Public Service Association of NSW | Trade union

Public Service Association of NSW

Phone: +61 1300 772 679

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25.01.2022 On this week’s podcast CPSU NSW Assistant Secretary Troy Wright discusses what the federal government’s proposed changes to Industrial Relations laws could mean for workers in the federal system.

25.01.2022 PSA HISTORY: DECEMBER 1980 Interpreters Gain Recognition "Interpreters have been very much underpaid. In Australia, anybody who spoke more than one language was seen as a migrant which meant that low wages could be paid to them. In Europe it's quite the opposite. They're placed in the top salary bracket." - Penny Woodhouse, Interpreter, Ethnic Affairs Commission

25.01.2022 WHY WOULD SHE SHRED AND DELETE FILES? A senior adviser to the NSW Premier destroyed documents relating to Gladys Berejiklian’s approval of grants from the Stronger Communities Fund. Senior policy adviser Sarah Lau told the Public Accountability Committee that she had most likely shredded briefing notes and deleted electronic records indicating the Premier's approval of projects.

25.01.2022 Stewart Little, PSA General Secretary said it was great to catch up with the Youth Justice Departmental Committee this morning, with PSA delegates attending in person in Sydney and online via Zoom.

25.01.2022 Congratulations to PSA member and School Admin Officer Jenny from Orange who won this week's $1000 BIG4 Holiday Parks voucher. Jenny said, "I am so thankful for the PSA. I have been a long term member and am retiring at the end of this year, so it's a nice way to go out." We'd like to thank Jenny for being a PSA member and wish her all the very best in her retirement.

25.01.2022 THE LIMITS OF GOVERNMENT OUTSOURCING The public sector has the resources at its disposal to absorb some of the shocks that uncertain and complex situations can throw up. Moreover, the public sector isn’t compromised by the profit motive.

24.01.2022 900 NSW Rural Fire Service staff manage the day to day operations and administration, and develop and implement programs, strategies and initiatives to assist the RFS to achieve its core role. Whilst volunteers fulfil the incident response role, essential specialist staff manage crucial functions and collectively protect our communities. All year round there are highly trained and dedicated RFS staff working behind the scenes towards protecting the community NSW. ... Bradley works for the NSW RFS. He is a public servant and a Champion of the State.

24.01.2022 PSA WINS THOUSANDS OWED TO FLIGHT ENGINEERS PSA members in the Police Aviation Support Branch have received thousands of dollars in unpaid allowances after the union intervened on their behalf. Also known as PolAir the Aviation Support Branch has a fleet of... five helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft that help reduce crime and support search-andrescue missions. Its 14 highly skilled maintenance engineers are responsible for aircraft safety and the specialised police equipment. READ MORE: https://psa.asn.au/red-tape-october-december-2020/ (page 17)

24.01.2022 Early morning meeting and greeting (and feeding) employees at Serco’s Clarence Correctional Centre. The CPSU NSW is about to commence enterprise bargaining and it was an important time to explain the process and hear our members views, as we attempt to obtain them a fairer deal.

24.01.2022 PSA/CPSU PODCAST An Interview With Roy Butler MP on Regional Jobs Member for Barwon, Roy Butler recently brought a bill to the NSW house of representatives that would allow more regional jobs created with tasks that could allow workers to complete objectives from home. In this episode, we discuss the bill with Roy and just what support he has for it in Macquarie Street.

24.01.2022 The NSW/ACT Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) turns 50 this year. Born of the struggles against police victimisation, the work of the ALS today covers all aspects of Indigenous legal rights, including criminal law, children’s law, family law and law reform. READ MORE: https://psa.asn.au/red-tape-october-december-2020/ (page 22).

24.01.2022 ANY EXCUSE NOT TO INCREASE YOUR SUPER Paul Keating promised a 12 per cent super guarantee as far back as the 1990s, but it was first delayed by John Howard and then by Tony Abbott, meaning that Coalition governments have now delayed the rise by a quarter of a century. All indications are now that Scott Morrison is contemplating the same.

22.01.2022 Brian is a Driver with CSI - Corrective Services Industries - and his primary role is to transport and deliver food, clothing, perishables, supplies, furniture and everything in between, to gaols and government facilities across NSW. Corrective Services Industries (CSI) is a Government Business Enterprise with over 100 business units, providing a hands-on, cost effective business solution achieving major commercial and social outcomes. An organisational unit of Corrective Services NSW, CSI is part of the Department of Communities and Justice, Brian and his colleagues at CSI are essential workers, NSW Public Servants and Champions of the State.

22.01.2022 Labour Day celebrates the eight-hour working day. Groups of workers in the 1850s argued that they should not have to work more than eight hours each day, and that they should have eight hours recreation and eight hours rest. At the time, workers spent 10 or 12 hours each day labouring and they worked six days a week. The 1850s brought a strong push for better conditions. A significant part of the push began in 1855 in Sydney. On 21 April 1856, in Melbourne, the stonemasons st...aged a protest. They went on strike and walked to Parliament House with other members of the building trade. Their claim was for an eight-hour day, effectively a 48-hour week to replace the 60-hour week. The government agreed to an eight-hour day for workers employed on public works, with no loss of pay. 150 years later working people continue to campaign for fair pay and conditions. On Labour Day we remember those men and women who, by their brave actions, made our lives easier.

19.01.2022 Teena is a Senior Psychologist with Corrective Services (CSNSW) and has been a Psychologist with CSNSW for 22 years, working in a variety of locations across the state. She makes a positive contribution in reducing the risk of reoffending, whilst also using strategies and interventions to help offenders overcome challenges, change their behaviour and improve their mental health. Teena is a NSW Public Servant and a Champion of the State.

18.01.2022 Brooke is a Youth Officer with Youth Justice in NSW providing a safe and secure environment for young people in custody, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Creating support networks and addressing offending behaviours. Youth Officers are essential workers, public servants and Champions of the State.

18.01.2022 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: The PSA Reacts To The 0.3% IRC Wage Ruling - The ruling by the Industrial Relations Commission in NSW has been labelled 'an insult' by many PSA members. In this episode, we hear from PSA General Secretary Stewart Little, Legal Services Manager Alison McRobert and Industrial Officer Dylan Smith on the reaction from members and the next steps moving forward.

18.01.2022 Why can’t the community choose what kind of museum they get and where it should go?

17.01.2022 Gillian is a Court Officer with the Office of the Sheriff of NSW (SHO) based at Parramatta District/Supreme Court. SHO Court Officers are assigned to District and Supreme Courts in NSW and are distinctly different to Local Courts Court Officers who perform mainly administrative functions. SHO Court Officers perform both administrative and practical functions which serve both the Jury and Judges during criminal trial matters, many of which are high profile matters of great pub...lic interest. The nature of these matters can be extremely complex including those with very disturbing features. SHO Court Officers also provide essential support to Judges, Jurors, witnesses and legal practitioners in the District and Supreme Courts in NSW. Their management and assistance to juries is crucial to the delivery and smooth running of our Justice System and to the Public of NSW. Gillian is a NSW Public Servant and a Champion of the State.

17.01.2022 The courts have sided with the NSW Government and Premier Gladys Berejiklian and provided a 0.3% pay rise for public sector workers in NSW. This is about $0.60 ...a day for the average public sector worker in NSW. It's a kick in the guts for everyone who has continued working through this pandemic. Many public sector workers have put themselves at greater risk of contracting coronavirus. Public sector workers deserve better: https://actionnetwork.org//public-sector-workers-deserve-/

16.01.2022 REMEMBRANCE DAY 2020 We pay our respects to Australia’s servicemen and servicewomen. Watch the live stream of NSW’s Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph in Sydney’s Martin Place on Wednesday 11 November 2020 from 10:30 AM via the link below. ... www.nsw.gov.au/about-nsw/remembrance-day-2020 #RemembranceDay2020 #remembranceday #WeRememberThem

16.01.2022 PSA members in SafeWork NSW recently undertook a negotiated agreement for a dispute over career progression and conditions that had been ongoing for years. Today at PSA House, the Safework DC discussed how to deliver the right outcomes from this agreement to members. The committee is also planning for 2021 and beyond. If you want to talk to a PSA Delegate, please email [email protected] ... As always, PSA members have access to the Member Support Centre on 1300 772 679. New SafeWork staff and non-members are encouraged to join the PSA and enjoy the benefits of membership while contributing to the collective strength of the union.

15.01.2022 Training Services NSW is responsible for the implementation of funded programs, apprenticeships and traineeships and adult and community education. It undertakes contract management of approved training providers and implements quality assurance and performance monitoring to achieve the best possible outcomes for students. Belinda works for Training Services NSW, which is a division within the NSW Department of Education, and supports a team that is responsible for government... funded vocational education and training. She manages a team that assists employers, apprentices and trainees and registered training organisations, both public (TAFE NSW) and private, work towards a successful training outcome. Part of her role is to attend mediations where the relationship between an employer and apprentice may have broken down. Mediation can assist to get the relationship back on track and work towards successful completion. At times apprentices and trainees can fall behind in their formal training and are at risk of not finishing their qualification. Belinda and her team, will intervene and address the issues, work with the training providers, to ensure successful outcomes for the apprentices and trainees. Belinda is a NSW Public Servant and a Champion of the State

14.01.2022 WHAT CAN YOU BUY FOR $3?

13.01.2022 Catching up with PSA members in NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service at Lake Jindabyne to discuss with them how they can get behind our campaign to lobby their local members on the recent decision to give NSW public sector workers a 0.3 per cent pay rise. Find out how you can support the campaign here: https://psa.good.do/stop-the-freeze/email-mp Stewart Little, PSA General Secretary explains how you can take action to #stopthefreeze on wages https://www.facebook.com/PSANSW/posts/3360415007406223

13.01.2022 PSA MEMBERS CAN SAVE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS on their groceries and much, much more every year by using these discount gift cards only available to union members. Here are just six examples of how you can save off every shop at Coles, Woolworths, Caltex, Myer, Priceline and Rebel. PSA members should visit the PSA website and follow the links for Member Services - Member Benefits - Union Shopper.... Non-members can join the PSA and will be able to access dozens of savings and discounts within a few days of joining. "Just using the 4% saving on all my Woolworths groceries saves me at least $500 a year, which is more than my membership fee," said part-time university staff member Denise.

12.01.2022 Anthony is an HR and Payroll Officer with the NSW Department of Education. The Department of Education is committed to positively impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of students in NSW and all DoE staff play a part in making that happen. Anthony is a NSW Public Servant and a Champion of the State.

12.01.2022 NSW TAXPAYERS FUNDING DISGRACED MP’S LEGAL BILLS Disgraced former Liberal MP Daryl Maguire is collecting an annual parliamentary pension of $80,000 with a lump sum of his entitlements having already being paid to his former wife as part of the couple's property settlement. Meanwhile, NSW taxpayers are also picking up his legal costs while the former MP is being grilled by the Independent Commission Against Corruption inquiry.

12.01.2022 10 GOOD REASONS TO JOIN THE PSA 1. THE VOICE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR The Public Service Association of NSW (PSA) represents the workplace interests of tens of thousands of public servants who perform a range of essential services across NSW Government departments and agencies. ... 2. IMPROVED WAGES AND ENTITLEMENTS Employers do not automatically hand over salary increases and better conditions. The PSA is constantly fighting for improved pay and entitlements for members along with job security, innovative workplace measures and rights at work. 3. SAFER WORKPLACES Bullying, harassment, excessive workloads and physical hazards are all work health and safety issues the PSA can tackle by having a strong and united voice in the workplace. The PSA also fights to ensure workers have a fair compensation system in the event of an injury at work. 4. MEMBER BENEFITS The PSA offers a range of non-industrial benefits: Union Shopper, low-cost banking and loans with Sydney Mutual Bank, a Provident Fund ($4,000 for beneficiaries), Journey and Personal Injury Insurance, and free initial legal advice for non-industrial matters (conditions apply). 5. SUPPORT Whether it be a discipline matter or you need support at work, your union is there when you need them. 6. UNION VALUES Be a part of the union movement, a group of people all over the country working together to make Australia a better place for all working people. 7. ADVICE AND ADVOCACY The PSA has a dedicated Member Support Centre and a team of experienced industrial advocates. Whether advice on entitlements or more complex issues is required, the PSA provides assistance and ensures members are treated fairly. 8. TRAINING PSA members have access to free training on a range of topics including dealing with workplace bullying, role of the delegate, union campaigning and public speaking. 9. JOB PROTECTION The PSA is a staunch supporter of and advocate for a well-resourced NSW public sector. That means standing up for its members, their jobs and the services they provide. 10. COLLECTIVE STRENGTH Joining the union makes the PSA stronger. A united unionised workplace means a united voice. United we bargain, divided we beg. It’s that simple.

12.01.2022 Andrew is an Investigation Officer at the NSW Ombudsman and helps to protect the rights of people to receive fair and reasonable treatment and access to NSW Government services. The NSW Ombudsman is an integrity agency that assists NSW Government agencies to improve the services they provide to the public. Andrew speaks to some of the most vulnerable people in our community including people who may be experiencing homelessness, people incarcerated in prisons and youth detent...ion centres, and parents who need support to provide a safe and caring environment for their children. Recently, he's also been helping people who are being detained in NSW hotels under the government’s quarantine program. Andrew helps people to overcome the emotional and physical impact of their distressing experience by listening to their concerns and finding the best course of action or service that can help support resolving their situation. In many instances, he will directly intervene to investigate what may have gone wrong to cause the problems they are experiencing and help the person and the government service to find a way forward. Andrew is a NSW Public Servant and a Champion of the State.

11.01.2022 Miguel is a Cleaning Supervisor at Parliament House in Sydney. He is an essential worker who, along with his dedicated colleagues, keeps all MPs, Parliament House staff and visitors safe by keeping Parliament House particularly clean during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are the cleaners for NSW State Parliament. We do the work you don’t see disinfecting doorknobs, scrubbing bathrooms, sterilising kitchens. We are front line and proud to have protected Parliamentarians and th...e public in the peoples house every day of COVID-19. To serve the NSW Public, especially during this time, is a great honour. Miguel is a NSW Public Servant and a Champion of the State.

11.01.2022 NSW GOV REFUSES TO FULLY FUND ICAC The New South Wales government has been accused of ignoring pleas for funding from the state’s anti-corruption body, which warned a year ago that a $4m shortfall threatened to have an immediate and serious effect on its ability to fight corruption.

11.01.2022 Thousands of public servants join the PSA each year. Check out the video.

11.01.2022 Isabella is a Library Technician with TAFE NSW. TAFE NSW Library Technicians are essential to providing support for TAFE students and teaching staff in the full utilisation of library services, resources and facilities. This is a direct support role without which TAFE campuses would cease to function. She has worked at Library Resource Management Services for 20 years and said, "TAFE’s role is important post COVID-19 in training the future workers of this State, but to do t...hat TAFE NSW needs the resources and skilled staff to do the job effectively." Isabella is an Essential Worker and a Champion of the State

11.01.2022 Tim works in heavy-vehicle compliance on the M1, the major route joining Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane, to help keep our roads safe. He and his colleagues check large trucks for proper weight ratios and roadworthiness, and make sure drivers aren’t fatigued. We are here to keep freight moving, he said, adding there will always be a small number of vehicles that are potentially dangerous, but the vast majority of truckies are good guys going about their business. Tim is a public servant and a Champion of the State.

11.01.2022 What are the priorities of the NSW Government? Public sector workers deserve better. https://actionnetwork.org//public-sector-workers-deserve-b

11.01.2022 IN THE CURRENT EDITION OF RED TAPE: SASS PAY WIN ONE YEAR ON Read the PSA's magazine Red Tape online at https://psa.asn.au/red-tape-october-december-2020/

10.01.2022 Today’s 0.3% salary increase awarded by the Industrial Relations Commission isn’t just disappointing, it is an insult. It comes after the Berejiklian Governme...nt abandoned its 2.5% wages cap for a new wages policy of nothing. Nada. Zero. This is how the Berejiklian Government expresses its gratitude to the RFS and NPWS firefighters who got us through the summer of hell. This is how the Berejiklian Government expresses its gratitude to the Dept Health contract tracers who have kept us safe during the pandemic. This is how the Berejiklian Government expresses its gratitude to the Corrections Officers who have kept our State’s gaols secure in the face of rising tensions and violence. This is how the Berejiklian Government expresses its gratitude to the Service NSW staff who have kept our State running while other services halted. This is how the Berejiklian Government expresses its gratitude to the thousands of child protection and housing workers who are supporting those falling through the cracks of a recession. For a worker on $80K a year you are now about $3 a week after tax better off. This is how the Berejiklian Government intends to stimulate the economy, by effectively lowering the wages of those that could use it and support local business. Remember this in 2023. Because if you don’t deserve a fair pay increase in their eyes, they shouldn’t deserve another term of government in yours.

10.01.2022 WHAT IS A "JUST TRANSITION"? "Renewables are now largely cheaper than coal, oil and gas and that means more mines and legacy power stations will close in coming years. The question is: how fast and what happens to the workers when they do?"

10.01.2022 CHILD PROTECTION: SAFE STAFF SAFE KIDS CAMPAIGN LAUNCH The PSA is launching the Safe Staff Safe Kids Campaign during Mental Health Month and calling on all child protection workers in NSW to attend the launch and find out more about the campaign to improve your working lives so that you can support vulnerable kids and families. Find out more: https://psa.asn.au/register-now-safe-staff-safe-kids-campa/

09.01.2022 DISABILITY PRIVATISATION: TWO YEARS ON The NSW Government used the NDIS to end its responsibility for disability care by putting hundreds of group homes under the management of private operators. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was a once-in-a-lifetime reform to give 150,000 NSW residents the power to live with dignity, respect and security. However, the NSW Government used NDIS funding as an excuse to privatise the whole sector. ... So how are things going for our dedicated disability support workers and specialists two years on? Read More: https://psa.asn.au/red-tape-october-december-2020/ (page 21).

08.01.2022 Inclusion Culture: Empowering LGBTQIA+ public servants in NSW Explore how the NSW Government can support and empower the LGBTQIA+ employees. About this Event Proudly hosted by the Department of Customer Service, join us as we celebrate the richness the LGBTQIA+ community brings to the public sector.... We will hear from special guests on how other organisations are improving their inclusion culture and also learn what is happening across the NSW government clusters. This event is open to anyone who believes that diversity and inclusion are paramount for a world class public sector. Find out more: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/inclusion-culture-empowerin

08.01.2022 Today, 25 November, is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women This year’s theme for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!. As in previous years, this year's International Day will mark the launch of 16 days of activism that will conclude on 10 December 2020, which is International Human Rights Day. Find out more: https://www.un.org//obse/ending-...violence-against-women-day 16 Days of Activism: https://www.unwomen.org//e/take-action/16-days-of-activism

07.01.2022 It pays to be union. Full-time workers who were members of their union earned $250 more p/wk (18%) than non-union FT workers in 2020. The union wage advantage f...or part-time workers was a massive $247 or 38% more p/wk, and 32% for all workers. Workers in unions earn more because they're more likely to be covered by a genuinely bargained collective agreement (not non-union EAs i.e. wage "deals" biz make with themselves). They earn more because representation and campaigning to defend Award and minimum wages are active in their workplaces and the FWC. Despite an 18.6% rise in company profits since last year, Porter's IR Bill aims to further neuter the already weakened role of unions in wage-setting and claw this wage advantage back on behalf of profits.

07.01.2022 Julie works for the NSW Trustee & Guardian (TAG) and provides professional services in Will making, Powers of Attorney, Trusts and Executor Services. TAG Client Services Teams are highly skilled specialists in administration of estates and financially managed clients. They offer a full range of trustee services and can also be appointed as a person’s financial manager or guardian by a court or tribunal. Find out more at https://www.tag.nsw.gov.au/... Julie is a Senior Client Services Officer for NSW Trustee & Guardian. She is a NSW Public Servant, an essential worker and a Champion of the State.

06.01.2022 Wendy is a Principal CO with Corrective Services and is part of a team maintaining a safe and secure prison system. She is an essential worker, a public servant and a Champion of the State.

05.01.2022 Great work being done by PSA member Julie.

05.01.2022 Mary-Ann is a Senior Client Service Officer Specialist in Housing and Homelessness with 23 years’ service across NSW. "I work with clients who s complex needs have led them to our door- often homeless, or imminently, in crisis and desperate for stability. My role is to iron out their pathway to sustainable housing. Making a difference matters, it keeps me coming back. Being in a position to do so is a privilege," she said. Mary-Ann is a Public Servant and a Champion of the State.

05.01.2022 Brook is an Operations Manager with TAFE NSW. TAFE NSW has always set the benchmark for training quality. They train the workforce for the jobs of the future supporting all Australians, including disadvantaged or disengaged groups to take up rewarding careers. With NSW falling into recession, TAFE NSW has never been more important in playing the leading role in making sure young Australians are provided with the vocational skills they will need to find secure employment. ... Brook is an essential worker and a Champion of the State.

05.01.2022 Kim is a Correctional Officer. Her role is one that supports inmates with complex medical problems and mental health needs and is one that requires a high level of interpersonal skills, communication, and the ability to adapt to challenging behaviours. Kim keeps inmates safe and in doing so keeps our community safe. She is public servant, an essential worker, and a Champion of the State.

04.01.2022 The NSW Minister for Transport and the Premier didn't have an issue with a blowout of $1.1 billion (and counting) on the light rail budget. They have #ZeroRespect for our members who are essential workers of NSW and have kept our community safe through the COVID-19 pandemic.

02.01.2022 Pam is a Court Officer with the Office of the Sheriff of NSW (SHO) at the Downing Centre Court complex. SHO Court Officers are assigned to District and Supreme Courts in NSW and are distinctly different to Local Courts Court Officers who perform mainly administrative functions. SHO Court Officers perform both administrative and practical functions which serve both the Jury and Judges during criminal trial matters, many of which are high profile matters of great public inter...est. The nature of these matters can be extremely complex including those with very disturbing features. SHO Court Officers also provide essential support to Judges, Jurors, witnesses and legal practitioners in the District and Supreme Courts in NSW. Their management and assistance to juries is crucial to the delivery and smooth running of our Justice System and to the Public of NSW. Pam is a NSW Public Servant and a Champion of the State.

02.01.2022 You have to wonder what is the point of holding an entire Royal Commission, asking for submissions which require enormous time and effort (including ours) only ...for it to make recommendations that you disregard within a couple of weeks. The one centrepiece finding of the RC was that a national aerial firefighting fleet was essential on the basis of cost and access, and the Morrison Government flippantly disregards it. The Prime Minister famously said at the height of the bushfire crisis this year in response to attacks on his apparent inaction "I don't hold a hose, mate". No one asked you to Scott. But here is something you could have done and you cannot be bothered. Remember this next time fires inevitably strike our nation, already at heightened risk due to this Government's inaction on climate change, that they had the opportunity to assist and refused. https://www.smh.com.au//national-emergency-laws-but-no-sov

01.01.2022 MUA wharfies at Patrick Port Botany stand with the NSW frontline workers and condemn the disgraceful pay rise decision of 0.3%. You deserve better, workers dese...rve better! NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association Unions NSW Public Service Association of NSW CPSU - Community and Public Sector Union