Section 19 of the NSW Industrial Relations Act requires the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) to periodically review public sector awards to ensure they remain current, relevant and consistent with contemporary industrial standards. Reviews are being conducted under IRC Practice Note 13 and the Award Review Principles set by the IRC.
These reviews generally focus on:
- updating agency and department names
- removing obsolete references and outdated terminology
- ensuring awards reflect current legislation
- improving structure, readability and accessibility
- incorporating standard award provisions where appropriate
- modernising award formats and clause numbering.
The PSA is actively involved
The PSA is representing members throughout every review by:
- reviewing all proposed changes
- consulting delegates and members where required
- protecting existing conditions and entitlements
- opposing inappropriate removal of provisions
- ensuring awards remain clear, enforceable and relevant.
Where awards contain outdated language or references, the PSA supports appropriate updates. However, the Award review process will not alter existing entitlements.
What happens next?
The review process is run by an independent IRC, which is something your union fought for. The process includes consultation, conciliation and submissions. Agencies have no power to arbitrarily alter Awards through this process.
Award reviews are a standard industrial process undertaken by the IRC. The PSA will continue to scrutinise all proposed changes, protect members’ rights and keep members informed as reviews progress. If you have questions about your award, please contact the PSA or your workplace delegate.