Wednesday, 21 May 2025
May update for the PSA CPSU NSW Retired Associates
The PSA CPSU NSW Retired Associates met on 22 April, 2025. Our guest speaker was Jacinta Harford, International Organiser at Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA. Jacinta’s presentation addressed the following:
- Australian unions are working globally in partnership with local unions and other organisations for the advancement of workers’ rights, human rights, social justice and economic equality
- AHEDA’s support of projects in South Africa, Lebanon, Palestine, India, Nepal, Laos, Thailand-Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Samoa
- Crisis on the Thai Myanmar border – many unionists are in exile due to the repressive regime in power
- Impact of USAid cuts – projects on the Thai Myanmar border will be badly hit and the international community will need to step up
- Impact of climate change, particularly those counties where citizens may become climate refugees
- initiatives to combat modern slavery and human trafficking.
APHEDA seeks support to build global solidarity and invites volunteer support and donations. More information can be obtained at apheda.org.au
We also had an executive update from Dylan Smith, Manager Industrial Specialists which included discussion about:
- Memorandum of Understanding arising from the salaries agreement which addresses specific groups such as Child Protection Caseworkers, Fisheries Officers and Special Constables
- The Workforce Mobility Placement Policy implemented last year which places the onus on the government to find employees work before they are declared excess following restructures
- The Workforce Mobility Placement Policy’s savings in recruitment costs and redundancies
- Improvements in regard to long-term temporary employees and employees returning to work after injury
- Review of the GSE
- Importance of consultative arrangements with unions
- Upcoming federal election
- PSA election results: Nicole Jess, Stewart Little and Troy Wright re-elected
- Strength of PSA has been demonstrated in recent months.
We reiterate that Retired Associates are encouraged to contact the PSACPSU NSW and provide their current email addresses. If you know anyone who may be an unfinancial member could you please gently encourage them to remain connected as a financial associate with the union. You are also encouraged to pay your dues as soon as practicable.
The confirmed minutes of the February meeting are attached HERE. The draft minutes of the April meeting are attached HERE.
The next meeting will be the Annual General Meeting, which will held on Tuesday, 24 June 2025. The meeting will commence at 10:30am at PSA House or via Microsoft Teams.
In union,
Carmel McKeough
Secretary
PSA CPSU NSW Retired Associates
