With a 95.05% per cent yes vote, the 2024-28 Institute of Forensic Mental Health Services Enterprise Agreement will be submitted to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for approval this week.
It will become operational and enforceable seven days after the FWC’s approval.
All Forensicare nurse members are now guaranteed pay increases totalling 28.4 per cent (inclusive of 1 July 2024 increase) – alongside over 80 new or improved conditions and entitlements.
ANMF congratulates all ANMF representatives and members on this incredible achievement.
ANMF members achieved important improvements covering definitions, leave, allowances, classifications, predictable hours of work, fatigue and overtime, dispute resolution, recruitment and retention initiatives, education and professional development, maximising permanent employment, occupational health and safety and gender equity. This also includes additional mental health nursing EFT consistent with ANMF member-endorsed claims.
What happens next?
The Victorian Hospitals’ Industrial Association will likely lodge the agreement with FWC this week. FWC will go through every clause and ensure that all the legally-required steps have been followed and that every aspect of the agreement complies with relevant federal legislation and that the Agreement passes the better off overall test.
The timeline on this process is not within ANMF’s control, but members will be updated as soon as we have more information.
When will I get my back pay?
All parties requested early facilitation of the mental health alignment payment upon a successful ballot of the agreement. This means members would not have to wait until FWC formally approves the agreement. We understand that Forensicare has advised that payments will be made by mid-to-late July. We will continue to update members.
The initial wage increases are outlined below:
- 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 the first full pay period on or after (FFPPOOA) 20 May 2025 to FFPPOOA 1 November 2025 (excluding wages already received)
- 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 back payment of wages, this should be clearly listed on your payslip – for example as ‘back pay’.
