Current Action

APA (NSW) Statewide Industrial Action – Recruitment Dispute

Did you hear the update from NSW Ambulance’s recruitment “working group”?

Nope? Neither did we.

It has been almost 8 weeks since the “working group” was announced, but still no update….no outcomes….no transparency.

 Enough is enough. APA (NSW) is calling Statewide Industrial Action over the recruitment dispute.

 We invite other unions to fight for their members and join us in solidarity. We have made our position very clear: getting involved in a “working group” run by the organisation creating the problems is not going to fix anything!!!

 OUR DEMANDS

 Our demands remain the same:

• An independent audit of NSW Ambulance recruitment practices by the NSW Premier’s Office or another NSW Government agency (e.g. Audit Office of NSW). 

The audit would look into: 

• NSW Ambulance recruitment practices, costs and failings;
• More permanent jobs, no more long-term acting; and
• Lack of transparent recruitment practices.

INDUSTRIAL ACTION DETAILS

From 6:00 pm Friday, 30 January 2026:

1. Refuse all Category 5 jobs between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am
2. Paper Patient Health Care Records only – do not use eMR
3. Billing ban – do not complete patient address or Medicare details
   (Refer to this guide: https://app.box.com/s/5i126j1u1xbcjspri06nhkn758bvo97v )

This sends a clear message to the Premier to hold his government agencies accountable.

WORK TO RULE - DOMs and SMs

For several years APA (NSW) has been in ongoing consultation with NSW Ambulance regarding the uplift and maintenance of current frontline management roles. Poor planning and implementation have exacerbated, not relieved, the problem. It has resulted in some areas of NSW with less supervision and fewer managers available for supporting frontline operations.

In response to and under guidance from our members, APA (NSW) will be recommitting to work to rule action undertaken in 2023. 

From day shift, Tuesday 14 October, the actions we will be taking are as follows:  

1. Current organisational KPIs will not be actioned and/or managed by DOMs (i.e. make ready time conversations or associated QR/spreadsheet, base pay project, ceases annual leave reviews, PDPs, stocktakes and equipment audits).
2. Sick leave conversations will not progress beyond a welfare check of staff. No file notes will be actioned.
3. PDP conversations with staff will occur but no documentation will be completed and/or uploaded.
4. No management of fleet or vehicles for special events. All fleet management issues to be referred to Sector Support Team.
5. SMs to be allocated the duty phone when moved to the DOM role to cover short-term absences (as this would occur when an Inspector is backfilled on overtime).
6. No training by a DOM or A/DOM in frontline leadership roles in the absence of rostered maintenance.
7. No management of hospital delays beyond a welfare check of staff.
8. No participating in Metro Par conversations or teams.
9. No doing open disclosures (unless time-critical or the DOM is the most appropriate person and agreeable).

This coordinated action is designed to highlight the unsustainable pressures created by chronic under-resourcing in DOM and SM rosters. It seeks to ensure NSW Ambulance addresses safe staffing and proper management coverage across the state.  We will continue to update members as this action progresses. Please write to admin@apansw.com.au or call us at (02) 9564 3261 if you have any questions.

General Industrial Action FAQs

1. HOW WILL APA (NSW) SUPPORT ME IN TAKING ACTION?

When there is directed industrial action, NSWA and APA (NSW) have a longstanding agreement that all matters relating to the action be raised with the union, not with the individuals. If you are spoken to by a manager, contact us on 0432 415 303. 

2. A MANAGER HAS ASKED ME WHAT UNION I AM A MEMBER OF, WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS?

Your union affiliation is personal information that you are not required to disclose. Managers are not allowed to harass you to disclose your union membership. Discriminatory treatment because of union membership is unlawful.

If you are taking part in the Industrial Action, you should sign on at the start of your shift and say over the radio that you are taking part in the relevant APA (NSW) industrial actions. This shows the collective strength of the action we are taking, and allows NSWA to ensure adequate community coverage.

Importantly, however, you do not have to say which union you are a member of.

If you believe you are being treated unfairly or pressured due to your union membership, your refusal to provide your union affiliation, or because you are taking part in Industrial Action, please contact your local delegate or call APA (NSW) with urgent concerns on 0432 415 303.

3. MY MANAGER IS STATING THAT I AM REFUSING DUTY/STATING I MAY GET DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST ME - WHAT SHOULD I DO?

There is a long-standing agreement between the unions and NSW Ambulance that if there are any issues with industrial action, they are raised with the union, not with individuals. There is no such thing as 'authorised' or 'legal' industrial action in NSW. There is no approval process to get industrial action endorsed by the Industrial Relations Commission. All industrial action therefore comes with some risk to members. We will always be honest with our members about that.  If a manager does raise any issues with you, call 0432 415 303 immediately. Any time this has happened in the past it has been resolved immediately.  

4. I’M BEING CALLED ON MY PERSONAL MOBILE BY NSW AMBULANCE, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

NSW Ambulance managers and NSWA Control should not contact you on your personal mobile for conversations about industrial action or staff movements. All of this contact should occur over the radio.

If you receive a call on your personal phone, politely say “Sorry, I’m not going to speak to you on my personal phone. If you’d like to speak to me, you can do so over the radio.” Do not continue the conversation past this point.

If you are in this situation, contact your local delegate or if you have urgent concerns call APA (NSW) at 0432 415 303.

5. I'M A PART TIMER OR A CASUAL - DOES THAT CHANGE ANYTHING?

No - you should participate in the actions as detailed above.

6. MY PARTNER IS AN HSU MEMBER, WHAT DO I DO?

• If applicable, discuss at the commencement of your shift what industrial action you are/are not going to take together
• Contact your local delegate or APA (NSW) if you’re confused on 0432 415 303.

Help - I need advice about action

I need clarity about our industrial action, who should I contact? 

Call your local delegate or our industrial action hotline on 0432 415 303, or email admin@apansw.com.au.