Last week the Public Service Association (PSA) contacted the Department notifying that the parties are in dispute due to the Department’s failure to pay the 3 per cent pay rise due to all staff covered by the Crown Employees (School Psychologists – Department of Education) Salaries Award 2022 in the first pay period on or after 9 October 2025.

We asked for an explanation by the following day including an assurance that the pay rise will be administered as soon as possible and back paid from 10 October 2025.

On 23 October 2025 employee relations responded apologetically on behalf of the Department and thanked the PSA for bringing this matter to its attention. After investigating the issue with the payroll team, it confirmed that the increase had not been applied as scheduled due to a technical system error.

The PSA is advised that the payroll support team has now rectified the issue, and the pay increase will be processed in the period ending 6 November 2025 along with back pay from 10 October 2025.

The Department provided an apology to School Psychology staff for the inconvenience the delay has caused.

Whilst we consider this to be a substantive resolution to the matter, the PSA will continue to track your pay rises and will advise the Department that in any future such occurrences where there is a system error or delay, the PSA expects this to be communicated in advance to the affected staff and to the union.

Please let the PSA know if you do not receive the pay increase and back pay in the 6 November 2025 pay period.

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PSA staff

Katy Ambler Industrial Officer

Alison Crittenden Organiser