Crown Lands Shut Again -- Union Action Spreading

The office of Crown Lands at Nowra is shut again today.

Members of the Public Service Association of NSW (PSA) employed by the NSW Department of Lands at Nowra are for a second week refusing to:

1. Staff the office counter and/or act in any way as office receptionist.
2. Collect and/or open mail received at the office.
3. Bank any money received at the office.
4. Perform any "searches".
5. Respond in any way to requests for information or briefing notes from the Minister of Lands or Government.

They began this action last week in response to the failure of the Department of Lands to fill vacant positions, and a mounting backlog of work.

This is increasingly affecting the delivery of services on the South Coast, from Wollongong to the State border with Victoria.

Crown Lands staff at other offices throughout NSW, from Goulburn to Moree, are now considering similar action.

John Cahill, General Secretary of the PSA, said "Our members are taking a stand and stating the obvious.

"They want to provide a proper service to their clients, the public of New South Wales, but cannot do so without more staff. And still the Department does nothing. Where is its commitment to service?"