On the weekend the PSA was made aware of concerns relating to employees contracting COVID in the flood relief base camp in Wollongbar which is housing staff from various emergency agencies.

The PSA made immediate contact with management from Resilience NSW and the Rural Fire Service to assess the situation and ensure safety measures were being met and exposure to COVID minimised.

Linked for your information are the subsequent responses from Resilience NSW and the Rural Fire Service.

Whilst the PSA recognises the importance of the work being undertaken by the various emergency services at this difficult time we also need to ensure that the safety of our members is no less important during this time of recovery.

Apart from the measures in the attached correspondence from the two agencies the PSA have advised that we want regular updates from management and that any employee who advises that they cannot attend the base camp due to concerns for their welfare will not be subject to misconduct actions.