SCHADS Award review update

Following a hearing held today at the Fair Work Commsions (FWC) in Sydney, the FWC has issued an Alternative Structure.

The Alternative Structure is a significant improvement on the Provisional Determination handed down in April 2025.

In particular it includes:

• an additional classification level that reduces the likelihood of worker pay going backwards;
• clauses that improve recognition of industry and lived experience.

All interested parties can provide written submissions by 6 February 2026. A second round of submissions (submissions in reply) are due by 20 February 2026.

NCOSS will collaborate with the COSS Network to coordinate our centralised response. Acknowledging that January is always a time of high demand for services and many will be on much-needed leave, we encourage members to make a submission if you can. The areas of most value include:

1. Why the Alternative Structure is an improvement on the Provisional Determination

2. What the entry level in the classification structure should be for SACS workers

3. Feedback on the clauses related to equivalency of qualifications and experience (including lived experience)

4. Any significant operational or implementation considerations.

NCOSS will organise information sessions in January for organisations to ask the team questions.