PSA Psychologists: PSA files dispute in the Industrial Relations Commission
The Public Service Association (PSA) has been engaged in lengthy discussions and negotiations with Public Sector Industrial Relations (PSIR) since 2024 seeking a significant uplift in the salaries of psychologists covered by the Crown Employees (Psychologists) Award (Psychologists Award).
Despite continued negotiations with PSIR, no bargaining parameters have been approved by the Government to allow agreement to be reached on the matters the subject of the PSA’s claim, including the salary uplift. The PSA has repeatedly expressed the urgency and expediency required to resolve the pay claim for Psychologists and changes to the Psychologist Award to address the retention and attraction crisis. In late November 2025, the PSA was advised that no bargaining parameters would be approved this year.
On 5 December 2025, the PSA notified an industrial dispute in the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) concerning the terms of a new Psychologist Award, what constitutes fair and reasonable conditions of employment for Psychologists and the conduct of the negotiations to date. In resolution of the dispute, the PSA is seeking interim relief to address the retention and attraction issues whilst the Psychologists Award negotiations continue and/or the Psychologists Award is arbitrated (heard before the IRC).
The interim relief sought by the PSA is two-fold:
- Firstly, that the relevant agencies covered by the Psychologists Award apply cl 14 of the Government Sector Employment Regulations which provides a mechanism for the acceleration of increments for employees if they meet criteria concerning performance and conduct. Our position is that if managers are able to recommend accelerated incremental progression for Psychologists and this can be approved, this will go some way to ameliorate the current retention issues as this will allow Psychologists to progress to a higher salary at a quicker rate.
- Secondly, the creation of a retention and attraction allowance to the value of $15,000 to be paid per annum to psychologists covered by the Psychologists Award.
The dispute is listed for conciliation, which is akin to a mediation process, before the IRC on Friday, 12 December 2025. We will provide updates concerning the dispute and negotiations as we are able to.
Psychologists are undervalued and underpaid in the Public Service and the PSA will continue to fight for recognition of the integral and crucial work that you perform.
Psychologists Advisory Group
Amy Sowerby Corrective Services
Mary Sanna Corrective Services
Samantha Sharp Child Protection
Gemma Clarke Child Protection
Ruth Marshall Youth Justice
Rebekah Green Youth Justice
Zoe Harrison Police