Town Hall Meeting Update

At the 31 March 2025 Town Hall meeting, Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) provided the following update on the progress of the new Psychologists Award:

• Last week, CSNSW received confirmation that the PSA and the stakeholder agencies have agreed on the structure of the new award, with the finer details now finalised. The only remaining negotiation involves salary points.
• Salary negotiation is not with Corrective Services NSW. This is between the PSA, central Government, and Treasury. Neither Corrective Services NSW nor the Commissioner have a say in these discussions.
• Reaching an agreement on salary points is the final step in finalising the new award. Once these salary points are settled, the award will be ready to go.
• DCJ is actively pushing for this process to be completed as soon as possible. Corrective Services NSW is contacting the Public Sector Industrial Relations Commission weekly for updates. This remains a high priority within DCJ, and all necessary follow-ups are taking place to ensure finalisation.

We understand that there were also comments made to the effect that the Psychologists Award is currently before the Industrial Relations Commission.

The PSA would like to provide clarification for members following this update:

• Agreement has not been reached on the classification structure of the new award. Whilst discussions are largely positive, there are a number of steps before agreement on the structure will be reached – including awaiting further feedback from all agencies and PSIR regarding the classification structure and classification descriptors, and endorsement from the wider PSA membership and PSA Executive.
• The Psychology Advisory Group, along with PSA Industrial staff, continue to engage in discussions with representatives from the Public Sector Industrial Relations unit (PSIR).
• The PSA is seeking, in addition to an improved classification structure and salaries, improvement to conditions –agreement has not been reached on those improved conditions and negotiations will continue.
• At this stage, the matter has not yet progressed to the Industrial Relations Commission. (Link to previous bulletin)
• The PSA remains committed to ensuring a fair and improved award for all psychologists and will continue to update members as negotiations progress.

We appreciate the patience and support of our members as we work towards achieving a strong and equitable outcome for all Corrective Services psychologists. Please stay engaged for further updates.

We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the PSA’s delegates and members who have already spent countless hours engaging with the PSA to inform these negotiations and providing feedback and guidance on the ongoing issues facing CSNSW Psychologists.

Your PSA Industrial Staff

Thane Pearce – Industrial Specialist –
Chris Auld – Senior Organiser –