Fisheries Employees Award members have had their say and have overwhelmingly accepted the interim 4 per cent increase to the Fisheries Employees Award backdated to the first full pay after 1 July 2025.

Accordingly, the PSA has written to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) advising that we accept the recommendations and Department of Primary Industries Fisheries (DPI Fisheries) has confirmed that they will pay the 4 per cent interim increase. This interim increase deals with the historic disadvantage when Fisheries Employees accepted 3 per cent for 2024/25 based on a ‘structural reform’ that never materialised.

Part of the NSW IRC recommendations made by Commissioner Webster is that the PSA enter conciliation with the assistance of the Commissioner for two full days on 21 August 2025 and 4 September 2025.

Whilst it is hoped that with the assistance of the NSW IRC, the PSA and DPI Fisheries can broach the substantial gap between the two proposals, there is nothing that is guaranteed and neither party is not bound by any recommendation provided by the NSW IRC – although all due consideration should be made.

If after conciliation, there is an in-principle agreement, part of the PSA processes is to put the agreement to an endorsement of the membership. The ultimate power resides with members who have the say whether to endorse or reject any agreement reached. Non-union members have NO say.

While we hope this is the final stage of the prolonged process, it is important for members to understand that if no agreement is reached an arbitrated settlement could take months.

Oh and when the agency talks about negotiating in good faith you might want to ask them about the 6 months of radio silence.

There is power in the union.