Thank you to everyone who completed the PSA’s Value Us. Because We Value You. survey.
Your responses have provided an important snapshot of the issues affecting members across NSW State Emergency Service.
Members are proud of the work they do, committed to supporting volunteers and dedicated to serving the people of NSW. However, the survey also reveals significant concerns about workload, leadership, recognition, and workplace culture.
Workload and staffing
Workload pressures emerged as one of the strongest themes. Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of respondents said they regularly work beyond their contracted hours, while more than 80 per cent said there are not enough staff to adequately support volunteers and operations.
One member summed it up:
“Being appreciated for the work that I do and not be taken advantage of by being asked to work additional hours and not get paid and being able to take time off when required.”
Members also called for staffing ratios, classifications and role descriptions that better reflect the complexity of their work.
Leadership and Workplace Culture
Exactly 50 per cent of respondents said they do not feel valued by senior leadership, while only 25 per cent said they do.
Members consistently called for greater transparency, meaningful consultation, less micromanagement, stronger accountability and a more respectful workplace culture.
As one member wrote:
“Being respected and not disrespected, allowed to complete work without micromanagement.”
Feeling valued
The survey confirmed that feeling valued is about much more than pay.
While 59 per cent of respondents said they feel valued by the volunteers they support, only 25 per cent said they feel their work is recognised by the organisation, with 39 per cent saying it is not recognised.
Members said they want to be listened to, respected, trusted and recognised for the work they do.
One respondent explained:
“Being valued at work means feeling that my contribution is recognised, respected and trusted. It includes having my experience and input considered in decision-making, receiving feedback and acknowledgement for my efforts, and being supported to succeed in my role.”
The survey also included a disturbing account of a staff member being targeted through a social media page run by volunteers.
Occupational violence
More than 40 per cent of respondents reported experiencing bullying by staff or management, making it the most reported incidence of occupational violence.
One respondent alleged that a senior manager told staff during a team meeting:
“Get on board or fucking leave. There’s the door. There’s plenty of other jobs out there.”
Around two-thirds of members who chose not to report incidents said they believed nothing would change or feared retaliation.
Another member wrote:
“Staff bullying and harassment is a regular thing. Authorities at the zone level hardly pay any attention. Senior leadership at the state mostly rely on the zone HQs leadership narrative.”
Overtime and Award Compliance
When asked whether they are paid overtime when flexible working arrangements are suspended, 64 per cent said yes, 19 per cent said no, 10 per cent said only sometimes and 7 per cent were unsure.
Members also raised concerns about unpaid overtime, inconsistent practices and pressure to work additional hours without appropriate compensation.
What happens next?
These findings will guide the PSA’s ongoing discussions with NSW SES management as we continue advocating for improvements to staffing, workload management, workplace culture, leadership, Award compliance and staff wellbeing.
Join us for the Campaign launch
NSW SES State Headquarters (out the front), Wollongong
Thursday, 23 July 2026
12.30 pm
NSW SES PSA members at HQ are invited to attend and stand together as we launch the Value Us. Because We Value You. campaign and continue the push for meaningful change.
Contacts
NSW SES Departmental Committee delegates
Nicole Harding Chair
David Cox Vice Chair
Craig Ronan Secretary
Joshua Stanbury Assistant Secretary
Committee members
Anna Thomas
Lynee Stuart
Tareque Rahman
PSA staff