There has been some confusion about the negotiations for psychologists employed in areas directly funded by the Mental Health Branch of the Department of Health.

This has arisen because HSU#2 Branch (HACSU) is now bargaining for allied health professionals such as social workers and occupational therapists employed in mental health under the Psychiatric Services Agreement, to the exclusion of HSU East (which covers the former HSU#3 Branch Health Professionals).

The VPA through HSU#4 (our Branch) will continue to represent and bargain for psychologists employed in all public health services, including area mental health services and state-wide services. We will be bargaining jointly with HACSU for psychologists employed at Forensicare.

In previous public sector bargaining rounds the negotiations over rates of pay and classification structure for psychologists have taken place in bargaining for the renewal of the Medical Scientists, Pharmacists and Psychologists public sector EBA by our Union. Any conditions particular to mental health and common to all classifications in mental health have been negotiated by HACSU under the Psychiatric Services Agreement and flowed across into our Agreement (for example, CATT on call allowance).

We are in discussions with HACSU regarding the current round of bargaining.

Please contact the office if you are experiencing any problems at your workplace over this matter.