The PSA wishes to advise members who work as a School Psychologist (SP), Senior Psychologist Education (SPE), and Leader, Psychology Practice (LPP) covered by the Crown Employees (School Psychologist – Department of Education) Salaries Award 2022 (“SP Award”) that we are aware that your three percent pay rise due this week, was not paid by the department.

Your delegates have confirmed with the PSA that you did not receive this pay increase in the recent pay period, which is the first pay period on or after 9 October 2025.  The establishment of a three-year consent award including the due date of annual pay rises, was intended to prevent this from occurring.

Breach of your award: PSA dispute

As such, the PSA has advised Employee Relations that the department is in breach of the SP Award and has formally notified the department that the parties are in dispute.

We understand this feels like a slap in the face, given the School Counsellors alongside you got their pay rise on time.

The PSA has worked hard over many years to achieve pay rise certainty for School Psychologists and to maintain salary parity with School Counsellors.  We can assure members that we take these matters seriously and will seek the assistance of the Industrial Relations Commission to resolve the issue, if necessary.

What’s next?

We expect a response to our formal correspondence today, as to when the department will administer your pay increase including ensuring it is back paid to 9 October 2025.

The PSA remains committed to advocating on behalf of School Psychologists to ensure the Department properly recognises and remunerates you for vital and highly professional work you do in schools, supporting the mental health and wellbeing of students across the state. The PSA will update members as the matter progresses.

Contacts

Katy Ambler Industrial Officer

Alison Crittenden Organiser