NSW Parliament Members Bulletin December 2024
It has been a very busy year for PSA members as we approach the Christmas Break. Some of the Industrial issues that the union and members have been working on are included below:
Parliament House Staff 2024 pay increase
The PSA was advised prior to the 12 December JCC meeting that Parliament House staff would receive the Pay increase back pay on or before the 19 December. That would also include Annual Leave Loading. Members should check pay advice to confirm payment. If you have any concerns please contact the PSA.
Members of Parliament Staff Presiding officers Determination
On 26 November Parliament forwarded a draft Members Staff Conditions of Employment – Determination of the Presiding Officers for consultation.
It is a detailed document with a revised Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament Staff (MoPS), provided for the union’s consideration. The two-week consultation period until 10 December is insufficient for appropriate consultation to occur and this has been communicated to NSW People and Culture team and the Presiding Officers, requesting ongoing consultation through to the end of January 2025. With a further meeting requested to deal with outstanding issues of the final draft Determination and Code of Conduct. If PSA members have not provided feedback and would like the PSA to include in the union’s formal response please email and quote call number C10001812 by 20 January.
PSA officers have also had to persistently inquire about when the four per cent pay rise with backpay would be approved and paid. On 11 December Parliament confirmed by email that MoPS members will be paid the increase with backpay on 19 December.
PSA also advised that it will be pursuing an Industrial Award in 2025 to replace the current MoPS Presiding Officers Determination which will include access for MoPS members to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC). This is in line with the Minns’ government commitment to NSW Public Sector Unions to abolish the previous government wages cap and restore the powers of the NSW IRC to conciliation and arbitration of Industrial disputes. PSA staff have contacted the Premier’s Chief of Staff to flag the PSA’s intentions in relation to restoring the MoPS Award for PSA members. Premier’s office requested that the PSA write to the Premier to advise of this, which has occurred.
PSA Member’s MoPS meetings
Meetings of PSA members via teams occurred on 3 and 11 December to consider the MoPS issues.
The 11 December meeting endorsed the following:
- That PSA raise the members concerns around the draft MoPS Determination at the 12 December JCC Meeting.
- That PSA raise concerns regarding mandatory training and that a list of which training is mandatory be provided.
- Clarify the backpay and leave loading payment dates. Including for short term relief staff. The outlined pay increase and backpay on 19 December includes short term relief staff.
- That the consultation period for the draft Parliamentary Officers’ determination be extended into January 2025.
- That the PSA re-establish the PSA MoPS advisory group.
- Three delegates were elected at the 11 December meeting:
A further meeting of MoPS members will occur at the end of January a notice will be sent out with the details.
Joint Consultative Committee meeting 12 December major issues
Temporary staff
The Parliament advised the PSA that in 2025 it intends to convert a number of temporary staff to permanent following a review of staff requirements. The areas impacted are – Hansard, Audio, Security and Committees. PSA delegates raised concerns regarding the number of agency casuals and other temporary staff within the Catering area. Parliament has agreed to review current staffing numbers in catering and engage in ongoing consultation around all temporary staff conversions in 2025. PSA will update members when able.
Training
Parliament advised that the implementation of the Safe, Inclusive, Respectful Workplace policy training is ongoing and that staff participation has been promising. The PSA recommends members participate in the training if you have not already done so.
Parliament House members meeting 2025
PSA will conduct a meeting for members prior to the first meeting of the Parliament of NSW PSA JCC in March 2025. A meeting notice will be sent to members to confirm the arrangements.
If members have any questions or concerns please contact or call 1800 772 679.
Wishing all members a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.
Your PSA Staff
SIO Greg Shaw
Organiser Claudia Bianchi