On the eve of the fourth anniversary of the Broderick Report, the PSA launched the Beyond Broderick campaign, calling for meaningful reform and action on issues affecting parliamentary staff.

The report was commissioned in light of a series of events in the chamber, including sexual assault and bullying.

Chair of the PSA’s Members of Parliament Vocational Advisory Group, Suzette Meade, chaired the forum and shared her lived experience as a Members of Parliament (MoP) staff member. Ms Meade spoke about the realities faced by MoP staff and the need for meaningful legislative and workplace reforms to ensure safe, respectful and secure employment.

PSA Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright outlined the PSA’s campaign for change, including the need to modernise the Members of Parliament Staff Act 2013. Mr Wright highlighted that NSW remains behind other Australian jurisdictions in delivering the legislative protections and workplace standards that parliamentary staff deserve.

The State Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis, acknowledged the important role played by the PSA and its delegates in advocating for parliamentary staff. The Minister committed to continuing to meet and work with the PSA as efforts continue to advance reforms and address the issues facing staff.

Mr Wright said events such as this were part of the PSA’s advocacy for the full implementation of the report. Other moves include writing to the Premier and Minister Cotsis seeking the full implementation of the Broderick Review recommendations, including amendments to the Act.

He added this is just part of the union’s advocacy on behalf of PSA members in Parliament.

“As an organisation that knows public service matters, the PSA is the only union recognised and authorised to represent Members of Parliament staff,” he said. “The PSA is also the only union that is a party to the Members of Parliament Staff Employment Determination and the Code of Conduct, ensuring your voice is represented on matters affecting your employment, conditions, and workplace rights.

“The PSA has been actively advocating for parliamentary staff and delivering real outcomes, such as the $1,000 Cost of Living Adjustment Payment for Members of Parliament staff.”

The union represents the interests of staff through regular Joint Consultative Committees, where the PSA meets with Parliamentary Services to raise and address industrial issues affecting MoP staff.