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Machinery of Government changes in the Department of Planning and Environment

Members would be aware of the Machinery of Government changes flagged by the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) Secretary on Friday 18 and Monday 21 August. According to these plans, the Department of Planning & Environment will be effectively split into two agencies: the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

This decision would not come as a surprise to members. It has been clearly demonstrated that DPE is a rather unwieldy agency with several competing interests and now, an even more politicised agenda.

Unfortunately, this took place with no prior discussion. Not even a heads up to the É«ÀÇÉçÇøfrom this new Government or DPE. Whilst this is a decision entirely of the NSW Government, the É«ÀÇÉçÇøwas hopeful for a better relationship with the parties after 12 years of attempted sidelining.

The É«ÀÇÉçÇøis extremely disappointed we have not been engaged in any discussions with DPE senior management regarding this announcement, even though the DPE Secretary met with staff on Monday 21 August.

The É«ÀÇÉçÇøhas now written to the respective Planning, Environment and Housing Ministers seeking their input in how these new agencies will operate and where their focus for reform rests.

DPE now has a herculean effort to divide the agency into its new structures by the 1 January 2024 effective operation date. Members should understand that a logical progression of those structural changes is reform.

At this time there is no clear plan on how this will be undertaken, but rest assured the É«ÀÇÉçÇøwill be here to support our members and to fight to retain jobs in structures that are already strained with vacancies and a lack of direction.

Be on the look out for further É«ÀÇÉçÇøcorrespondence, meetings with members and É«ÀÇÉçÇørepresentatives in your workplace.

Reading this and not a member? It’s about time you joined.

Your DPE Delegates’ Details

DC Chair
Steve Lewer, EES

DC Secretary
Jack Turner, Planning

Environment, Energy and Science

Steve Lewer Newcastle

Daniel Cain Coffs Harbour

Catherine Ellis Sydney Metro

Planning

Jack Turner
Newcastle

Meredith McIntyre
Queanbeyan

Michael Parsons

NPWS

Ben Owers

Water

Shahadat Chowdhury 
Sydney Metro

Peter Roberts
Coffs Harbour

Land & Housing Corporation

Sonia Rhodes
Coffs Harbour

Gavin Wilton
Port Macquarie

Corporate Services

Brooke Scarlett
Sydney Metro

Your É«ÀÇÉçÇøOrganisers

Amira Thomson
Jo Aboud