Advertise on podcast: PSA CPSU NSW Podcast

In the inaugural episode of the Public Services Association podcast, host Marianne Ledic is joined by PSA CPSU NSW President Nicole Jess and Senior Organiser Belinda Tsirekas to discuss the critical "DV Needs Public Services" campaign. Tune in as they unpack the overwhelming realities faced by frontline public sector workers, the stark lack of resourcing across regional and metropolitan New South Wales, and why systemic accountability and better support for victims and survivors are urgently needed.  If you enjoyed this video please follow us on all platforms at PSA CPSU NSW and for more information about our campaign go to https://dvneedspublicservices.com.au/

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 rights, support, and protections they deserve.  If you enjoyed this episode please follow us on all social media platforms at PSA CPSU NSW

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 baiting programs. Later, Industrial Manager David Bartle discusses the rising pressure on the state’s prison system, including record inmate populations, shifting remand dynamics, the repurposing of key correctional facilities, and challenges in private gaol operations.  If you've enjoyed this episode please follow us at PSA CPSU NSW on all platforms.

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 episode highlights how AEOs act as crucial first points of contact for Aboriginal families, support student well-being, manage truancy and suspension resolution meetings, and foster partnerships with local organizations, universities, and health centers. Comparing experiences between metro Sydney and regional areas like Wagga Wagga, the discussion covers school community engagement, cultural events like Reconciliation Week, post-school career pathways, and the rewarding moments of seeing students graduate.

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 merit tests to managing panel fees for private sector practice. Sally (Senior Solicitor, Disability Legal Support and Elder Abuse Service) shares insights into newly merged, specialized civil law services supporting vulnerable clients with complex needs, housing issues, and hidden systemic abuse. Together, they discuss the heavy workloads, budget constraints, and moral pressures facing public legal workers today, while highlighting the deep passion, solidarity, and union advocacy that keeps them fighting for equal access to justice. If you enjoyed this episode please follow us here on all social media platforms at PSA CSPU NSW

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 iconic public spaces. They discuss the historical depth embedded across the grounds—from the remnants of the Macquarie Wall to the legacy of the late 19th-century Garden Palace—while explaining how the living collections and seed banks actively track and preserve threatened plant species. Beyond their daily work, Maddie and Lachlan open up about how their on-the-ground organising is transforming their workplace by actively engaging younger public sector workers and fostering a deeply connected community rather than just a roster of workmates. To read more about the union's ongoing efforts and campaigns, visit the official PSA website at psa.asn.au. This was recorded and produced by Aaron Hewitt, with direction from Executive Producer Marianne Ledic and support from the PSA Communications Team. The PSA CPSU NSW acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded, and we pay our respects to elders past, present, and emerging.

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 powerful and genuinely representative slice of the public sector workforce across New South Wales. The conversation focuses heavily on the staggering reality that 41% of respondents find their current housing unaffordable. One in three public servants surveyed are living in official housing stress, meaning they spend over 30% of their income on rent or mortgages, while a shocking 20% are handing over more than half of their paycheck just to keep a roof over their heads. Anna highlights the acute vulnerability of older women, revealing that more than half of female respondents over the age of 45 are trapped in housing stress, with many facing the terrifying prospect of retirement without housing security. The episode also dives into the exhausting daily realities of our members, including the extreme commutes forced upon those who can no longer afford to live near metropolitan work hubs like Sydney or Parramatta. Listeners will hear heartbreaking anecdotes of working public servants facing hidden homelessness—sleeping upright in utilities, living in caravans, or couch-surfing while trying to maintain full-time jobs. Beyond the statistics, Troy and Anna unpack the structural failures driving this crisis. They examine the 33% decline in public housing stock since the 1990s, the accountability issues within the community housing sector, and the fundamental flaw in "affordable housing" schemes that are tied to market rates rather than real incomes. By comparing Australia's broken system to international models like Canada, this episode makes an urgent case for genuine government intervention and a complete overhaul of housing policy. If you enjoy this please follow us on all platforms at PSA CPSU NSW

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 services is spent effectively and reaches the intended victims. A significant systemic issue highlighted is that two out of three women in New South Wales currently lack access to a caseworker, which prevents them from receiving the necessary support to stay safe in their homes or relocate. The union advocates for the expansion of the "gold standard" model currently operating as the Nepean Western Sydney Blue Mountains Family Violence Service in Mount Druitt. While the PSA acknowledges the vital role of NGOs, they argue that the public sector model provides a unique level of continuity, sometimes supporting clients for up to four years through legal, housing, and child protection hurdles. The campaign specifically calls for this public service model to be implemented in 12 additional regions across the state to provide consistent, long-term support that is not restricted by the time-limited budgets often found in the non-profit sector. Another critical pillar of the campaign involves offender rehabilitation, particularly for those on remand. Nicole Jess noted that out of 1,200 recent arrests, approximately half were for domestic violence, yet these individuals often spend 12 to 16 months in custody without participating in any programs to address their behavior. The campaign seeks to change this by making offenders responsible for their actions while in custody to prevent increased violence upon their release. For those seeking more information or wishing to support the movement, the union has directed the public to domesticviolenceneedspublicservices.com.au.

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 civilian staff play in the justice system. The conversation dives into the immense pressure of managing high-stakes caseloads while ensuring absolute accuracy in evidence processing. Beyond the technical demands, guests share the personal toll of this work, highlighting the vicarious trauma often faced by those who regularly deal with the physical remains of criminal acts. Finally, Troy discusses the PSA’s ongoing advocacy for forensic staff, focusing on securing better mental health support, modernizing laboratory resources, and fighting for fair pay that reflects the increasingly specialised nature of their vocation. Support the show by hitting the subscribe button to stay informed on the stories of public sector workers. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates and campaign news. Credits: Produced by: Aaron HewittExecutive Producer: Marianne Ledic

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 government proposal that failed to meet the soaring cost of living. This conversation tracks the strategic escalation of industrial action—from regional rallies in Port Augusta to massive marches through the heart of Adelaide—that eventually forced the Malinauskas government to the table. We dive into the "Justice Focus" strategy, where correctional officers, home detention monitors, and sheriff's officers effectively brought the legal system to a halt to secure a fair deal for 40,000 public sector workers. We also discuss the ongoing battle against prison privatisation and why the fight for public services is more critical now than ever. Produced by: Aaron Hewitt Executive Producer: Marianne Ledic Recorded on: Gadigal Land (Sydney

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 commercial industries involving prawns, crabs, and even the specialized eel trade. The discussion dives deep into the high-stakes battle against black-market poaching and organized crime, particularly within the lucrative abalone industry where officers often face significant safety risks. Beyond enforcement, John and Terry explain their crucial role in environmental conservation, highlighting how habitat degradation and invasive species like European Carp pose a greater threat to fish stocks than fishing itself. The episode also addresses the industrial challenges currently facing the vocation, including the PSA’s efforts to modernize protective equipment and secure fair pay through the Industrial Relations Commission to reflect the increasing technical complexity of the role. From monitoring seafood contamination to boarding trawlers in the dead of night, this conversation reveals why Fisheries Officers are essential frontline defenders of both public health and the natural environment.  Follow the PSA CPSU NSW on social media to stay updated on how we support workers across the public sector.

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 operations—handling roughly 8,000 cases annually—and the delicate balance staff must strike when assisting families through their darkest moments. Ian also discusses the vital role of the PSA in supporting the mental health and resilience of public servants who face vicarious trauma daily as part of their "occupational hazard". If you enjoyed this episode please follow us at PSA CPSU NSW on all platforms. PSA CPSU NSW Membership: psa.asn.au/join

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 the frontline public sector workers managing the transition. The conversation dives deep into the daily realities of housing staff who are currently navigating an unprecedented state-wide housing crisis. From managing extensive waitlists and supporting tenants with complex mental health and social needs, to tackling the massive backlog of maintenance for aging public housing properties, the workload is immense. While the creation of Homes NSW aims to streamline these disjointed services, the practical reality of blending different workplace cultures and IT systems requires heavy lifting from the staff on the ground. Finally, the episode highlights the critical role of the PSA during this monumental shift. Protecting hard-won conditions, ensuring workloads remain safe and manageable, and fighting for adequate resourcing are top priorities for the union. Ultimately, a successful public housing system that truly supports the state's most vulnerable residents relies entirely on a well-supported, fully staffed workforce. If you enjoy this please follow us on our socials at PSA CPSU NSW.

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 American Western sheriff. A massive part of a Sheriff's day-to-day job is protecting the justice system. This includes screening visitors for weapons, managing juries, and de-escalating situations with highly emotional or agitated people inside the courthouse. Beyond the courthouse walls, Sheriffs are also responsible for enforcing civil orders. This challenging work involves serving legal documents like divorce papers, chasing down debts, and carrying out property evictions. The complexities of the job have increased significantly in recent years. Officers frequently find themselves managing confrontations with anti-government "sovereign citizens," as well as dealing with individuals affected by illicit drugs or experiencing mental health crises. The episode also breaks down the recent, highly successful industrial action taken by Sheriff's Officers across the state. Through collective union action and striking, members secured a vital reclassification of their roles and a significant pay raise that finally reflects the true dangers and demands of their profession. If you enjoy this please follow us on our socials at PSA CPSU NSW.

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 for better mental health protections for civilian police and corrective workers exposed to severe frontline trauma. The hosts also celebrate several significant industrial wins, such as securing substantial overtime back pay for Service NSW employees, protecting the working conditions of disability services staff transferred to NGOs, and successfully lobbying the state government to trim the bloated Senior Executive Service by 15% to keep the focus on frontline staff.