Service NSW overtime dispute: update
Your union has written formally to Service NSW regarding the ongoing dispute about overtime payments and the proposed “rounding” or exception rules (letter issued 29 January 2026). While it appears that Service NSW accepts that employees must be paid for time worked, the PSA remains deeply concerned that the proposed approach could result in members not being paid overtime for work performed outside their rostered hours, particularly where time worked is less than eight minutes.
The PSA has made it clear that the Service NSW (Salaries and Conditions) Employees Award 2022 (the Award) does not allow overtime to go unpaid simply to reduce administrative burden. Clause 19 of the Award requires that time worked before or after rostered hours is paid, and any system that fails to investigate or pay this time risks breaching the Award.
In our letter, the PSA rejected the department’s proposal and put forward an alternative set of fair and transparent rules that ensure all time worked is properly reviewed and paid. Importantly, we also stated that any resolution of this dispute must address past underpayments. The PSA has called on Service NSW to conduct a full audit of time and attendance records and reimburse all affected employees for unpaid overtime as soon as practicable.
We have requested a response by close of business 19 February 2026. If this matter is not resolved, the PSA will continue to pursue it through the dispute process. Members will be kept informed of developments and next steps.
Invite a colleague to join the PSA
With the current overtime dispute at Service NSW, now is the time to join the PSA. Only union members can be assisted with individual overtime claims, audits, and enforcement of Award entitlements. Joining ensures you have representation, protection, and support to recover unpaid overtime and hold the employer to account.
Contacts
Service NSW Departmental Committee delegates
Kieren Streat Chairperson
Kylie Sorensen Vice Chair
Will Thomson Secretary
Robbie Gratton Assistant Secretary
Bec White
Chris Ambroisine
Dana Mahafza
Joshua Karadaghian
Kylie Sorensen
Rae Steel
Simon Dawson
Supreet Kaur
PSA staff
