Term 3 has been another wild ride! Your delegates and union staff have been working hard for members on the issues that matter most to you. As the term draws to a close, the PSA wishes you all a well earned break over the next two weeks.
Throughout this last term the PSA has continued to represent members through the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC), advisory groups and direct engagement with the department on a range of issues affecting school support staff.
In this update
- Delegates meet with Secretary Education
- Pay rises and Awards
- SASS Award negotiations
- Specialised Allied Health and external providers
- Thriving Kids and PSA submission
- School Administration Reduction Program
- School devices
- Visitor Check-In and eCPC requirements
- Aboriginal Education Officers Advisory Group
- Other Updates: Special Ed, GAs, AEOs and Science
Education Secretary meets with delegates
At the Term 3 Schools Departmental Committee meeting, delegates met with Secretary Murat Dizdar, Chief People Officer Shaun Ruming, Executive Director Employee Relations Donna Wilcox and PSA Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright to discuss issues affecting SASS.
Delegates raised concerns about the outdated and inadequate staffing formula, the need for ongoing conversion of temporary employees to permanent positions, and increasing levels of violence in schools. The Secretary acknowledged these concerns and reaffirmed his commitment to continue working with the PSA and delegates to identify solutions, noting the budgetary pressures facing the department.
The PSA remains committed to securing meaningful outcomes for members on workload, permanency and school safety. While the department has identified budget pressures as a challenge, the union will continue to advocate strongly for practical solutions to these longstanding issues.
Pay rises and Awards
Members commenced Term 3 receiving the final salary increase under the 2024–2026 wages agreement, together with the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) payment negotiated by the PSA.
The PSA is also progressing a major work value case as part of the next round of public sector wage negotiations. The outcome of this case will also impact School Administrative and Support Staff (SASS). We are still in the very early stages of the case and will provide more information about its impact on SASS in the future.
SASS Award negotiations
The PSA has previously reported to members on discussions with the department around your conditions of employment and the development of a Log of Claims through consultation with Schools Departmental Committee delegates.
While there has been limited progress in formal discussions during 2026, the PSA remains committed to pursuing improvements to the SASS Award and conditions of employment and will continue to update members as discussions progress.
Specialised Allied Health and external providers
The increasing workload associated with external allied health providers remains a significant concern for school support staff.
Administrative staff continue to report substantial time being spent managing engagement agreements, service schedules, parental permissions and other associated documentation. Learning support staff have also reported operational impacts arising from the increasing presence of external providers within schools.
The PSA continues to raise these concerns with the department and has sought further discussions on practical measures to reduce workload and classroom disruption impacts on schools.
Thriving Kids
The PSA has made a submission to the NSW Parliamentary inquiry into foundational and disability supports and has met with departmental representatives regarding the implementation of the Thriving Kids program. The submission highlighted concerns regarding potential workload impacts on school support staff, the need for additional staffing and resources, and the importance of clear guidance and training before implementation. The PSA will continue to monitor the rollout of the program and advocate for appropriate support for schools and staff.
School Administration Reduction Program
The PSA recently received a briefing regarding the conclusion of the School Administration Reduction Program (SARP).
While the additional administrative support provided through the program has been welcomed by schools, the program does not substantially address the ongoing workload pressures experienced by school administrative staff. The PSA is also seeking greater clarity regarding transition arrangements for long-term temporary employees engaged through the program and any future plans for administrative support in schools.
School devices
The PSA has continued to raise concerns regarding access to departmental devices for school support staff.
While the department has advised that financial pressures have delayed broader rollouts, the PSA maintains that all school support staff should have access to appropriate technology to undertake their work safely and efficiently.
Visitor Check-In and eCPC requirements
The PSA is aware of ongoing concerns reported by members regarding the School Visitor Check-In system and associated eCPC requirements.
Members have identified issues relating to workload, compliance obligations, record-keeping requirements and inconsistent advice across workplaces, particularly regarding visitor induction records and requirements to undertake eCPC checks. The PSA has raised these concerns with the department and continues to seek clearer guidance and more practical processes for schools.
The PSA reminds members that the Principal (or their delegate) is responsible for ensuring that work allocated can be done in the time available, and the priority of the work to be done.
If SAS Staff are asked to undertake additional tasks for which they believe they do not have the time they should discuss these matters with the Principal. A Principal is able to provide additional resources funded through the school budget to manage increased work load. Such support could include the employment of additional temporary staff, on a short term basis, or requesting that permanent employees work overtime. Alternately, the SAS Staff and the Principal could decide that some tasks are not necessary.
Aboriginal Education Officers Advisory Group
The PSA is pleased to announce the establishment of the Aboriginal Education Officers Advisory Group.
Delegates have now been elected and the group has held its first meeting at PSA House. The Advisory Group will work with PSA staff to progress areas of importance to AEOs, including the Statement of Duties and discussions with the department regarding changes to AEO entitlement arrangements.
Chemical Management Improvement Plan
The Chemical Management Improvement Plan (CMIP) continues to progress through working groups involving key departmental stakeholders and PSA representatives.
PSA delegates from the SAO Science Laboratory and General Assistants Advisory Groups have continued to contribute to the review and redevelopment of the Chemical Safety in Schools (CSIS) resources.
The PSA recently provided a submission on the draft CSIS resource highlighting concerns regarding the duties undertaken by School Administrative Officers working in science laboratories, training and competency requirements, health monitoring obligations and historical exposure concerns.
Members working in science laboratories have recently received a separate update on this work. The PSA will continue to provide further information as the project progresses.
Other PSA updates