M2025-12 Job Evaluation Requirements for Agencies
The purpose of this Memorandum is to advise Government sector agencies of a new requirement to seek approval of the Senior Officials Wages Advisory Committee and, in specific instances, the Expenditure Review Committee of Cabinet prior to undertaking job evaluations that could result in changes to industrial instruments.
Issued: 9 December 2025 by Premier
Key information
- Status
- Active
- Type
- Premier's Memorandum
- Identifier
- M2025-12
- Compliance
- Mandatory
Who needs to know and/or comply with this?
- Departments
- Executive agencies related to Departments
- Separate agencies
- State Owned Corporations
- Statutory Authorities/Bodies
- Subsidiaries of the NSW Government established under the Corporations Act
About
The purpose of this Memorandum is to advise Government sector agencies of a new requirement to seek approval of the Senior Officials Wages Advisory Committee and, in specific instances, the Expenditure Review Committee of Cabinet prior to undertaking job evaluations that could result in changes to industrial instruments.
If a Government Sector agency is seeking to evaluate roles using an accredited job evaluation methodology, the approval of the Senior Officials Wages Advisory Committee (SOWAC), and the Expenditure Review Committee of Cabinet (ERC) may be required prior to proceeding with the job evaluation.
When approval is required
Approval is required when the proposed job evaluation:
- involves single or multiple roles, or roles with multiple occupants; and
- has the potential to result in variations to remuneration or classification structures in an industrial instrument.
This approval requirement does not apply to job evaluations for single roles that do not result in changed remuneration or classification structures in industrial instruments.
Process for seeking approval
Agencies must consult with Industrial Relations, Premier’s Department, in the first instance.
In seeking approval, agencies are required to prepare a submission to the SOWAC, which includes an outline of the proposed job evaluation and supporting reasons.
Submissions are to include:
- an overview of the role(s) to be evaluated;
- the relevant classification and industrial instrument;
- the number of positions and current occupants for the role(s);
- the rationale for the job evaluation;
- the method/format of job evaluation being proposed; and
- any potential impact on the industrial instrument and/or other industrial arrangements.
SOWAC will determine proposals that need to be referred to ERC for decision, based on the potential impact on employee related expenses/costs or sector wide impact.
Chris Minns MP
Premier