Key points
- A ballot to seek approval of the proposed Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2024-27 will commence on Monday, 12 August 2024.
- The ballot will close at 2.00pm AEDT on Monday, 19 August 2024.
- The proposed Enterprise Agreement, an explanatory document and further information on the ballot process are available on the MaPS website.
Following the conclusion of negotiations for the proposed Commonwealth Members of Parliament Staff Enterprise Agreement 2024-27 (MOPS EA), a ballot will commence at 9.00am on Monday, 12 August 2024 and close at 2:00pm on Monday, 19 August 2024.
Negotiations were conducted between employee bargaining representatives, unions, and the Department of Finance on behalf of the Special Minister of State, Senator the Hon Don Farrell. I would like to thank those that participated and contributed to the development of the proposed MOPS EA.
- The proposed EA provides for enhanced terms and conditions of employment and includes:
an 11.2% remuneration increase to base salaries and most allowances for all employees, which is the maximum allowed remuneration adjustment under the Australian Government Public Sector Workplace Relations Policy 2023, - the introduction of three new allowances to recognise the complexities of MOP(S) Act employment,
- additional entitlements and enhancements to the Electorate Staff Allowance (ESA) framework to support and recognise the work of electorate employees,
- enhanced employment arrangements and conditions for casual employees,
- additional personal and parental leave entitlements, as well as new leave entitlements to support First Nations employees and employees with cultural obligations,
- enhanced conditions in support of employees experiencing family and domestic violence, including paid miscellaneous leave, and
- strengthened professional development supports.
I strongly encourage all staff to consider the offer.
Information for staff and Parliamentarians
A copy of the proposed Enterprise Agreement, an explanation of its proposed terms and conditions as well as useful fact sheets are available on the MaPS Website.
Finance will offer information sessions to staff on the proposed EA ahead of the ballot period. Details on these sessions are available on the MaPS Website and you will need to pre-register to attend.
One-off payment
If the proposed Enterprise Agreement receives a successful ‘yes’ vote all employees who were employed during the access period will receive a ‘flat-rate’ payment that will be calculated at the end of the access period. MaPS will inform employees of the amount of the flat-rate payment once it is known.
The ballot process
Finance has engaged an Independent Service Provider, ORIMA Pty Ltd (ORIMA) to conduct a confidential ballot process. ORIMA will contact MOP(S) Act employees via email and SMS prior to the voting period commencing and will provide detailed instructions on how to cast a vote. This process will be secure and confidential.
It is important that you confirm your contact details are accurate in PEMS prior to the ballot commencing.
Further information about the ballot, as well as instructions on how to update your contact details, are on the MaPS website.
Commencement of the new EA
Should the proposed Enterprise Agreement be supported by a majority of employees who cast a valid vote, it will be lodged with the Fair Work Commission for approval.
An approved Enterprise Agreement will commence operation seven days after it is approved by Fair Work Commission.
Should you require any further information regarding the enterprise agreement, please contact eacomment@finance.gov.au.
Madeleine King MP
2 August 2024