PSA CPSU NSW Podcast

Public Service Association of NSW
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Audio stories for members of the Public Service Association of NSW and CPSU, Community and Public Sector Union, NSW Branch.

  1. 5d ago

    PSA Podcast - The Reality of the Housing Crisis

    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

    41 min

  2. May 14

    PSA Podcast - The launch of our DV Campaign

    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.

    21 min

  3. May 8

    PSA Podcast – Beyond the Yellow Tape: The Hidden Work of Forensic Services

    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

    39 min

  4. Apr 30

    PSA Podcast - a sit down with PSA South Australia

    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

    32 min

  5. Apr 23

    PSA Podcast - Inside the World of NSW Fisheries Officers

    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.

    32 min

  6. Apr 16

    PSA Podcast - Inside the NSW Coroner’s Court

    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

    26 min

  7. Apr 9

    PSA Podcast - Public Housing and the Workers Behind It

    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.

    34 min

  8. Apr 2

    PSA Podcast - The Frontline of Justice: Inside the NSW Sheriff's Office

    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.

    36 min
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About

Audio stories for members of the Public Service Association of NSW and CPSU, Community and Public Sector Union, NSW Branch.

Information

  • Creator
    Public Service Association of NSW
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    213
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 PSA CPSU NSW Podcast
  • Show Website
    PSA CPSU NSW Podcast