EB Update
Summary of reps/delegates meeting and next steps
A meeting of PSA reps and delegates was held today to review bargaining to date, assess the most recent proposals, and determine the path forward.
The process so far and Government's proposals are complex, which is why a meeting was held before information was released in writing. If anything in this update is unclear, speak with your rep/delegate or email enquiries@psaofsa.asn.au
All Correctional Officers please note:
A stop-work meeting will be held at every prison site from the usual start time on Monday 8 December 2025. Further information will be provided at that meeting.
Timeline of Key Events & Offers
Nov 2024—Government offer: 9% over 3 years
Sept 2025—Formal proposal: 10.5%–11% over 3 years, plus cohort-specific changes (listed below).
Nov 2025—Government issues non-wage matters correspondence.
Nov 2025—Verbal "concept" wage offer: 10.5%–21.6% over 18 months, including Award catch-up and $4,000 to base for levels 1–3.
Feb 2025—Caretaker period.
Cohort-Specific Proposals (September 2025)
ASO
- New senior specialist/manager classifications (ASO9 and ASO10 equivalents).
DCP Operational (OPS)
- Reclassified under a new schedule (approx. +$7,000 to base for OPS4).
Professional Officers (PO)
- Allowance to match AHP rates where relevant.
- PO-2: introduction of 5th and 6th increments.
- PO-3 and PO-5: additional increment at each level.
- PO-5 and PO-6 criteria broadened.
- Forensic scientists to be engaged under PO stream.
Lawyers
- Additional one week of non-accruing annual leave (Dec–April).
- +$4,000 to base for LEC, LE, LSC3+.
CFS & SES
- Special rates of pay for incident management work.
Fisheries Officers & Rangers
- 13.1% codified in the EA.
Technical Grades (TGO)
- Remove TGO-0; reduce increments in TGO-1.
Medical Physicists/Scientists
- $1,000 annual PD allowance.
7-Day Workers
- 5 weeks annual leave.
What the PSA has been pushing for
Corrections-specific improvements (incl. CO2→CO3 progression, CIVT increase).
Resi Care classification to apply to all OPS in DHS.
Flexi for ASO9/10
Improved lawyer proposals.
Maintain consultation rights.
No averaging of hours.
Parental leave (not maternity), 4 weeks concurrent.
Automatic PO1→PO2 progression.
175% Sunday penalty for all 7-day workers.
Free public transport for SA Dental sites.
Review clauses for COs, Lawyers, OPS, POs, Housing Trust.
A larger wage increase, including increases to base.
18-month agreement with renegotiation 6 months prior.
Union access and delegate rights.
Remove clause 33.2 to allow underpayment claims for below Award (still under discussion).
Verbal "Concept" Wage Offer (28 November)
Award catch-up to 2024 rates
$4,000 into base for levels 1–3
Increases: 3.75%, then 3.5%, then 3.25%
ASO1, inc 1 example: ~21.6%
ASO2, inc 5 example: ~6.33% first year; ~13.08% total
ASO4 and above: 10.5% total
CO2 example: ~6% first year; ~12.75% total
Cohorts with classification specific matters, refer to above. If you are unclear, talk to your rep/delegate or contact us for clarification.
Total impact: 10.5%–21.6% over 18 months
Assessment
Reps and delegates acknowledged that the latest offer represents an improvement. However:
Those below the Award still risk falling below it again in July 2026.
There is concern that ASO4/5, CO4 and OPS4/5 receiving 10.5% over 18 months is too low.
Key CO claims remain unaddressed (CO2→CO3 progression, CIVT).
Conclusion
The offer did not go far enough.
Reps/delegates resolved to escalate industrial action.
What Happens Now
Specific cohorts will begin rolling 24-hour stoppages next week.
Correctional Officers: Every site will hold a stop-work meeting from usual start times on Monday 8 December 2025. Further information will be provided at the meeting.
Sites already taking action are encouraged to continue.
For any clarification, contact your rep/delegate or email enquiries@psaofsa.asn.au