Additional protections for volunteers declared

At Transport we know there will be a number of our people who live and work in the flood affected communities. We extend our thoughts and sincere appreciation to all volunteers across Transport for their contributions in the rescue and recovery efforts.

To help reassure volunteers and allow them to focus on the task at hand, special provisions have been put in place by the NSW Government to protect the employment of volunteers assisting with the ongoing flood situation, with more than 2,000 personnel deployed to emergencies at any time.

Under the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989, the Volunteer Protection Order enforces penalties for employers who victimise staff for being absent when they’re engaged in emergency operations. The order applies to volunteers from the NSW State Emergency Service, the NSW Rural Fire Service, Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Volunteer Rescue Association and Surf Life Saving NSW.

At Transport, employees who are volunteering for emergency support may have access to special leave. Special leave in this instance can be approved by the 1-up manager for the period that the employee volunteers. The volunteering employee should ensure that they follow advice around fatigue management and ensure that appropriate breaks are taken before returning to their normal role at work. This should be discussed and agreed to with their leader.