Portfolio Ministers are responsible for the efficient and effective operation of agencies within their portfolio including the management of any industrial relations matters.

The Minister for Employee Relations is responsible for ensuring strategic alignment and consistency across Government in all wage bargaining matters and potential and actual industrial disputes.

Upon the commencement of industrial proceedings, agencies must advise the Employee Relations Branch, Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) of the nature and status of the proceedings and provide regular updates as the matter progresses. Portfolio Ministers must seek the concurrence of the Minister for Employee Relations on all decisions relating to the proceedings, including the decision on whether agencies can commence proceedings.

Portfolio Ministers must ensure that the Minister for Employee Relations is briefed and consulted on wage bargaining matters and industrial disputes within their area of responsibility to ensure that they are resolved in a manner that:

a. is consistent with bargaining parameters approved by the Expenditure Review Committee of Cabinet or the Senior Officials Wages Advisory Committee in accordance with the NSW Public Sector Wages Policy [M2021-13];

b. aligns with the Government’s strategic objectives; and

c. prioritises the fair and timely resolution of wage negotiations and disputes.

Where proposals, wage bargaining matters and industrial disputes are submitted to the Expenditure Review Committee of Cabinet, they are to be submitted jointly by the Portfolio Minister and the Minister for Employee Relations.

Agencies are expected to comply with requests for information about wage bargaining matters and industrial disputes from the Minister for Employee Relations or from DPC on behalf of the Minister.

Dominic Perrottet MP
Premier