EMERGENCY SERVICES Union members on the front line - CASHING IN
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RY-
JANUA
H
MARC
2 0
0 2
EMERGENCY
SERVICES
Union members
on the front line
CASHING IN
Pay Equity
becomes a reality
POST OFFICE APPROVED
PUBLIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF NSW/CPSU NSW PP 255003/01563 ISSN 1030-0740
Explore tax savings
RY-
JANUA
H
MARC
2020
CONTENTS
and a great car
deal with Maxxia 04 From the General Secretary
Members on the front line
05 News
The latest issues affecting your union
If you’re one of the many Australians who love their jobs but also love
spending their holidays exploring our great southern land, you’ll know a great
06 From the President
Regional NSW on fire
PSA HEAD OFFICE
set of wheels is in order.
08
160 Clarence Street,
From the Assistant Sydney NSW
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Raising funds for vital services Sydney NSW 2001
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26 On the line
Emergency workers in the PSA and CPSU NSW
F (02) 9262 1623
W www.psa.asn.au
www.cpsunsw.org.au
To learn how Maxxia could help you hit the open road
34 Lending a hand E psa@psa.asn.au
in a new car this summer, contact Maxxia today. cpsu.nsw@psa.asn.au
Working for the disadvantaged
36 WHS
Staying safe at work
38 Open the wallet
Government spending can save the economy
Managing Editor
26 40
Women at Work Stewart Little,
General Secretary
Latest news and views
Issue Editor
Jason Mountney
42 Superannuation
Saving for tomorrow
Art Direction
Mine Konakci
Enquiries
PSA Communications Unit
1300 772 679
Membership
T 1300 772 679
E membership@psa.asn.au
Printer
Spotpress Pty Ltd
1300 123 123 24-26 Lilian Fowler Place
Marrickville NSW 2204
maxxia.com.au paul.d@spotpress.com.au
37 All members of CPSU NSW are also members of the Public Service Association.
The PSA is the associated body that manages and resources CPSU NSW.
Things you need to know: This general information doesn’t take your personal circumstances into account. Please consider whether this information is right for you before making a decision and seek
professional independent tax or financial advice. Conditions and fees apply, along with credit assessment criteria for lease and loan products. The availability of benefits is subject to your employer’s
approval. Maxxia may receive commissions in connection with its services. Maxxia Pty Ltd | ABN 39 082 449 036 January-March 2020 RED TAPE 3
OPI
FE NU
AT N
IORE YOUR RIGHTS
From the General Secretary Stewart Little
LEND A HAND: VOLUNTEERS ELIGIBLE FOR LEAVE
ON THE FRONT
The PSA, in conjunction with other unions,
has successfully pushed the Government to
compulsorily test offenders who assault workers VOLUNTEER ORGANISATIONS
LINE FOR YOU such as Corrections Officers, Paramedics or
Police Officers in the line of duty. This reduces
COVERED BY THE AWARD
W
the mental anguish suffered by staff who are then • Bushwalkers’ Federation
ith bushfire season in full subjected to a series of tests for communicable • Cave Rescue Association
swing, our members in diseases. To read more on this campaign and its
• N SW Volunteer Fire Brigade
areas such as National result, go to page 17.
• P ublic Service Support Group
Parks, Forestry, the State And the threat of privatisation and staff cuts is
• R ural Fire Service
Emergency Service, Fire never far away. We saw, in recent months, prisons all
• S tate Emergency Service
and Rescue and the Rural over NSW shut their doors, with yet another private
• V olunteer Coastal Patrol
Fire Service will be facility due to open in 2020. No-one should profit
• V olunteer Rescue Association
stretched as blazes break out throughout NSW. from crime; particularly when privately run prisons
of NSW (or affiliated groups)
This issue of Red Tape takes us behind the scenes mean fewer Officers, on lower pay.
•W ireless Institute Civil
with members on the front line, looking after the Also in blue uniforms, our members employed
Emergency Network
public, often at risk to their own personal safety. as Special Constables were forced to walk off the
job in October to highlight the low amount they
M
I am proud to say this impressive line-up of
workers is backed up by PSA/CPSU NSW members are paid to protect sites such as Government
from other workplaces who regularly donate their House, the Cabinet offices, Parliament House and embers volunteering time to assist the
time to fight blazes in rural areas. If you are in this Police Headquarters. As we saw in 2015, these are community don’t have to eat into their
category, see the page opposite to find out how targets for terrorists, yet our members are paid a recreational leave if they are helping out
volunteering affects your leave balance. base salary of $54,600 a year for a position that during work hours.
While we admire the hard work of our members could put them in the line of fire. Section 6.17.7.1 of the Crown
fighting bushfires, we can’t help but feel angry There is still so much more to be done to Employees Award states members of
at the government betrayal that has seen fire- improve conditions for all members working certain organisations “may be granted
WE GIVE PARTICULAR prevention jobs cut and a continual refusal to deal for a better NSW. Their workers’ compensation special leave of up to 5 days in any period of 12 months
THANKS IN THIS ISSUE with a climate crisis drying out our land. protection was stripped back in 2011 and we are for the purpose of assisting as volunteers in one of these
This issue introduces a regular section on those lobbying hard to ensure they are offered the same organisations”. See the box for a list of the organisations
TO THOSE WHO RISK members working to mediate the effects of climate coverage as people employed in the Police, Fire covered by the Act.
INJURY OR WORSE ON change. First up, we look at the work CPSU NSW and Ambulance sectors. Section 6.17.7.2 of the Act deals with declared emergencies,
members do at WaterNSW during the drought. All our members fill vital roles in our state. stating “if a situation arises requiring a major operational
THE FRONT LINE Away from the fires, our members in Corrections However, we give particular thanks in this issue to response, or an emergency is declared under Section 44 of the
face challenges at work many of us could not those who risk injury or worse in their everyday Rural Fires Act 1997, under other relevant legislation or by the
imagine. Prisons can be violent places, with duties. They deserve so much more from the Premier, employees who volunteer to assist are granted special
Officers regularly assaulted at work. government that employs them. leave with no upper limit”.
Leave applications must be “accompanied by a statement from
Your union has had a great the local or Divisional Controller, the Fire Controller, Deputy
year, more than doubling our Fire Controller or NSW Police Force certifying the times of
expected growth in members. attendance. The leave application should indicate the period and
I’d like to take this chance area of attendance together with the name of the organisation to
to say thank you to all our which the volunteer member belongs.”
delegates and members and There are also provisions for rest after an emergency or rescue.
the staff supporting them. If the State Emergency Services Commissioner or his or her | |
The PSA/CPSU NSW delegate decides a volunteer employee must attend a course of | |
wishes you all a happy training or lectures, the act stipulates “the agency head should
Christmas and prosperous make every effort to release the employee from duty”.
New Year. And for all Any absence from work while training or attending a lecture
those working through the “is regarded as being on duty”. A certificate of attendance is
holidays, including many not necessary.
of our emergency services For example, members undertaking courses approved by
employees, I’d like to say the Rural Fire Service can be granted special leave for up to
thank you. 10 working days a year.
4 RED TAPE January-March 2020 January-March 2020 RED TAPE 5
YOUR UNION
OPINION
From the President Kylie McKelvie
DISREGARD FOR
The RFS is coming into what is under-resourced in relation to incident
becoming a fire season that will be spoken management function at the expense of
about for many years – well, until the higher profile fire events. This places the
THE BUSH next one comes along. It is currently in
the midst of negotiating a new Award
people of NSW at serious risk in relation
to these and future bush fire events
IGNITES THE
and the Executive has announced a unless the management of the NSW
significant restructure to its functions of RFS and the State Government are held
the RFS. A number of new positions have accountable.
FLAMES been promised, but in the lead up to this During the level of current bushfire
fire season a large number of front-line events the small numbers of permanent
positions in District and Zone Teams have staff in each Fire Control Centre see
been left vacant. workloads explode. The NSW RFS
The fires that engulfed much of This has led to a large number of management team is falling short on
regional NSW typify Macquarie Incident Management positions now delivery of bush fire management to the
A
continually left unfilled. Night shifts in community by allowing this situation to
Street’s neglect. many of the current bushfire emergency continue without remedy.
s jobs are cut in the bush, areas are down to as little as one RFS We are now seeing the impacts of
the state is catching fire. member and a security guard across these issues play out with difficulty in
The PSA represents a multiple locations. The less high-profile filling key IMT roles, particularly with
number of emergency- areas for major fires are left dangerously experienced personnel.
BUTSON SAYS GOODBYE
service workers from
clusters across the state,
including the NSW
Rural Fire Service (RFS).
The RFS is the primary bushfire
response agency in state, supported by The PSA has lost a combative privatise,” she said. “At the time I was was there she had a big win on behalf of
other organisations such as the National responsible for the Department of members.
Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry
fighter due to the retirement of Administrative Services, which was “One win sticks out and that was the
Corp, the State Emergency Service and Senior Industrial Officer Kerrie renamed the Commercial Services Group. wonderful win for casual Visitor Service
Fire and Rescue. PSA members in the Butson, who has been a tireless These areas were ripe for privatisation: Staff employed at the Powerhouse
RFS are actively involved in delivering the Government Cleaner, the Government Museum who since 2014 had been
planning and operations expertise to
worker on behalf of members since Stores, the Government Printing Office, underpaid,” she said. “The outcome was
Bob Hawke occupied The Lodge.
“
all of the current Incident Management the Government Uniform Factory and that all staff who had been employed
Teams (IMTs) across the state. Members in this classification who were paid
I started work at the PSA in May
incorrectly were back paid for the whole
1986,” Ms Butson said. “I was
of the amount they were owed. This
seconded to the PSA to set up “KERRIE’S EXPERIENCE, amounted to over $1.5 million.”
workplace groups for our KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL Ms Butson said she will miss “the
PSA MEMBERS AND THE members employed as non-
AS WELL AS HER RAZOR- members, the delegates, the work: it is
teaching staff in schools.
COMMUNITY ARE AT A “I had worked at Canley Vale SHARP WIT, WILL BE amazing. And the challenge of the role
and of course my colleagues”.
HIGHER LEVEL OF RISK High School for 10 years prior to my GREATLY MISSED” General Secretary Stewart Little praised
secondment to the PSA. I had always been
‘Butto’, saying her skills will be missed at
a member but became very active when the
PSA House.
campaign for Ancillary Staff commenced.
“She has been a great advocate
We were all temporary staff and we were
provide air and ground operations the Government Motor Garage, Technical for her members and never took a
technically stood down at the end of each
support, major logistics movements of Services Group. All of these areas were backward step.”
term. This of course was a long, fought-out
resources and people inter and intra state, either privatised or were radically reduced “Kerrie’s experience, knowledge
campaign that was won by the PSA.”
plus internationally. They make bushfire in size over a period of four years.” and skill as well as her razor-sharp
Ms Butson has seen governments
impact assessments with assistance in Most recently, Ms Butson has been wit, will be greatly missed not only
change at Macquarie Street and
bushfire recovery along with the Office of representing members in areas such as among her colleagues, but among the
witnessed the effects the Liberal/
Emergency Management. These functions Ultimo’s Powerhouse Museum, which members she helped throughout her
National privatisation agenda has had
occur across approximately 95 per cent of is set to be uprooted to a flood plain career,” said Industrial Manager
on workers.
NSW, outside major residential areas and in Parramatta to make way for what is Nathan Bradshaw, who was in her team
“The election of the Greiner
larger towns. likely to be yet another block of flats. It in recent months.
Government gave the green light to
6 RED TAPE January-March 2020 January-March 2020 RED TAPE 7
OPINION
Investing
TOP 10
PERFORME
R*
From the Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright
CHARITY BEGINS
in good
significantly hampered its capacity to
respond. Similarly, this month we saw
the impact devastating cuts made by IN THE 2017-18 BUDGET,
WITH GOOD the Berejiklian Government in 2018
have had on our national parks, where THE GOVERNMENT
SLASHED $121 MILLION
GOVERNMENT
many of the current fires enveloping our
state originated. In the 2017-18 budget,
FROM THE NPWS BUDGET
T
the Government slashed $121 million
for
from the NPWS budget, resulting in
wo weekends ago, children more than 700 jobs being axed or
of a friend of mine held a restructured, Fire Management Officers
greater
cake stall to raise funds across the State being reduced from 38 Another side effect of allowing vital
for the Rural Fire Service to 10, and a net loss of approximately public services like the RFS to become
(RFS) in the midst of the 100 Rangers. Then, at the peak of the increasingly reliant on donations and
ongoing bushfire crisis. fires, Nationals Leader John Barilaro, in goodwill rather than core funding is the
They raised $130 in a few what must rank as one of the most ill- artificial hierarchy of worthy causes.
hours in what was a community-minded timed and tasteless displays of memory Well may people donate to the RFS but
and generous gesture. loss in modern politics, had the sheer what about less-marketable services
Then last week Russell Crowe audacity to blame the same service his such as child protection, or public
auctioned a cap on social media for the government crippled for inaction. housing, or even corrections? Who
returns
RFS, promising to double the donation The disgrace of the Government’s wants to shake a tin for a new gaol?
it raised, with it ultimately selling neglect of our various firefighting agencies We see this already in why children’s
to one of the Atlassian founders for is compounded by their frivolous and hospitals successfully fundraise more
$100,000. seemingly unsupervised spending in than regular public hospitals do, or that
Such fundraising efforts, big and small, other areas. While many Departments some cancer research is more popular
are undoubtedly appreciated by those on and agencies that employ our members than others.
the front line, but they left me wondering have been smashed with budget cuts that Our public services, especially those
why are they necessary at all. impact on service delivery, there seems to emergency services whose purpose is
The NSW RFS has a history dating be limitless funds to splash on stadium the protection of life and property must
back to 1900 and does undertake some upgrades no-one needs or asked for, bungled be fully publicly funded, not subsidised
fundraising and sponsorship activities infrastructure projects like the light rail and by private donations. I’d hold a cake
at a local level. It relies heavily on the the relocation of museums that only benefit sale to support any political party that
labour of volunteers, but this should property developers and not constituents. recognises this.
not mean it or any other emergency
service should be treated like a
charitable cause. It almost demeans Should you have to choose between doing good in the world and doing well
the important work they do. financially? We don’t think so.
The Berejiklian Government has
had months, if not years, of warnings
about worsening bushfire conditions At First State Super, we do both every day. We generate jobs while generating
on account of the drought and climate returns. We invest in infrastructure that build our members’ balances.
change leading to increased fuel loads.
Yet instead of providing justifiable We invest in a better future for Australia and our members at the same time.
additional funding and resourcing in And we’ve achieved top ten performance* last year and received an industry
preparation for the fire season, as any
award for our integrity.
responsible government would have done,
the Berejiklian Government has done
nothing at best and subjected the agency Perhaps the real question is, what does your super fund?
to its efficiency dividend at worst. The
PSA/CPSU NSW is aware that this has led
to a restructure of its professional ranks
during the year with the loss of significant
An industry fund for all
corporate knowledge and a crippling
This is general information only and does not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs. Seek professional financial advice, consider your own circumstances and
vacancy rate entering summer, which has read our product disclosure statement before making a decision about First State Super. Call us or visit our website for a copy. Issued by FSS Trustee Corporation ABN 11 118 202 672, AFSL
293340, the trustee of the First State Superannuation Scheme ABN 53 226 460 365. Our Growth option for super returned 7.7%. 1 year ending 30 June 2019. Chant West 2019 ‘Super Funds
deliver record-breaking 10th straight positive year’. Investment returns are not guaranteed. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.
8 RED TAPE January-March 2020
LITIES
URE
ABI ARTS &
FEISAT
D CULTURE
DSA staff In communication to the
score a win
members, CPSU NSW Industrial
Officer Graydon Welsh stated, “I
can confirm that the CPSU NSW
POWERHOUSE MOVE FIVE YEARS ON
in Orange has not, and would not, agree to
having staff resign in order to
This edition of Red Tape marks Mr Bradshaw added not a single new
job had been created in Parramatta.
The CPSU NSW has helped maintain employment. We five years since the Government “Why not keep the current Powerhouse
secure permanent positions advocate for people to have announced its plans to move in Ultimo and build a new museum at
secure, valued, safe and stable Parramatta?” he said.
for casual staff on copied the Powerhouse Museum from
state awards at an Orange employment. The impending closure of the
group home run by Disability “We do not agree with staff its current inner city location in Powerhouse comes at a time when the
Services Australia (DSA). having to resign and reapply for jobs Ultimo to a flood-prone site in Australian Museum, across town, closes
A
just to gain permanency. We are Parramatta. its doors for a 12-month-long renovation.
staff member alerted the
currently advocating for staff across “Sydney is desperate for world
CPSU NSW to DSA’s refusal “Five years on and not a sod has been
the disability sector to have their city status, then neglects its cultural
to offer permanent work
to transferred staff. In its letter
conditions of employment secured.” DRAWN-OUT RETREAT FROM turned,” said PSA Industrial Manager
Nathan Bradshaw. “The move is already
institutions,” said Mr Bradshaw.
DSA complied with the CPSU PSA Industrial Officer Kerrie Butson
to staff, DSA actually blamed
the union for its refusal, claiming
NSW’s correspondence and the DISABILITY SERVICES NEARING END one year behind schedule and, despite
the Government’s supposed tightening of
said after a five-year process, the museum
affected staff will be offered The drawn-out closure of the last The Community Justice and is finally starting to catalogue its
it was a union stipulation that purse strings, more than $30 million has
permanent positions on the government-run residences for Integrated Service Programs in collection in readiness for the move.
transferred casual staff not be been splurged in consultancy fees.”
Community Living Award. disability services is near Parramatta are also affected
given permanent positions.
The CPSU NSW saw an completion. (see page 15).
The CPSU NSW Industrial Team
overnight flood of membership Residents at Stockton, “PSA members are not being
went into action, letting staff and
applications. The site went from Kanangra, Tomaree and redeployed,” said Industrial
management at DSA know that
having a single member to 100 per Casuarina Grove residences in Officer Greg Shaw. “However,
casual staff were not only
cent coverage. the Hunter are being moved the PSA has arranged a $2500
encouraged to be given permanent
“This proves that members should to smaller group homes, with retraining package for members
positions but also that they needed
contact their union when something the process finalised by and more than 100 staff have
to continue to be employed under
goes wrong,” said Mr Welsh. December 2019. applied for the grant.”
the Community Living Award.
See you in CPSU NSW members at HVDS
and MNCDS are disability staff who
means of consultation with the
CPSU NSW prior to each of the
their day-to-day work and yet HVDS
and MNCDS have refused multiple A comprehensive personal loan that offers
court were forcibly transferred from FACS
in 2017 to private entities HVDS
policies going live.
The FCC proceedings have been
requests by the union to try to
resolve this dispute,” said CPSU you flexibility to make extra repayments
and MNCDS. They have assigned to a Judge who then made NSW Industrial Officer Dean Allen.
The CPSU NSW will prosecute
encountered numerous problems orders for a timetable requiring the “When HVDS and MNCDS
Hunter Valley Disability
with their employment and Award parties to file various documents and implemented more than a dozen
Services and Mid North Coast
conditions since that time. The to participate in a compulsory employment policies and As a PSA Member you are entitled to this Personal Loan (Unsecured) Offer
Disability Services in the
CPSU NSW has actively resisted this mediation conference. The CPSU procedures without consultation,
6.99 6.99
Federal Circuit Court of
% %
process for the past two years. This NSW has retained lawyers and a they deprived their employees of
Australia.
is one of many terrible barrister to prosecute the application an opportunity to influence their
T pa 1 pa 2
he CPSU NSW has commenced consequences of the decision of the against HVDS and MNCDS. work and their work environment.”
enforcement proceedings Baird and Berejiklian Governments The CPSU NSW lawyers have The next step directed by the Variable Interest Rate Comparison Rate
in the Federal Circuit Court to scrap public disability services, filed complex legal documents Judge was for the parties to
of Australia (FCC) under the civil throwing the care of people with with the Court and commenced attend a mandatory mediation
remedy provisions of the Fair disability into the hands of communications with the lawyers conference. If the matter cannot Email bd@sydneymutual.bank
Work Act 2009 for a penalty to non-Government operators who are representing HVDS and MNCDS. be resolved at the mediation,
be imposed against Hunter Valley focused on profits. HVDS has now filed a defence then it will be necessary to All information is correct as at 15 November 2019 and subject to change. 1Rate based on a 1% discount off the Personal Loan
Disability Services (HVDS) and Mid (Unsecured), for loans $5,000 to $30,000 and on a term of up to 7 years. The 1% rate discount applies for the term of the Australian
The FCC dispute arose because with the Federal Circuit Court proceed to a hearing before the
Mutual Bank Loan Contract or until you are no longer a PSA Member. 2Comparison rate based on a $30,000 loan over 5 years
North Coast Disability Services for a HVDS and MNCDS implemented partially admitting to some of the Judge and seek orders against unsecured. Warning: This comparison rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms,
breach of Clause 65.1 of the Crown numerous employment policies case against it. HVDS (and MNCDS) for payment fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. All applications are subject to Australian Mutual Bank Ltd normal
Employees (Public Service Conditions and procedures since 6 April 2018, “Our disability services members of penalties for breaching the lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply, full details available on application. Sydney Mutual Bank and Endeavour Mutual Bank
of Employment) Award 2009. are divisions of Australian Mutual Bank Ltd | ABN 93 087 650 726 | Australian credit licence 236476 | AFSL 236476 | BSB 611 001.
despite not having an effective perform an invaluable service in Award.
10 RED TAPE January-March 2020 January-March 2020 RED TAPE 11
LS &
HOUORE
SCAT
FE
EDUCATION
Overwhelming Safety on
majority vote centre stage
to accept three- for science
year DoE Flex staff
Agreement The new School
Ninety-three per cent of Administrative
members in the Department Officers’(SAOs’)
of Education voted to accept Science Vocational
a new Flexible Working Hours Advisory Group is
Agreement. ensuring Workplace
Health and Safety
Members in the Department of remains a key issue for
Education have said yes: giving a tick
of approval to the agreement, which members.
was reached after the two parties
“Work Health and Safety
negotiated terms.
Pay Equity cash hits school accounts
(WHS) is an extremely
Under the proposed agreement,
important topic for SAOs
Training Advisors’ and Training
working in science,” said
Coordinators’ bandwidth would be from
The PSA’s mighty win in the union can do and was the result of PSA Industrial Manager Kris
6.00am to 8.00pm, with a maximum
many hours of hard work by members, Cruden. “It is paramount that
Industrial Relations Commission delegates and the PSA,” said PSA
of 45 hours’ work in a week. Existing
members are protected while
conditions such as a 12-week settlement
(IRC) on behalf of staff in Industrial Manager Kris Cruden. “If we
period and a carryover of a maximum
at work, this is one of the key
Schools is now a reality, with have achieved this, imagine what else we parts of the PSA’s Worth 100%
of 42 hours’ credit have been preserved.
can do if all SAS Staff are on board.” campaign. One of the areas
the extra money, and back pay, Ms Cruden encouraged all members to delegates have identified as
in members’ bank accounts. urge colleagues not in the union to join.
GROUNDS FOR COMPLAINT problematic was the out-
T
The pay rise, which was earned with PSA of-date documentation in
he pay round deposited resources and money, will go to all staff relation to Chemical Safety in
into School staff accounts and not just members. THE INPUT OF MEMBERS A General Assistant (GA) employed in a Goulburn primary school has Schools.
M
The PSA has seen a surge of new IS VITAL. BY VOTING ON “Following these discussions,
on 14 November was the
members from Schools, as staff
highlighted the absurdity of using student numbers to devise staffing. the PSA raised this with DoE at
first one that featured
reaslise the benefits brought by union THIS AGREEMENT YOU ark Brown is employed it would hire the GA for a full week. This would a Joint Consultative Committee
new pay rates calculated
as a GA at Wollondilly be regardless of how big the school is or how
after the Department membership. HAVE HAD A GENUINE Public School, which old and run-down its facilities. The current
meeting. As a result, the PSA,
conceded that staff were The extra pay in each member’s pocket delegates and the Department
has come after a long campaign. The SAY ON HOW YOUR UNION has about 400 students. formula allows for a full-time, five-days-a-week will soon enter into consultation
being underpaid due to a gender bias.
Under the Department GA to be hired if a school has more than 500
Even better, that pay included back pay decision to pursue the case was made by PROCEEDS on updated documentation,
the incoming PSA Executive in late 2016, of Education’s formula, students. As student numbers drop, the amount including the Chemical Safety
to July 1.
with the case lodged in March 2017. this means Mr Brown of time allocated for a GA is reduced. In the in Schools booklet. Work Health
“This win is evidence of what a strong
is allocated 19 hours of work a week to care most extreme case, one remote school with only and Safety structures will also be
for the school grounds and facilities. The only two students currently enrolled hires a GA for refreshed providing an avenue
problem is that the school sits on about six four hours a week. for matters to be raised and
“The input of members is vital and hectares of land: about 15 acres in the old Mr Hammond said the PSA’s policy is for “a resolved on an ongoing basis.”
supports the work of the PSA,” said imperial measure. five-day-a-week GA in every school”. The group will also
Industrial Officer Siobhan Callinan. PSA Organiser Brett Hammond said the Failing that, the union is pushing for a better work on the provision and
“By voting on this agreement you have grounds all up take Mr Brown about 24 hours way for the Department to work out what hours quality of training to School
had a genuine say on how your union to mow; more than his weekly allocation of a GA should work. Administrative Officers when
proceeds.” hours. Yet on top of the mowing there are “The age of buildings and the size of the they first take on the SAO
The new Agreement has been a multitude of other jobs he is required to school grounds should be taken into account Science role, as well as regular
finalised and came into effect in mid- complete. more than the number of students,” said Mr development and refresher
December 2019. If the school had about another 100 students, Hammond. training.
12 RED TAPE January-March 2020 January-March 2020 RED TAPE 13
IMU
CLAT E
ATRE HEALTH & ES
FE
CHANGE CO M MUNIT Y SERVIC
PSA wins wage justice for Justice, Ms McKeough pointed out “the
Department has a legal obligation to pay
Communities and Justice Mr Wallace at the appropriate rate. The
employee failure to increase Mr Wallace’s pay to the
Grade 10 level means that not only has
he been underpaid, he also has a lower
Thanks to action by his superannuation balance and reduced leave
union, a Senior Caseworker at loading has been paid.”
Coonabarabran Community The Department, in response, advised
that after further checking it was revealed
Services Centre has been awarded that the problem extended back to
T
DANGERS EXPOSED BY an early Christmas bonus.
he member, delegate and
November 2008. Mr Wallace was backpaid
in November 2019 and the Department
BALMAIN TRAGEDY Central Councillor
Stephen Wallace has
extended an apology.
The stabbing death of a Mental Health worked for the
Care Worker in a Balmain housing block Department for more than
has highlighted the dangers faced by 20 years and is a
many PSA workers on the front line of maximum Grade 7 senior WE ADVISE ALL MEMBERS
Community Services. caseworker. Part of his work for Community
“Many of our members deal with people Services 11 years ago involved signing an TO CHECK THEIR PAYSLIP
WHEN THE RIVERS RUN DRY with complex mental health needs that
can have unpredictable effects,” said
Industrial Manager Kris Cruden. “They
agreement to provide coaching, advice and
support to less experienced caseworkers
and participate in training and orientation
EVERY FORTNIGHT
As drought bites, fish die, rivers stop flowing, farms go to the wall and towns ponder their very play an important role in these people’s activities. This meant he should have been
lives but we need to be safe at work.” paid at the Grade 3/7 level 10 rate.
C
existence, CPSU NSW members in WaterNSW are making sure taps flow for the people of the state. However, this was not paid, and he
instead continued to receive the Grade 3/7 “This is an unusual, but not isolated,
PSU NSW members all serves a vital role in allocating an sustained period of time really does example of pay anomalies experienced
level 9 rate.
over the state are playing increasingly scarce resource, with impact on your staff. by hard-working public servants,” said Ms
“After trying to resolve this with payroll
a huge role in fighting competition between agricultural “You really have to make sure it doesn’t THEY PLAY AN IMPORTANT and getting nowhere, he sought PSA McKeough. “Now, more than ever, with
the effects of climate producers, miners and residents. As get on top of your guys, because it really
change. WaterNSW is a climate change bites and drought can be quite draining dealing with that ROLE IN THESE PEOPLE’S assistance,” said PSA Industrial Officer new and inflexible computer systems
Carmel McKeough. “Mr Wallace further including SAP and OneSAP and much
state-owned corporation becomes more a part of everyday life in every day.” LIVES BUT WE NEED TO BE advised that in his discussion with payroll lower numbers of payroll staff, mistakes
that, among many other regional NSW, this puts pressure on staff Not all decisions go the way applicants
tasks, manages our dams, rivers and water and the services they provide. want, so WaterNSW staff will have to
SAFE AT WORK it was indicated that the problem dates can and do occur.
back at least a decade when no annual “We advise all members to check their
infrastructure. “Drought means increased workloads, a sometimes deal with disappointed payslip every fortnight to ensure it is
increment was awarded which would have
“It has several roles; one of the lot more stress, a need to prioritise duties,” stakeholders. accurate. If not please contact your payroll
moved him to the level 10 rate.”
major ones is the protection of Greater said Mr Harrison. “That’s not a lot of fun,” said Mr Hanks. staff in the first instance. If that doesn’t
Sixty-two-year-old mental health In a letter to the Director of Employee
Sydney’s drinking water and its “We see a great increase in stock “Sometimes it involves legal challenges to resolve the issue, please contact the Member
worker Stephen Douglas was killed in Relations, Safety and Wellbeing at
catchment,” said CPSU NSW member and domestic applications,” said Ben your decisions. Support Centre on 1300 772 679.”
late November at a block of units in East the Department of Communities and
Andrew Harrison, who works for Hanks, who works in licensing. “During “From time to time customers come
WaterNSW’s Customer and Community a drought you often get increased in that are doing it tough and threaten Balmain. A 40-year-old man, who is alleged
business unit. “We’re a bulk water applications for irrigation. self-harm, and it can be hard to tell what to have serious mental issues, has been
supplier; which is all the external dams “You have a lot more people coming to is really going on. charged with Mr Douglas’s murder.
in the regions. That provides drinking
water for councils, as well as irrigation
your door saying, ‘I want to do this, I want
to do that’. You still have to satisfy the
“We are doing our best to support our
customers, it is really tough on everyone in
Ms Cruden said the PSA does not want
its members exposed to the same fate.
What next for Community Justice?
and industrial usage. various rules we have; you have just got a our regional communities. “We need the Department to make sure Uncertainty hangs over the future of staff and clients at the Community Justice and
“We’re also a system operator of the lot more work coming in and you don’t “I am constantly telling my team to take proper risk assessments are done for all Integrated Services Programs in Parramatta.
state’s surface and groundwater resources. have extra staff to do it.” leave: you just don’t want them to burn clients and ensure that appropriate action The program, which deals with people with disability in the Corrections system,
This includes the Murray-Darling Basin In addition to the extra workload out.” is taken in line with the risk assessments,” is to be closed as part of the State Government’s retreat from the provision of
and the Murray River System. the drought brings, Mr Hanks said WaterNSW staff are witnessing dramatic she said. disability services.
“We also do water licensing, approvals, the dry conditions place staff under changes to water supply and, in some Other measures advocated by the PSA “Not only are our members’ livelihoods at risk, but the work they do is also
water trades, billing and provide stress. cases, industries and towns questioning include eliminating ID tags on lanyards incredibly important for some of the most vulnerable members of society,” said PSA
water resource information. Our “Servicing these enquiries puts a their existence. worn around the neck and better GPS Industrial Officer Greg Shaw. “There is a danger that without this section operating,
environmental group looks at water lot of demand on your water-licensing “Smaller towns shrink during a software for members on the ground. these people will fall through the cracks.”
quality across the state.” team, and our operation and field staff,” drought,” said Mr Hanks. “Towns will face
Above: The Balmain flats where a Mental Health Care Worker was
During times of drought, WaterNSW said Mr Hanks. “To have that over a a significant change in their output.”
stabbed to death.
14 RED TAPE January-March 2020 January-March 2020 RED TAPE 15
STU
JUAT
FE E
ICRE
Behind the DISORDER IN THE HOUSE:
scenes: Fire and SPECIAL CONSTABLES WALK
Rescue staff
proud to be union
W
hile the state’s
Fire Fighters have
their own union,
there are a
number of PSA
members at Fire
BLOOD TESTING RULES INTRODUCED
and Rescue.
PSA Organiser Latu Sailosi recently
spent some time at the Fire Rescue NSW
HQ in Greenacre with Transport Recovery
Operators Andrew Standaloft, Kerry AFTER LONG POVB FIGHT
A
Phillips and Jeremy Rampant.
The group are primarily drivers, fter a long campaign from the “This caused no end of mental anguish. At least
moving and relocating heavy vehicles PSA and Prison Officers’ now Officers can have peace of mind if the test is
and equipment around the state. Vocational Branch (POVB), negative.”
Recently they were replacing broken- supported by other unions, the “The unfortunate reality is that PSA’s front-line
down fire trucks and equipment in the State Government has members working across the public service are
fires around Tenterfield that claimed introduced a bill directing that exposed to violence in their daily duties,” said
about 50 homes. people assaulting emergency PSA General Secretary Stewart Little.
They play a vital role in supporting service staff should be compulsorily tested for “This is a risk of their jobs, but it’s also fair
front-line firefighting staff, working with communicable diseases. that workers have an expectation that every
FRONTLINE MEMBERS
the equipment and tools required to fight The bill, which is expected to be passed by the effort is made to reduce stress and anxiety in the ... ARE EXPOSED TO
C
fire emergencies. NSW Parliament in early 2020, would compel people event they’re attacked and exposed to possible
“They are the most collegiate, tight-knit who assault a Correctives Officer, Police Officer or infection.
VIOLENCE IN THEIR
and united work group I have met since iting low pay for a job Ambulance Worker and draw blood to take a test “There needs to be an evidence-based policy EVERYDAY DUTIES
starting at the PSA in 2004,” said Mr that can put them in the for diseases such as hepatitis. Anyone who refuses to in place that offers peace of mind to front-line
Sailosi, who is making inroads with staff path of a bullet, Special THE DEPARTMENT IS ON comply with a testing order would face a maximum of Officers.
in other areas such as IT. Constables walked off the NOTICE ... THIS ISSUE IS 12 months’ imprisonment, an $11,000 fine, or both. “The Emergency Services Coalition ,which
With the fire season starting early, job at sites such as the
there is an expectation of a very busy NSW Parliament to draw
NOT GOING AWAY “This is long overdue,” says POVB Chair Nicole includes PSA, the P NSW olice Association,
Jess. “Officers assaulted in the line of duty, where Health Services Union and the Fire Brigade
period ahead right through to March or attention to their plight. there has been blood mixed, once faced a six- Employees’ Union, agrees that members’ safety
April 2020. Television news broadcasts that evening month wait to be cleared by tests. has to be the priority.”
There are seven staff in the Transport ran with footage of the officers walking
Operations Fleet Management team, all out of Parliament’s gates in full uniform NSW Police agreed to engage with the
based at the Greenacre depot and HQ. All to protest over their wages. PSA in a series of formal meetings with
six drivers are PSA members.
They have a few industrial concerns,
Special Constables guard sites such as
Parliament, Government House, the State
regular report-backs to the Commission.
“It is clear from the stop work
Role dispute spurs stable staff into action
which they are working to resolve with the Cabinet offices and Police Headquarters. meetings that members feel completely
support of the PSA. This potentially dangerous work means undervalued by NSW Police for the PSA members employed by the NSW duties,” said Industrial Officer Andrew Wright.
“If NSW Police is adamant about continuing
they are armed and wear body armour. In important and sometimes dangerous Police as Grooms implemented work to describe their role as essentially that of a
October 2015, Special Constables shot work they do,” said PSA Organiser Roland bans in November. Strapper or Stable Hand, then their actual duties
and killed Farhad Khalil Mohammad Harris. “Members should be proud to
Following long-standing pay and grading should be modified accordingly.”
Jabar, who had murdered Police IT worker have shown their strength and unity by
discrepancies against similar roles in NSW Police, The Grooms work with police horses at the
Curtis Cheng. standing together at the meetings last
the PSA put in a submission outlining the case for Redfern stables.
After the walk-off, the PSA was ordered week. The Department is on notice that
a review of the Role Description for Grooms. The action spurred the NSW Police into action,
to cease the action by the Industrial this issue is not going away and members
“Members are understandably frustrated with with the force offering to meet to discuss the
Relations Commission (IRC). will continue to fight collectively for what
working beyond their Role Description when dispute. Members were directed to resume normal
As part of the IRC ending the action, they deserve.”
their pay and grading don’t match their actual duties once the announcement was made.
16 RED TAPE January-March 2020 January-March 2020 RED TAPE 17
JUSTICE
Mental health
campaign to
aid members in
Correctives
T
he PSA and Prison
Officers Vocational
Branch (POVB) have
been encouraging
members in the state’s
prisons to look out for
each other and to start
to change the communication around
mental health and wellbeing.
The executive has been meeting with
Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) and
pushing for a greater need for Mental
Health Wellbeing programs, debriefs after
incidents, training for managers on how
CONFERENCE WORKS FOR MORE INDIGENOUS to facilitate a debrief, calling in Employee
Assistance Program counselling for serious
POSITIONS IN JUSTICE SYSTEM incidents and in general a greater level of
support for CSNSW staff.
The PSA had a stand at the annual Youth Justice Aboriginal Conference.
The three-day conference enables Aboriginal staff in the Youth Justice sector to
“Nearly every Correctives Officer
will know a colleague who has LONG BATTLE FOR HIGH-RISK UNIT
BEARS FRUIT FOR YOUTH JUSTICE
suicided,” said PSA Industrial Officer
discuss and solve issues that affect them.
A
David Bartle. “Many inmates also take
“The conference and our stand gave us a good chance to do more for our
their own lives, which has an effect.
Aboriginal members in the sector,” said PSA Organiser Gino Di Candilo. “We are
“Our staff can work with an inmate for long campaign for better facilities. Previously, high-risk detainees were
pushing for more identified positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.”
eight or even 16 hours a day, they can’t conditions for Youth Justice mixed with the general detainee population,
According to the Creative Spirits website, which deals with Aboriginal and Torres
help but be affected if a prisoner takes members has had results, with so a repeat car thief may have been detained
Strait Islander issues, more than 50 per cent of NSW juvenile detainees are First
their own life.” the Minister agreeing to nearly alongside someone found guilty of murder or
Nations Australians.
“CSNSW has been holding many all the union’s demands. terrorism-related offences.
ASSAULT LEVELS IN
focus groups across the state, to give Minister Gareth Ward “Our members want to help these kids,” said THESE FACILITIES
feedback and ideas on what staff think announced 63 recommendations Mr Little. “They want to break the cycle. The last
is needed,” wrote POVB Chair Nicole to reduce the incidences of violence in the Youth thing they want to see is them going up the road
HAVE TREBLED
New SES boss visits PSA House Jess in a bulletin to members. “Their
involvement in these focus groups has
been beneficial and has assisted in
Justice system. This was in reaction to a riot at
a Central Coast facility that received widespread
into Long Bay or Cessnock. This reform is a very
welcome step in that direction.”
media attention. The changes to the Youth Justice system were
confirming the need for greater support “The 22-hour riot at Frank Baxter in July introduced after years of intensive lobbying by
The new head of the State Ms York has worked in the past with to assist with the mental health and forced the government to act,” said Stewart Little, the PSA, representing members frustrated at the
NSW Police, where she negotiated with wellbeing of staff.” General Secretary of the PSA. “Since then, we have increasing amount of violence to which they and
Emergency Service (SES) met General Secretary Stewart Little, who once The PSA and POVB executive have been grateful to work with Minister Gareth Ward other detainees were subjected.
PSA staff and Executive in a worked for the Police Association, and been pushing this program with CSNSW. on what needs to be done to make officers and “It’s cause for concern when you’ve had assault
visit in December 2019. PSA Industrial Manager Julie Bond. It was presented at the PSA Annual detainees safer. levels in these facilities treble over the last three
“I am confident we can have a positive Conference and at the Mental Health “In particular we welcome high-risk units for or four years,” said Mr Little.
NSW SES Commissioner Carlene
relationship with Ms York,” said Ms Conference in 2018, where it was received Cobham and Frank Baxter and the introduction of “The incident in July was certainly foreseeable.”
York, the first woman to hold the post,
Bond. “The recent fires have shown how well by attendees. new classifications for high-risk detainees.” In the riots in Frank Baxter, detainees attacked
promised a constructive relationship with
important a well-run SES is to the people These programs are expected to be Dedicated high-risk offender therapeutic units other youths in the facility. Some youths were
the union that represents more than 100
of NSW.” implemented in early 2020. will be established at the two largest youth justice hospitalised with serious injuries.
of her employees.
18 RED TAPE January-March 2020 January-March 2020 RED TAPE 19TAFE UNIVERSITIES
Bargaining kicks-off
at WSU College
T
he CPSU NSW has met
with Western Sydney
University The College
and representatives from
other unions and
independent staff
representatives to discuss
bargaining protocols.
A comprehensive review of the
current enterprise agreement has
WORKPLACE
been undertaken and the CPSU NSW
has presented the bargaining parties
with a log of claims with an emphasis
Negotiations for a new
on improving core entitlements and
access to greater work flexibility for FLEXIBILITY?
GIVE ME A
professional staff.
Western Sydney University The WSU The College is owned by the
university but operates as a separate
College enterprise agreement
Protesters give fail marks to Lee over mistimed TAFE cuts commenced in December.
business. It provides a range of pathway
and alternative entry programs to
university for students.
BREAK
T
A survey by the CPSU NSW
he CPSU NSW has forced the extension of time for consultation and “They don’t value quality education,”
the State Government to the final exit date, since we were in situation said Mr Dib. “That’s the government we about workplace flexibility
found three major barriers to
the negotiation table over
plans to cut 196 jobs just
were TAFE NSW didn’t want to have more
than one week’s consultation,” said CPSU
have got; that’s the government we have to
get rid of.” FINAL CHAPTER PENNED IN UNE’S university Professional Staff
A
before Christmas. The NSW Industrial Manager Anne Kennelly. “Doing this just before Christmas,
‘NEVER-ENDING STORY’ accessing flex.
L
union’s actions included “They wanted 91 permanent staff to go on 20 knowing it is the most vulnerable time
a rally of about 100 December. We were able to push that back. for staff, is a particularly low act,” said ccording to the survey,
people at the Ultimo TAFE campus, a “Sadly, we could not prevent agency staff CPSU NSW Delegate Simon Gray. ong-running negotiations entitlements for fixed-term employees (up to filled out by more than
matter in the Fair Work Commission going on 6 December. Nor could we save with the University of New 17 per cent over the life of the agreement). 41 per cent of CPSU
(FWC) and a media campaign that gained a handful of short-term temps positions England (UNE) for a new However, the most significant achievement NSW members, local
extensive positive coverage.
Just in time for Christmas, the
going in December.
“If we had not fought back, we would not VALE professional staff
enterprise agreement
was retaining a suite of conditions targeted
by the university during a marathon
managers were not
respecting staff ’s
Berejiklian Government’s Minister, Geoff
Lee announced the jobs will be cut
have achieved anything. I’d like to thank
members and delegates for standing strong
JULIE FLETCHER appear to be close to
settlement with the parties
bargaining period.
A final draft of the proposed agreement
entitlement to take flex.
There were also workplace demands
thanks to a corporate restructure. and united in this distressing time. This is The PSA/CPSU NSW is nearing an in-principle agreement on has been circulated amongst the preventing staff from accessing flex. Some
But the CPSU NSW was able to achieve what being in a union is all about” saddened to hear of the loss terms and conditions. bargaining representatives and it is respondents said their managers were not
the following wins at the FWC: CPSU NSW Delegate Liz Garlick, in a After more than two years of expected to be endorsed by all parties allowing them to accrue time to take in
of TAFE member Julie Fletcher, the form of flex.
1. The Consultation period will be fiery address to the rally, condemned the negotiation, UNE and the unions have before the end of the month.
extended until 13 January 2020. rushed process. who perished in the bushfires agreed on a new four-year deal that “Thanks to the bargaining team for The survey results were brought to
2. TAFE NSW employees who were “[Staff had] been given one week to near Port Macquarie in provides annual increases of two per soldiering away on this deal for two the Higher Education Representative
declared excess on 2 December will now make a decision,” she said. “To make a November 2019. cent (June 2019 to June 2022) plus a years,” said CPSU NSW Industrial Council (HERC) meeting on 5
have up until Monday 13 January 2020 to decision on their future. So, they have to one off $500 (pro-rata) payment for Officer Thane Pearce. “It has been a November 2019. HERC delegates
accept or decline voluntary redundancy. go home to their families and tell them “Our thoughts and concerns professional staff. This includes long process but the result is above- developed the next phase of the Flex
3. A job-swap process will occur. they have got no job.” go out to her family, friends regularly employed casual staff. inflation pay rises, better conditions Time Is My Time campaign.
4. Any eligible long-term temps offered Shadow Minister for Skills and TAFE, and colleagues,” said General There are some notable improvements in and fatter superannuation balances for “The CPSU NSW is dedicated to fighting
VR will have the opportunity to apply for Jihad Dib said the cuts were part of the employment conditions such as paid members. for Professional Staff ensuring that they
permanency Government’s “ideology since 2011 … to
Secretary Stewart Little. domestic violence leave, better access to sick “I urge everyone to encourage all their have the ability to have access to flex,” said
“This is a huge win for TAFE staff, especially absolutely destroy TAFE”. leave and a move to better superannuation colleagues to join the CPSU NSW.” Industrial Manager Anne Kennelly.
20 RED TAPE January-March 2020 January-March 2020 RED TAPE 21DUSTRY
MEMBERSHIP PL ANNING IN NMENT
AND EN VIRO
MAKING YOUR FEES PAY STOPPING BUDGET
Provident Fund Youth Justice Delegate Shane who has been a PSA member for eight CUTS BECOMING
up by $500 Brownlee took a look at his
years, plans to get back on the fairways
and has used the discount for a new set JOB CUTS
family’s grocery bills and knew of golf clubs. He also knows a new set With the newly created Department of
As of January 2020, the he had to do something. of tyres is on the horizon and will use Planning, Industry and Environment
PSA/CPSU NSW Provident MyCar, with its corresponding discount, looking to cut more than $80 million
“Our grocery budget is about $250 a to fix that issue. from its budget, the PSA is working to
Fund will be $4000. As a Delegate, Mr Brownlee is often
week,” he told Red Tape. ensure staff cuts are minimised.
Previously the Provident Fund paid told by prospective members that “Over the last few months,
Luckily, as a member of the PSA, Mr
out $3500 to the families of members the union fees prevent them from management has been advising us of
Brownlee, can shave five per cent off that
who passed away. joining. areas where they can make savings
amount every time he hits the checkout.
“Now is a good time for members “When people bring up cost, I point that do not lead to job losses,” said
to ensure their beneficiary details out that Union Shopper can offset the PSA Industrial Manager Nathan
are up to date – by logging into the costs,” he said. “They could even result in Bradshaw. “These measures have
Members’ Area,” said Member Services a net benefit.” included restricting the use of
Manager Kym Ward. “This form must WHEN PEOPLE BRING UP Mr Brownlee thinks the new consultants, reducing the amount of
be completed and signed by the COST, I POINT OUT THAT interface, which can get discount senior executives, cutting back on travel
member. It can be downloaded on the UNION SHOPPER CAN cards to members immediately, has expenses and the closing down of offices
PSA and CPSU NSW sites.” eased the process and made getting
OFFSET THE COSTS that comes with the Parramatta move.
deals faster. “DPIE has informed us that they
“PSA/CPSU NSW members have a
Union Shopper great resource in the Union Shopper
have made roughly $45 million in
broadens “If we pay $250, we save $12.50; that’s and Member Benefits programs,” said
Member Services Manager Kym Ward.
savings so far. However, that leaves
approximately $35 million still to cut.”
At a recent meeting, DPIE talked about
ATTACK ONE, ATTACK ALL: PSA
GOES IN DEFENCE OF NPWS STAFF
about $650 a year,” he said. “That and
its range the tax deduction and that’s my union “We’d love to see more of them take cutting temporary and contingent labour,
N
fees paid.” advantage of the deals and tell their starting with short-term employees. The
Grocery bills are just part of the colleagues.” PSA has told the Department there are
a number of long-term temporary staff ational Party leader The Australian, no friend of the union
The Union Shopper discount savings PSA/CPSU NSW members can
John Barilaro thought movement, featured PSA Industrial
make with the Union Shopper and members who should have been made
program, which is available Shane Brownlee and Benson browse the PSA website’s Union Shopper
ongoing long ago and it does not believe he had an easy target Manager Nathan Bradshaw on its front
Member Benefits programs. Mr Brownlee, page for a deal.
to PSA/CPSU NSW members, these people should be disadvantaged when he pointed the cover, refuting the Minister’s claims.
because of the Department dragging its finger at National “Our social media coverage of the event
has increased its range of Parks (NPWS) staff for was our most popular issue in the past
heels on conversion.
offers. “It is the PSA’s view that after years of the fires that hit NSW year,” said PSA Communications Officer
“There is a brand new movie ticket restructuring and cuts to the majority in November 2019. Nigel Miles. “We had people sharing it well
program providing members with of both the previous Department of “The PSA immediately responded, beyond the union movement.
a comprehensive range of e-movie Industry and Department of Planning finding it particularly insulting that Mr “We had massive community
vouchers from Village, Event, and Environment, there is nothing Barilaro would seek to blame NPWS engagement in the issue.”
Greater Union and Birch, Carroll & left to cut without further affecting workers, who were currently out there All this coverage meant Mr Barilaro’s
Coyle, Hoyts, Palace and Moonlight the quality of services delivered to the risking their lives to protect the people attack blew up in his face. Encouragingly
Cinemas,” said Member Services public,” said Mr Bradshaw. “That often- and property of the state,” said Assistant the Environment Minister, Matt Kean,
Manager Kym Ward. used phrase that they are ‘trimming General Secretary Troy Wright. “It is this defied his Cabinet colleague and defended
“There is also a brand new gift card the fat’ wasn’t true years ago but as it Government, who in spite of warnings NPWS by stating that he was not going to
program delivering discounted gift stands now they will need to dig deep from our members, embarked on a major have people use the bushfires to push an
cards from a range of 53 suppliers. and remove vital organs. restructure which resulted in 778 jobs anti-National Parks agenda.
“There are many more features “These cuts have come from this deleted, altered, downgraded or relocated “The PSA will also not allow this
members are enjoying, including energy Government. The PSA is here to fight across multiple classifications, and who Government to stir up anti-National
and gas savings, insurance, motor for you in these upcoming times of have also been in charge while Ranger Park sentiment, and will continue to
vehicle purchasing and much more.” change and uncertainty. If you are not numbers have been slashed by one third fight loudly for a better resourced NPWS,
a member, or know a colleague who is since 2011.” across all classifications, whether they be
not a member, now is the time to join.” The PSA’s quick response resulted Rangers, Field Officers, Area Managers,
in national media coverage, across Administrative support or Project
television, radio and newspapers. Even Officers,” said Mr Wright.
22 RED TAPE January-March 2020 January-March 2020 RED TAPE 23You can also read
