The NSW Government and Public Service Association (PSA) have signed a reform agreement to deliver an immediate $8,283 pay increase for new caseworkers and improve rates of pay, roles and conditions for the state’s child protection workforce.
The agreement covers more than 2,000 public sector caseworkers.
“Child protection caseworkers have one of the most challenging and important jobs in the world, keeping vulnerable children safe,” said Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington.
“When we came into government, we inherited a broken child protection system with a workforce walking out the door because they hadn’t felt valued in years.
“I have seen firsthand the incredible difference these workers make to children and families, and I hope that this agreement will encourage more caseworkers to take up positions with DCJ.
“I thank the PSA and their hardworking members for their advocacy and commitment to keeping children in NSW safe.”
Under the reform agreement:
- Child protection caseworkers will receive a 4% pay increase this year, backdated to 1 July 2024, plus 0.5 per cent in superannuation. This totals 8% in the first two years of the Labor Government;
- The commencing rate for new child protection caseworkers in 2024-25 has been lifted by $8,283, including the 4%t;
- A standalone child protection worker classification will be established for the first time in NSW history (currently child protection workers are under the general classification structure which covers nearly 80,000 workers);
- The NSW Government and the PSA will enter into a reform process to update role descriptions and examine specific conditions such assafe working allocation guidelines;
- At the conclusion of the reform process a three-year pay agreement will be made from 2025-26 onwards under a new Child Protection Award.
