The purpose of this Circular is to advise that on 4 March 2002 the New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission (Schmidt J) made a new award, the Crown Employees Wages Staff (Rates of Pay) Award 2002.

The Award increases rates of pay and allowances to public sector wages staff covered by the awards and agreements listed in Schedule "A" of the Award (attached). It provides for a retrospective increase of 3% to the rates of pay and wage related allowances from the first full pay period on or after 1 January 2002, then increases of 4% from the first full pay period on or after 1 January 2003 and 5% from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2003. The term of the award is two and a half years from 1 January 2002 to 30 June 2004.

The increases in rates of pay and allowances in the nature of wages are the final three increases outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) entered into on 14 February 2001 between the Government, Labor Council and unions to progress priority issues for continued reform in the NSW public sector.

Agencies are aware that that the MOU provides for funding these increases through a combination of productivity savings and workplace efficiency reforms. Cabinet on 10 December 2001 reaffirmed the Government's commitment to achieving 6% productivity savings across all agencies.

As advised in Circular 2001- 67, a full-time Task Force chaired by Mr Ron Christie has been set up to review agency savings plans and work with CEOs on development and implementation of savings initiatives. Both the Public Sector Management Office and the Task Force are available to assist in this process.

The increases in rates of pay and allowances are shown in the attached schedules. (MS Word, 548K) Rates of pay and allowances for organisation specific industrial instruments not covered by this award are not affected.

Any enquiries may be directed to Merillyn Grey on telephone number (02) 9228-3593.

C. Gellatly
Director-General

Issued (Branch): PSMO
Contact: Merillyn Grey
EMail: [email protected]
Telephone no: (02) 9228 3593
File no: PSM/03633
Date: 18 March 2002
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Supersedes C1997-07 and C2001-27. Related to C2001- 67
Superseded by C2005-36