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...

PSA CPSU NSW Podcast

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

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

Description