The purpose of this Circular is to advise you of the State Wage Case decision delivered on 31 May 2002. There are no immediate implications for the NSW public sector. Some agencies have awards that rely on State Wage Case adjustments. These will be adjusted in due course on application.

The Industrial Relations Commission of NSW (IRC) awarded the same safety net adjustments for State Awards as determined by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission in its recent National decision. That is:

• An increase of $18.00 per week in minimum award rates, available on application. Awards are not adjusted automatically.
• The increase granted is fully absorbable against overaward payments and wage increases other than safety net, State Wage Case adjustments and minimum rates adjustments available since 29 May 1991
• The increase will generally not be granted until at least 12 months have elapsed since increases granted in accordance with the State Wage Case 2001 decision.
• The Award Review Classification Rate has been increased to $431.40.
  An increase of 3.5% is also available on application for allowances which relate to work or conditions which have not changed, including shift allowances expressed as monetary amounts and service increments.

Some changes to the IRC's Wage Fixing Principles were made, principally relating to lagging awards. In addition, the Industrial Registrar is to prepare a list of awards which, as at 31 December 2002, have not received the $18.00 wage adjustment or have not received a State Wage Case adjustment for longer than 18 months. The parties will be required to address the issue and report back to the President in March 2003.

Agencies that have rates of pay and allowances adjusted by State Wage Case increased should discuss how to implement the decision with the relevant unions.

Any enquiries should be directed to Gayle Robson on 9228 3165.

C. Gellatly
Director-General

Issued by (Branch): PSMO
Contact: Gayle Robson
EMail: [email protected]
Telephone no: (02)9228 3165
File no: PSM/03640
Date: 12 June 2002

This Circular does not supercede any other Circular or Memorandum