Council employees are covered by the Notional Agreement Preserving the Local Government (State) Award 2004 (NAPSA). Some positions are also covered by specific Preserved State Agreements (PSA), or Deeds of Agreement. These details will be specified in any vacant job advertisement.

General Conditions

Hours of Work

Hour of work can vary depending on the requirements of the position. Normal full time working hours are based on either 35hrs or 38hrs per week.

Time in Lieu Day Off

Some staff are on a Time in Lieu day off system. This system accrues extra hours each week which then entitles some staff to a day off per fortnight, and entitles other staff to a day off every 3 weeks.

Payment Arrangement

Staff are paid on a weekly basis, directly into the account of their choice. Staff can arrange to have their contributions to various major banks, health funds and insurance companies deducted directly from their pay.

Superannuation

Council pays 9% Superannuation, on top of an employees’ salary. These can be made into either the Local Government Superannuation Scheme, or into a fund of the employees’ choice.

Skills Assessment

Employees are classified according to our skills based salary structure. Each staff member is paid according to the skills and competencies utilised in the position they currently occupy. Assistance will be given to staff to develop their skills and competencies to pursue a career path within the Council. All new staff receiving training on how our skill assessment process works.

Probationary Period

Employment is subject to a 6 month probationary period.

Leave Entitlements

Annual Leave

Employees’ accrue annual leave at the rate of four weeks per year. This will be on a pro-rata basis for part time employees.

Sick Leave

Employees accrue sick leave at the rate of three weeks per year from their commencement date, and each subsequent year. Accrued sick leave may also be used to care for an ill partner or family member. 

Long Service Leave

Employees will be entitled to long service leave after five (5) years of continuous service in total with all NSW Councils. To be entitled to this, there must be no break in service. This is as per the NAPSA.

Parental Leave

Women who have completed 12 months continuous service to Council are entitled to 9 weeks maternity leave at full pay or 18 weeks maternity leave at half pay. Paternity leave is also available for employees who have completed 12 months continuous service to Council, in connection to the birth of their child or spouses’ child (including defacto spouse). Parental leave conditions are in accordance with the Industrial Relations Act, 1996 (NSW) and the NAPSA.

Study Assistance

Study assistance is available to employees who are eligible. Eligibility depends on the relevance of study to their current position or career path within Woollahra Municipal Council.