PSA CPSU NSW members are often the ones behind the scenes. They are the people who ensure our state runs and remains one of the premier places on the planet to live, work and learn.

Sometimes, though, our members and the people who work with them are the ones who step out from behind the scenes and speak out, taking action to make our state even better.

The case of PSA CPSU NSW member Lisa Simmons, for example, shows what can happen when a voice is raised. Her concerns at the University of Wollongong have resulted in an investigation into the way the university awards contracts.

Whistleblowers are important because they ensure accountability. In many organisations, employees are the first to witness unethical practices. By speaking up, whistleblowers help prevent harm to individuals, communities, and the environment.

Our society is the better for their actions. Their actions often lead to investigations, reforms, and stronger regulations that improve transparency and ethical standards.
Whistleblowers also play a crucial role in strengthening democratic systems by ensuring that governments and institutions are held responsible for their actions. Without them, misconduct could continue unchecked, eroding trust and causing long-term damage. Although they often face personal and professional risks, including retaliation or isolation, their courage contributes to a culture where integrity is valued. Ultimately, whistleblowers serve the public interest by bringing truth to light and encouraging organisations to act responsibly and ethically.

Sometimes it is the people we work with who make the brave decision to speak out. At the launch of our union’s Domestic Violence Needs Public Services campaign, two women who have survived violence in the home, Bindii and Danielle, spoke of their experiences and how a state-run service saved their lives and could save the lives of women like them.

These women stood in front of news cameras and spoke at a forum attended by PSA CPSU NSW members so that our state could better serve its most vulnerable people.
They embody the values our union stands for.