Audio stories for members of the Public Service Association of NSW and CPSU, Community and Public Sector Union, NSW Branch.
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Parliament is often called "the bear pit," but for the people who keep it running, the reality is far more precarious. In this episode, Troy Wright sits down with Senior Organiser, Anne Kennelly and PSA General Secretary, Stewart Little to discuss the historical inequities of the MOPS Act, the legacy of recent reviews, and the ongoing campaign to ensure parliamentary staff have the fair industrial…
In this episode, host Troy Wright (Assistant General Secretary, PSA) discusses key environmental and industrial issues affecting public sector workers across New South Wales. First, Dr. Lara Westwood (Research Officer) breaks down the PSA’s submission to the parliamentary inquiry on dingo and wild dog management, exploring species classification, ecological impacts, and the debate surrounding…
In this episode, hosts and guest speakers explore the pivotal role of Aboriginal Education Officers (AEOs) in Australian schools. With insights from an officer who has served for 38 years, the conversation details the shift in terminology and responsibilities from former roles to the current AEO model, designed to give staff greater standing and connection within schools and local communities. The…
In this episode of the PSA CPSU NSW Podcast, host Troy Wright (Assistant General Secretary) is joined by union delegates Nikki Corner and Sally Deans to explore the vital, complex, and often misunderstood work being done at Legal Aid NSW. Nikki (Senior Solicitor, Criminal Law Grants Division) breaks down the inner workings of the "engine room" of Legal Aid—from evaluating client eligibility and…
In this episode of the PSA CPSU NSW Podcast, host Troy Wright broadcasts from the spectacular Royal Botanic Gardens on Gadigal land to chat with union delegates and workers, Maddie and Lachlan. Maddie, a horticulturist working primarily in the public domain of the Domain, and Lachlan, a horticulturist labourer rotating through the middle gardens, share what goes into designing and managing these…
In this episode of the PSA CPSU NSW Podcast, Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright sits down with Policy Analyst Anna Patty to dissect the sobering and deeply concerning results of the PSA’s recent major housing survey. This episode shatters the myth that steady employment guarantees housing security. With an incredible response rate of over 5,100 members, the survey provides a statistically…
The Domestic Violence Needs Public Services campaign is led by PSA NSW President Nicole Jess and features insights from Nadia Graham, a caseworker seconded from Community Services, alongside survivors Bindi and Danny. The campaign is built around five core demands, with a primary focus on establishing transparency and accountability to ensure that the $274 million currently allocated to these…
In this episode of the PSA CPSU NSW Podcast, Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright pulls back the curtain on the critical, behind-the-scenes work of the Forensic Services Group with Delegate James Shonk. Moving away from the glamorised depictions in television dramas, this discussion explores the real-world complexities of crime scene investigation, laboratory analysis, and the vital role…
In this episode, Troy Wright (Assistant General Secretary of the PSA NSW) sits down with his South Australian counterpart, Celia Brougham (Assistant General Secretary of the PSA SA), to discuss one of the most significant union victories in recent Australian history. When Celia was elected in July 2025, she inherited a dire situation: a workforce that had endured years of stagnant wages and a…
In this episode of the PSA CPSU NSW Podcast, host Troy Wright sits down with District Fisheries Officers John Staines and Terry Steele to uncover the multifaceted and often dangerous reality of protecting Australia’s aquatic resources. Operating from both the coastal regions of Maclean and the inland waterways of Bathurst, these officers manage everything from recreational bag limits to complex…
In this episode, Troy Wright sits down with Ian Watts, Office Manager at the Lidcombe Coroner’s Court and a PSA delegate, to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood parts of the NSW justice system. Ian shares his journey from the private sector to a career defined by the intersection of law, medicine, and deep human empathy. We explore the massive scale of the court’s…
Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright sits down to discuss the massive machinery of government change that brought the state’s public housing services together to form Homes NSW. The episode breaks down exactly what the merger of the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Housing, the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO), and the Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) means for both the tenants and…
Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright sits down with Glenn Elliott-Rudder, a Wagga Wagga-based Sheriff's Officer and PSA delegate, to discuss the realities of working in the New South Wales Sheriff's Office. As the oldest law enforcement body in the state, established in 1824, Glenn explains that the lineage of the role actually traces back to Anglo-Saxon times, long predating the classic…
In this episode of the PSA CPSU NSW podcast, hosts Troy Wright and Jason Mountney preview the Autumn edition of Red Tape magazine, focusing heavily on the union's recent advocacy and victories for public sector workers. The discussion highlights major ongoing campaigns, including the push to replace fragmented NGO domestic violence programs with a unified, government-run service, alongside demands…
In this episode, host Troy Wright is joined by Stewart Little for a wide-ranging discussion on the growing housing crisis facing public sector workers across New South Wales, particularly in regional and high-needs communities. They examine how the lack of affordable and secure housing is undermining workforce attraction and retention, even in areas with strong job opportunities and significant…
In this episode, Assistant Secretary Troy Wright sits down with two PSA delegates from the NSW Rural Fire Service — Jim Killeen and John Osmond — to uncover the often-overlooked professional workforce that keeps the RFS running behind the scenes. They explore the essential roles staff play in community protection, risk planning, hazard reduction, volunteer support, fleet logistics, and emergency…
In this episode, Assistant Secretary Troy Wright sits down with Youth Justice delegates Suzi Evans and Judd Westling to shine a light on a vital but often overlooked part of the NSW public sector. Together, they discuss what day-to-day life inside Youth Justice centres really looks like — from supporting vulnerable young people, to navigating gang influences, to preparing detainees for life after…
In this episode, host Marianne Ledic sits down with PSA CPSU NSW General Secretary and CPSU SPSF Federal Secretary, Stewart Little, to reflect on a defining year for members across New South Wales. Together, they unpack major wins in child protection, corrections, and education; the continued fight against privatisation; and the challenges facing workers — from housing affordability to workplace…
Foundation House has been a lifeline for countless workers facing addiction, gambling, and mental health challenges. In this episode, host Troy Wright speaks with Alex, who shares how the program operates, what residents experience during recovery, and how prevention and early intervention are shaping the future of workplace wellbeing. This episode also explores FOUNDO Blue, a proactive program…
In this week’s episode of the PSA CPSU Podcast, Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright speaks with Minister Kate Washington about her journey from community advocate to Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion. They discuss the government’s major child protection reforms, the crucial role of caseworkers and foster carers, and how the NSW Government is working to…
In this edition of the PSA Podcast, Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright sits down with journalist Jason Mountney to break down the Spring issue of Red Tape . They cover: SafeWork inspectors and the rollout of body-worn cameras Youth Justice members standing up over ongoing payroll issues The inspiring Champions of the State The push for fair pay for public sector psychologists And a discussion…
In this week’s PSA Podcast, host Troy Wright is joined by PSA Industrial Manager Dave Bartle and PSA Industrial Officer Dave Freyer to unpack a looming crisis in New South Wales correctional centres. Following the Ombudsman’s findings, thousands of inmate misconduct cases may be overturned or disregarded — with serious implications for staff safety, inmate management, and community protection. The…
In this episode, host Marianne Ledic speaks to PSA President Nicole Jess & Womens Industrial Officer Simone Scalmer to reflect on 95 years of the PSA Women’s Council from the early fight for equal pay to today’s campaigns for reproductive leave, domestic violence support, and workplace safety. Featuring powerful stories from the 2025 Women’s Conference, we hear how women past and present have…
This week, the PSA CPSU NSW Podcast puts a spotlight on the large and important membership within Corrective Services. Host Troy Wright first speaks with Senior Industrial Officer Thane Pearce about the recent enterprise bargaining at the privately-run Clarence Correctional Centre, operated by the multinational company Serco. They discuss the challenges of negotiating under the federal Fair Work…
In this episode, we go behind the scenes at Create NSW with Stuart, a Project Coordinator and PSA delegate, to explore the critical role the agency plays in supporting arts and culture across the state. From managing cultural landmarks like Carriageworks and the Roslyn Packer Theatre to overseeing grant funding and cultural space activation, Create NSW is central to the creative life of New South…
In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of our schools — the administrative, support, and specialist staff who keep everything running. From front office managers to learning support officers, these essential workers are the glue of the school community. We talk about the importance of PSA Schools Recognition Week, the challenges members face, and the wins achieved through…
The Art Gallery of NSW is facing a $7.5 million funding shortfall, with management proposing to cut 51 positions. Nick, an installation manager and PSA delegate, joins us to share his firsthand experience of how these cuts will affect workers, programs, and the preservation of Australia’s cultural heritage. From the challenges of protecting centuries-old artworks to the fight against creeping…
Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright is joined by PSA member Anita Calabria and delegate Nadia Graham for an honest conversation about the realities of child protection work. They share their personal journeys, the immense pressures caseworkers face, the importance of cultural support for Aboriginal children, and the ongoing fight for resources and recognition. This episode highlights the…
Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright sits down with Student Support Officers Mel Kerry from Rivendell School and Joshua Larwood from Kooringal High School. They discuss the crucial yet often overlooked role SSOs play in NSW public schools — from supporting student wellbeing and mental health to helping young people navigate social challenges and build resilience. If you enjoyed this episode…
In this episode of the PSA CPSU NSW Podcast, we break down the shocking job cut announcements across Transport for NSW and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Host Troy Wright is joined by PSA industrial experts Nathan Bradshaw and Shane Howes to discuss the scale of the proposed cuts, the real impact on frontline services, and what the union is doing to protect workers…
In this episode of the PSA CPSU NSW Podcast , host Marianne Ledic sits down with the Honourable Rose Jackson, NSW Minister for Housing, Homelessness, Mental Health, Water and Youth. Since entering the NSW Parliament in 2019, Minister Jackson has become a driving force for social justice and public sector reform. In this conversation, she shares insights into her journey from student activism and…
The official podcast of the Public Service Association of NSW, where we share the stories of the people who keep our state moving, our members. In this special episode, recorded on location in Jindabyne nea Kosciuszko National Park, we hear from two long-serving rangers – Rob Gibbs and Andrew Miller – as they sit down with PSA CPSU NSW Assistant Secretary Troy Wright. In recognition of World…
This week’s PSA Podcast, is hosted by Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright and is joined by Legal Services Acting Manager Ben Trainer and Education Industrial Manager Siobhan Callanan to unpack the Workplace Protections Bill 2025 and its implications for PSA members. They discuss major reforms including enhanced arbitration powers for the Industrial Relations Commission, new protections against…
Hosting this weeks PSA CPSU NSW Podcast, is Troy Wright, Assistant General Secretary of the PSA CPSU NSW, he is joined by Senior Organisers Glenn Duncan and Belinda Tsirekas to break down some of the major developments across the sector. On the agenda: The child protection budget announcements, including new carer payments, workforce investment, and the significant restructuring of the foster care…
In this special episode of the PSA CPSU NSW Podcast , we go through the key elements of the proposed 2025 Crown Employees (Child Protection) Award—including what it means for your pay, your role, and your rights. We cover the proposed salary increases, the introduction of new roles like Graduate and Leading Caseworker, and the long-awaited abolishment of forfeited hours. We’ll also explain, how…
How do you tell the stories that matter to 40,000 public sector workers in NSW? In this episode of Inside Red Tape, host Marianne Ledic sits down with Issue Editor Jason Mountney and Staff Writer Damian McDonald to go behind the Winter 2025 Edition. From the return of Parklea Prison into public hands, to campaigns for safer workplaces, to celebrating diversity in the public service - We unpack the…
This week Marianne sits down with Hilton Donovan and Sean to discuss this weeks NAIDOC week and what it means to for them and their communities.
Listen in to our Senior Communications Officer Jason Mountney & our Research Officer Andy Asquith discuss the implications the new budget may have on our members.
On Todays episode we have PSA's very own Ricky Walford and Mal Cochrane to discuss the upcoming Referendum and share their thoughts on The Voice.
On Todays episode we discuss the NSW State budget and how it effects our members
Join us for today's engaging episode of the PSA Podcast, where we are thrilled to host Juilette Sizer and Tanya Pople. Tune in as they delve into the exciting details of the upcoming PSA School Recognition Week, celebrating the excellence within our educational institutions. From highlighting remarkable achievements to sharing recent victories, Juilette and Tanya offer insightful discussions that…
On this episode, Host Marianne is joined by Carla, Michael and Mike - the three participants of Unions NSW's Winter Internship program.
After a long campaign, the voting is complete and NSW has a new Premier. Acting General Secretary Troy Wright talks with the PSA Communications team about our union's role in a historic electoral victory.
On the podcast today, we talk to PSA President Nicole Jess and PSA Women's officer Simone Scalmer about International Women's Day and some of the challenges still facing women in 2023
This week Mark Morey, Unions NSW secretary talks to host Marianne Ledic about issues relating to the Union movement leading up to the NSW election in March
Stewart Little talks to new host Marianne Ledic about the upcoming election campaign and the main issues for the PSA leading up to election day.
On the podcast today is former Senior Public Servant Carmel McKeough. She discusses the vital importance of being in the union for all NSW Public Servants.
On the podcast this week, PSA General Secretary Stewart Little and Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright discuss how the selling of public assets and transferring public services to private companies has cost us all.
Portable Entitlements allow workers to accrue leave and other entitlements through their industry rather than through their employer. This means that workers in NSW disability sector who change employer, but remain within the sector, will hold on to their entitlements. To discuss more is Senior Industrial Manager Thane Pearce.
On the Podcast today - we look at the NSW Government's obsession with temporary contracts for public servants and the ways this process undermines NSW Public Service's need for confidence and assurance in their vocation.