National Park Rangers

In reply to Dr CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (30 July 2019). (Estimates Committee B)

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS (Black—Minister for Environment and Water): I have been advised:

The Department for Environment and Water undertook organisational reform earlier this year that included the review of 18 Construction and Maintenance Workers (CMW) positions.

The department went through a thorough assessment process that identified the work undertaken by the 18 CMWs employed at that time. This showed a duplication in work that was undertaken by others in the parks system, including rangers, volunteers, contractors and other staff.

The review identified that employees in eight CMW positions were delivering a work program that aligned with ranger positions in the operational services employment stream. These employees had also attained qualifications and experience, including authorisations under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, relevant for a ranger position. Accordingly, these eight employees and their position transitioned from CMW stream to become rangers in the operational services stream.