The PSA and your General Assistant Advisory Group (GAAG) continue to advocate strongly for General and Farm Assistant members on key issues including staffing, workload and pay.
In this update:
- General Assistant (GA) Allocation Methodology win!
- GA Advisory Group meeting with Secretary of Education
- Fighting for better pay and recognition for GAs
- Recruitment and vacancies
- Conference feedback
- Report work outside your role – we need your feedback
General Assistant Allocation Methodology
Following the increase to General Assistant entitlements, the PSA visited schools receiving additional GA hours and identified that many members were unaware their school had received an increase.
Your union raised these concerns directly with the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, highlighting reports that some schools were not implementing the changes as intended. While welcoming the increase, the PSA made it clear that the changes did not go far enough to address workload pressures and staffing shortages. We also raised concerns that increases below 0.2 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) could still be redirected to other staffing resources rather than benefiting General Assistants.
Following ongoing pressure and advocacy from the PSA on behalf of General Assistants across NSW, the Department has acknowledged the concerns raised by members and committed to reviewing the General Assistant entitlement and allocation model. This commitment was confirmed during a recent meeting between the PSA, the Executive Director Employee Relations and other senior Department representatives.
The Department has also agreed to provide the findings of the review to the PSA, creating an opportunity for the union to hold the Department accountable and ensure the model is meeting its intended objectives for schools and staff.
General Assistant Advisory Group meets with Department Leadership
At the Term 3 GAAG meeting, delegates met with Secretary Murat Dizdar, Chief People Officer Shaun Ruming, Executive Director Employee Relations Donna Wilcox and PSA General Secretary Stewart Little to discuss issues affecting General and Farm Assistants.
Delegates provided direct feedback from members on workload, staffing, pay, recruitment and other workplace concerns.
During discussions, the Secretary acknowledged the PSA’s concerns that allocation changes had not delivered the positive outcomes originally intended. Importantly, he agreed that any increase in General Assistant allocations should directly support General Assistants and not be diverted elsewhere.
The Department also agreed to remind principals that increases in General Assistant allocations must be provided to General Assistants.
PSA and GAAG continue to push for better pay and recognition
Delegates reaffirmed that members are seeking outcomes that properly recognise their work and provide relief from cost-of-living.
The Secretary confirmed that General Assistants received the salary increase effective 1 July 2026, including the Cost-of-Living Adjustment payment. Stewart Little also updated delegates on the ongoing Work Value Case and the PSA’s efforts to secure further recognition of General Assistant duties.
Recruitment and vacancies
Delegates raised concerns about difficulties schools are experiencing in filling vacant General Assistant positions. Feedback from workplaces indicates that low pay is a significant factor affecting recruitment and retention.
The department acknowledged these challenges, with discussions highlighting the need for improved remuneration to attract and retain skilled staff within schools.
Conferences confirm member concerns
The recent General and Farm Assistant conferences were reported as highly successful, providing valuable opportunities for members to engage directly with PSA staff and delegates. Feedback from these events again confirmed that workload, classification, staffing levels and pay remain the major concerns across the membership.
Report work outside your role: we need your feedback
The GAAG and PSA encourage all General and Farm Assistants to report instances where they are directed to undertake duties outside their role description. This information helps identify common issues, strengthen advocacy and raise concerns directly with the Department.
Members should contact the PSA Member Support Centre and quote Collective Case No. C10019456 to report these incidents.
We also encourage members to report allocation issues, workload concerns, staffing shortages and safety matters so the PSA can continue building the evidence needed to secure better outcomes.
Together, we will continue fighting for fair pay, adequate staffing, safer workplaces and proper recognition of the vital work performed by General and Farm Assistants in NSW schools.