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 coordination across New South Wales.The conversation also dives into:<ul><li>The reality of year-round fire preparedness across NSW</li><li>How the RFS works with private landowners, brigades, and other agencies</li><li>The evolution of the RFS and its unique volunteer-staff model</li><li>A major PSA win on overtime rights for RFS employees</li><li>Emerging health and safety challenges, including PFAS exposure and presumptive cancer legislation</li></ul>A timely and insightful discussion as NSW heads into another fire season.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the PSA CPSU NSW Podcast and follow us across all our social channels to stay updated and support the work of members across the state.

<description>&lt;p&gt;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 coordination across New South Wales.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The conversation also dives into:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;The reality of year-round fire preparedness across NSW&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How the RFS works with private landowners, brigades, and other agencies&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The evolution of the RFS and its unique volunteer-staff model&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;A major PSA win on overtime rights for RFS employees&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Emerging health and safety challenges, including PFAS exposure and presumptive cancer legislation&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;A timely and insightful discussion as NSW heads into another fire season.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the PSA CPSU NSW Podcast and follow us across all our social channels to stay updated and support the work of members across the state.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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 coordination across New South Wales. The conversation also dives into: The reality of year-round f...

Behind the Fireline: The Hidden Workforce of the NSW Rural Fire Service

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 custody.Suzi and Judd speak candidly about the emotional toll and the rewards of the work, the challenges caused by payroll and leave system failures, and the urgent need for fair, timely investigations into staff matters. They also explore how under-resourced child protection systems and community services contribute to young people entering detention far too early.This conversation offers a rare, honest look into an essential frontline service — and the members who keep it running.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the PSA CPSU NSW podcast and follow us across our social platforms. Every follow and subscription helps us grow the show and continue sharing important stories from members across the state.

<description>&lt;p&gt;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 custody.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Suzi and Judd speak candidly about the emotional toll and the rewards of the work, the challenges caused by payroll and leave system failures, and the urgent need for fair, timely investigations into staff matters. They also explore how under-resourced child protection systems and community services contribute to young people entering detention far too early.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This conversation offers a rare, honest look into an essential frontline service — and the members who keep it running.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the PSA CPSU NSW podcast and follow us across our social platforms. Every follow and subscription helps us grow the show and continue sharing important stories from members across the state.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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 custody. Suzi and Judd speak candidly about the emotional toll and the rewards of the work, the c...

Behind the Gates: Suzi & Judd on Working in Youth Justice

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 safety and staffing pressures.Stewart also outlines the union’s priorities for 2026, including a work value case, job security, safety reform, and the push for improved public sector resourcing. With member-led campaigns gaining momentum, this conversation highlights the strength of collective action and the central role of union solidarity in shaping a safer, fairer NSW public sector.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to PSA CPSU NSW and follow us across our social channels to stay informed on the latest news, campaigns, and workplace wins. Together, we’re stronger.

<description>&lt;p&gt;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 safety and staffing pressures.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stewart also outlines the union’s priorities for 2026, including a work value case, job security, safety reform, and the push for improved public sector resourcing. With member-led campaigns gaining momentum, this conversation highlights the strength of collective action and the central role of union solidarity in shaping a safer, fairer NSW public sector.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to PSA CPSU NSW and follow us across our social channels to stay informed on the latest news, campaigns, and workplace wins. Together, we’re stronger.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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 safety and staffing pressures. Stewart also outlines the union’s priorities for 2026, including a ...

Union Strong: A sit down with the General Secretary

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 providing mental health and critical incident support across the construction and public sectors.Follow the PSA CPSU NSW on all social media platforms for updates, stories, and resources to support members and their families.

<description>&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This episode also explores FOUNDO Blue, a proactive program providing mental health and critical incident support across the construction and public sectors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Follow the PSA CPSU NSW on all social media platforms for updates, stories, and resources to support members and their families.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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 providing mental health and critical incident support across the construction and public sectors. F...

Inside Foundation House: Tackling Addiction, Gambling, and Mental Health in Our Workforce

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 rebuild public trust and accountability in social services.🎧 Produced by Aaron Hewitt, with direction from Executive Producer Marianne Ledic and support from the PSA Communications Team.  🎙️ Follow PSA CPSU NSW on all social media platforms to stay updated on union news, campaigns, and future episodes.

<description>&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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 rebuild public trust and accountability in social services.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🎧 Produced by Aaron Hewitt, with direction from Executive Producer Marianne Ledic and support from the PSA Communications Team.&lt;br/&gt; 🎙️ Follow PSA CPSU NSW on all social media platforms to stay updated on union news, campaigns, and future episodes.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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 rebuild public trust and accountability in social services. 🎧 Produced by Aaron Hewitt, with dir...

Meet the Minister: Kate Washington on Fixing Child Protection and Restoring Trust

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

PSA CPSU NSW Podcast

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