In my previous column, I welcomed the news that Junee Correctional Centre was about to enter the public prison system.

I am happy to revisit the same topic this issue. The Minns Government has announced that from next year, Parklea Gaol, privatised in 2009, will return to state control.
The State Government realises the free market cannot provide a public service so important as the incarceration and rehabilitation of inmates.

Parklea proves that Public Service Matters. It is the backbone of a fair, functioning, and compassionate society.

Public service is about people; namely our members. Unlike the private sector, which primarily serves those who can pay, public services are designed to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, income, or circumstances, has access to essential services.

There are so many services that only our members can provide.

Whether in times of crisis or through everyday life, the public service proves its value more than ever. Our members work tirelessly to protect lives, restore order, and help communities operate. Their work often goes beyond the call of duty, driven by a commitment to serve rather than personal gain.

Public Sector workers are the architects behind major infrastructure projects, environmental protection policies, public health campaigns, and social reform initiatives. You see them in schools, gaols, national parks and government offices.

Our members are there in state-funded TAFE colleges and universities.

Over decades, PSA CPSU NSW members have helped shape the state we know today: one with a strong safety net, robust public institutions, and a commitment to fairness.
Public service is vital for trust and accountability. Transparent processes, ethical standards, and oversight mechanisms ensure that power is exercised responsibly. When Public Sector workers act with integrity, they help build public trust in government and in the democratic process. Little wonder powers like the current American government target public sector workers.

Importantly, public service also fosters innovation and problem-solving. Whether it’s developing new responses to climate change or tackling complex social issues like homelessness our members are at the forefront of finding practical, inclusive solutions that serve the greater good.

We should all be proud of our members. They keep our communities running and build a fairer and more resilient nation.

It’s not just a job, it’s a calling that embodies the very best of what we can achieve when we work for something greater than ourselves.