We would like to thank all General and Farm Assistants for your hard work and dedication in supporting our schools throughout the term.
Conferences and Professional Learning
The PSA General and Farm Assistants Conferences will commence in the first week of the school holidays, starting in Bankstown on 7 July 2026. We are pleased to advise that PSA General Secretary Stewart Little will be attending to speak directly with attendees.
These conferences are a great opportunity to connect with fellow General and Farm Assistants, share experiences, and discuss issues affecting your workplace. They also provide an excellent chance to meet your local PSA representatives, and General Assistant Advisory Group delegates who continue to advocate on your behalf.
Conference dates are:
- Bankstown – 7 July 2026
- Dubbo – 9 July 2026
- Wollongong – 14 July 2026
- Wallsend – 16 July 2026
We look forward to seeing you at one of the upcoming conferences.
Your 2026 three per cent pay increase and Award negotiations
Members will receive another three per cent annual pay increase, resulting in an overall wage increase of 10 per cent over the last three years. The pay increase will come through on 16 July 2026 being the first full pay period on or after 1 July.
The PSA is currently in the process of preparing to negotiate for the next round of salary increases with the NSW government as well as continuing discussions in relation to the General Assistants Award.
Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) payment – it pays to be union!
As part of the last pay deal, the PSA negotiated that if the annual average Sydney Consumer Price Index exceeded 3.5 per cent for the preceding year that it would enter negotiations for a COLA payment.
The COLA is a one-off payment of $1000 (pro-rata and taxable) and we have confirmed with the Department of Education that the payment will be paid to eligible SASS on 30 July 2026, this includes all permanent full-time, part-time, temporary, and casual staff.
More information about this payment will be coming out soon from the Department of Education.
Chemical Management Improvement Plan (CMIP)
The CMIP is a significant and comprehensive two-year project being managed through the Department’s Health, Safety and Staff Wellbeing Directorate to update the current Chemical Safety in Schools (CSIS) package.
As part of the project, PSA delegates from both the SAO – Science Laboratory and General Assistants Advisory Groups have been attending fortnightly workshops with other key stakeholders to provide valuable input into areas such as hazardous chemical storage and risk assessments for use of hazardous chemicals.
Working Alone Risk Assessment
With the school holidays fast approaching, now is an ideal time to review your Working Alone Risk Assessment with your Principal to ensure appropriate safety measures are in place.
PSA Schools Recognition Week 2026: 31 August to 4 September
Our theme for the 2026 PSA Schools Recognition Week is Thriving Schools Start with Us.
We know that every school relies on the important work of General Assistants. You are vital to a thriving school, and we look forward to celebrating PSA Schools Recognition Week 2026 with you.
If you would like a PSA meeting at your school contact your organiser directly, call our Member Support Centre on 1800 772 679 or email us at