

Service NSW has advised the PSA that at this time it does not have the ability to discriminate on location.

In an attempt to reduce the flow of Sydney Metropolitan Tests to regional centres Service NSW has looked to increasing the Driver Testers in Sydney areas and has introduced a mobile hub in Penrith which is proving to be successful.

In addition to this, Sydney-based applicants who are applying to do tests in regional areas are being contacted and encouraged to use the Penrith Hub.

At the resumption of driver testing, after the initial cessation of ordinary testing, there was a backlog of approximately 32,000 driving tests. Service NSW is now talking about average wait times of 20 days for a test.

The PSA has asked whether there are plans to engage any further Driver Testers on top of the additional 50 that were engaged to assist with the backlog and have been advised that there are currently no plans to do so. The PSA will continue to advocate for an increase to the amount of Driver Testers so that the backlog can be cleared.

Ongoing consultation and next Joint Consultative Committee on 20 August 

The Directors are continuing to meet with Service Centre Managers on a fortnightly basis and members are also encouraged to go to the workplace COVID page. It was conveyed to the PSA that Service NSW is interested in staff input. An example of this is a current trial of the use of face shields, which is currently being assessed in one centre.

The next Joint Consultative Committee with the Department is on 20 August 2020. This will also allow a further opportunity to discuss with Service NSW a number of issues not canvassed in this meeting.

Customer Engagement Integration – Update your details with the PSA

The PSA would like to welcome staff who have transitioned into Service NSW from Revenue and Fair Trading following the creation of the Department of Customer Service (DCS).

We invite you to complete a short survey so the PSA can look to how we amend our Delegate structure to incorporate those members coming from Revenue and Fair Trading into our Service NSW Delegate structures. The survey will also help us to update the workplace locations of our members who may have or will be changing work locations due to the opening of the new service centres.

Please take the survey HERE.  

New temporary Service NSW employees

In response to the additional workload that COVID-19 has seen in Service NSW a temporary engagement for an initial six months for temporary staff in a range of roles has been deployed across Service NSW.

If you know a colleague who is on one of these contracts such as those who were previously working in the Aviation industry, please get them to get in contact with your Organiser Mel Ciraolo to discuss membership options by email at or on 0439 300 675.

DPIE: CME review

Many PSA members are understandably anxious about the DPIE CME review currently being undertaken. The Department has provided a brief update on the proposed changes. The PSA has been informed that the Department is currently working with senior leaders to confirm resourcing, service delivery, and prioritisation of communication needs, as well as options for improving CME functions.

The Department has also stated it is committed to no loss of ongoing roles. The PSA welcomes this principle, however there has been no such commitment for temporary positions. The PSA maintains that any job losses during this difficult time is not only heartless, but economically destructive to NSW. The PSA supports the position that less staff will not do more work. Any such pressure to place a greater workload on existing staff will be opposed.

The PSA will keep members updated as more information becomes available in the following weeks. Please remember to encourage your colleagues to join the union so we can continue to advocate on your behalf.

Don’t neglect your mental health!

The PSA would also like to remind members that with the current working arrangements due to COVID-19, it is important to maintain your mental health. Physical isolation and remote work can be difficult. Traditional working arrangements allow a degree of separation between the stressors of work and home life. However, there is an increased risk of these work stressors affecting members in their own home due to consistent remote work. The PSA would encourage members to talk to their managers if they are feeling mentally fatigued. You can also contact the PSA if you feel you are not receiving adequate support. Also seek the assistance of a confidential consultation with a counsellor from the Employees’ Assistant Program (EAP), as well as seeing your doctor if you feel your mental health is being impacted. 

Not a member? 

There never been a more important time to join your union HERE.

The Child Protection Delegate Awards are here again: get your nominations in NOW!

The PSA and your federal union the CPSU SPSF want to acknowledge the value and recognise the contribution of union delegates who are working to make child protection better for their colleagues and the children they protect across NSW and Australia. 

We want to thank your delegates, who work so hard every year campaigning for well-resourced child protection services, and a safe and fair workplace where workers are supported and respected. This year, more than ever, they have been integral to the workplace, whether that be at the office, in the field or working from home. 

Over the past 12 months they have promoted the work you do, fought to ensure you were looked after while performing disaster work during the bushfires, and stood strong to make sure everyone was safe and treated fairly during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Nominate your delegate today

Thank the people that fight so hard for you by nominating them for the National Child Protection Delegate Awards.

Nominations can be from all community services areas including those working in Administrative Support, Caseworkers, Managers Casework, Psychologists, Legal staff, Casework Specialist staff, Policy and Programs staff and all frontline support workers in community services.

Click HERE to submit a nomination.

Nominations close on 17 August 2020

NPWS bulletin

NPWS ‘establishment review’

Over the past 12 months the NPWS has been undertaking an establishment review. This includes a review of Branch structures with the deletion or changing of many roles. To undertake such a ‘review’ by the agency requires prior consultation with the PSA and the development of a change management plan (as part of the consultation guidelines).

To date there has been no consultation with the PSA. On that basis the PSA has written to NPWS reinforcing the need to provide a change management plan to the PSA for consideration.

It would appear that a number of roles that should have been filled (consistent with the undertakings given to the PSA during the Future NPWS Restructure) have already been changed or deleted.

At a number of meetings with the agency over the past 12 months the PSA has consistently argued that all roles in the Branch structures should be filled (as agreed during Future NPWS negotiations) as they were all ‘fully funded‘. To date this is yet to occur.

The PSA also indicated in its correspondence that should the agency not seek to meet the PSA will consider further industrial options.

Workers’ compensation legislation

The PSA has been concerned for many years about the use of chemicals by members undertaking fire- fighting duties and the health issues arising from using chemicals to do so. Schedule 4 in the Workers Compensation Act 1987 lists those chemicals that may cause harm if used extensively and over a protracted period of time. Further to this it is now internationally recognised that some chemicals used in the workplace and smoke inhalation whilst fighting fires may be harmful to your health. Should you believe that you may be suffering from such symptoms you should advise the department and consult a doctor. The PSA is also able to assist in such matters.

Salaries Case

The PSA Salaries Case is still being heard in the Industrial Relations Commission. Dates have been set for further hearings in mid-August. The PSA has also put a case for backdating of the pay increase to first full pay period after 1 July 2020.

Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)

The department has advised the PSA that a new round of HSR recruitment will commence soon. The PSA encourages members to apply for such positions. These positions act as an independent watchdog on health and safety matters in the workplace. They work independently from the WHS committees of NPWS. It is important that these positions are filled and operating in each workplace.

Housing policy

A draft policy has been provided to the PSA in relation to staff housing. PSA Industrial staff and Delegates have reviewed the documents. Overall the policy documents appear reasonable. However, some minor changes and clarifications are required. Meetings in relation to the policy are ongoing. A final policy should be available in the coming weeks.

Flight allowance

Whilst agreement has been reached on the payment of the allowance to members there are still some minor issues with the form and information sheet. Feedback has been provided to NPWS in relation to these issues. Amended documents should be finalised in the coming days.

Uniform Reference Group (URG)

The Uniform Reference Group has had two meetings and is progressing well. It comprises representatives from a wide range of staff across NPWS – rangers, field staff, visitor contact staff and office-based staff. Nothing is set in stone yet – only some basic principles/guidelines established – but we are confident that this process is being supported by the Executive, and has the potential for long term positive outcomes and uniform options suitable for all staff across the full range of situations.

You have the chance to contribute to this process as a PSA member by contacting us with your concerns. To do so, please identify:

1. uniform items you wish to comment on
2. the issue you have with that item
3. (most importantly!) a solution to the issue you have raised.

Return it to us at and . At this stage we believe the main issues for PSA relate to equity of access, safety on the job and impacts on workers’ rights and wellbeing. If you have any other concerns, please let us know.

Law enforcement training

Recently the PSA and NPWS delegates met with NPWS EDs in relation to law enforcement training. At the meeting the NPWS acknowledged that more training is required and gave an undertaking to investigate the status of training at present. A report back on law enforcement training will be provided at the next JCC meeting in early September.

COVID 19 pandemic safety issues and increases in visitation to National Parks

With the advent of the COVID pandemic there has been issues at a range of locations, particularly in the ski resorts (including the Perisher STP) and at VICs across the state. There has also been a significant increase in visitation to National Parks (particularly, however not exclusively to, Greater Sydney Branch). This has also meant a jump in revenue but no subsequent increase in staffing numbers. Rather than NPWS cutting jobs through an ‘establishment review’, NPWS should be using the additional revenue to fill ALL vacant positions across NSW.

The PSA will continue to advocate for the filling of these positions to alleviate the significant increase in workloads for members dealing with the rise in visitation. Further, if members have any concerns at work with their welfare during the pandemic please raise it with your supervisor and/or PSA delegate or industrial staff.

Incident roles without pay scales in NPWS award

With continued pressure and submissions from the unions the NPWS has agreed to determine the pay scales for those fire roles in the award that do not have a pay scale. A meeting in relation to this matter is scheduled for late August.

Ranger progression

The PSA is aware of a number of Rangers (some of whom have been Grade 1 Level 6 Rangers for many years) who have had their progression payments delayed for an additional 12 months by NPWS. The PSA is seeking an urgent resolution to this matter. If no agreement can be reached quickly the PSA will consider further industrial options.

Leave balances

In past meetings with DPIE the department put a position to the PSA that any additional leave accrued by virtue of errors made in the accrual or granting of leave by the department would have to be covered by the individual employee. The PSA has fought this at every meeting at which the matter was discussed. The PSA is pleased to advise members that this proposal by the department has been withdrawn. Members leave balances will not be affected by any such errors made by the department.

Not a member?

Join the PSA today at www.psa.asn.au.