On Tuesday, 3 December, members across the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) received news of the Secretary’s ‘Towards One’ strategy, which is a result of the ongoing functional review.

While the documents provided to staff have stated that the PSA has been consulted on these changes, we need to clarify the facts:

• Fact 1: The PSA was informed of a Corporate Services functional review at the Joint Consultative Committee meeting in November. However, we were told at the time that the review was not yet at a stage where any specific details could be shared.
• Fact 2: A subsequent meeting was held later in November, where the department presented the outcome of the review. This presentation, however, was noticeably different from the one employees received this week.
• Fact 3: At this subsequent meeting, the PSA made it clear that when any actions or draft conclusions were proposed, the PSA and delegates should be engaged prior to any release of information to staff.

Members’ concerns

Members have expressed serious concerns regarding both the process of the review and the lack of consultation that has taken place thus far, noting that the proposed changes amount to a restructure.

The PSA’s position

It is absolutely critical that all affected employees, as well as the PSA, are fully informed and consulted on the proposed changes. Sufficient time must also be allowed for review and response before any changes are implemented.

While the PSA acknowledges that some initial information was provided in November, it is important to stress that the department had committed to engaging with the PSA and relevant delegates to ensure proper consultation once a final draft of the changes was agreed upon.

Next steps

The PSA’s position is clear: no further action should be taken on the review until impacted DCCEEW employees have been properly consulted on the proposed changes. Your industrial representatives and delegates are actively engaged in this matter. If a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached, the PSA will seek the assistance of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.