As members are aware, the 2024-28 Institute of Forensic Mental Health Services Enterprise Agreement has been submitted to the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) and is currently awaiting the Commission’s approval. Once approved it will become operational and enforceable seven days later.
All Forensicare nurse members are now guaranteed pay increases totalling 28.4 per cent (compounded and inclusive of 1 July 2024 increase) – alongside over 80 new or improved conditions and entitlements.
Early payment of the alignment payment approved by Victorian Government
All parties requested early facilitation of the Mental Health Alignment Payment upon a successful ballot of the agreement, and a one-off pre-payment has now been approved by the government.
The alignment payment covers the increased entitlements for the period of the first full pay period on or after (FFPPOOA) 20 May 2025 to FFPPOOA 1 November 2025.
Forensicare has confirmed the one-off pre-payment will be $2000 for full-time employees who were employed at Forensicare on 20 May 2025 and will be pro-rata for part-time and casual staff who were employed at Forensicare on 20 May 2025. Staff employed after this time will receive any alignment payments following the 2024-2028 Agreement becoming operational.
Forensicare has confirmed this pre-payment will be sent to bank accounts today, 30 June 2026.
The one-off pre-payment will be deducted from the final alignment payment and backpay calculations that will be paid following the 2024-2028 Agreement becoming operational.
When will I get the rest of my backpay?
The initial wage increases are outlined below, and will become payable following the 2024-2028 Agreement becoming operational (seven days after the Commission’s approval):
- Mental Health Alignment Payment – all staff covered by this Agreement will be paid a once-off alignment payment equivalent to wages prescribed under the Mental Health Agreement for their relevant classification, work schedule and EFT from FFPPOOA 20 May 2025 to FFPPOOA 1 November 2025 (excluding wages already received and any early pre-payment of the alignment payment)
- First Full Pay Period On Or After 1 November 2025
- First Full Pay Period On Or After 5 January 2026
- First Full Pay Period On Or After 15 June 2026
When you receive your first payslip with the new rates, if you are eligible to receive a backpayment of wages, this should be clearly listed on your payslip – for example as ‘backpay’.
Questions?
If you have any queries about your alignment payment, these should be directed to your payroll office in the first instance.
