Your group at a glance
Find your employer, then your job, in the first column. "Not covered" means this guide names the system, the instrument and the union, but does not explain that group's rights. The legal line inside WA Health is the scope clause of the WA Health – HSU Award 2006 (WAH001) cl 3, because WAH043 binds those "bound by" that award (WAH043 cl 5.1). Check your classification and the employer named on your payslip before relying on a row.
| Your employer and job | System | Main instrument | Union | If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Child and Adolescent Health Service's multisystemic therapy program (clinicians and clinical managers) | WA state (WAIRC) | WAH043, varied for these positions by the CAHS – HSUWA – Multisystemic Therapy Program Agreement 2021 (CAH001), which prevails where inconsistent (cl 6.6–6.8; its "Primary Industrial Agreement" is the PACTS agreement "or its replacement", cl 3.12) | HSUWA (state union) | As for WA Health below | About 10 employees at registration in 2021 (cl 6.4) |
| A WA Health health service provider (Child and Adolescent Health Service, East Metropolitan Health Service, Health Support Services, North Metropolitan Health Service, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, the Quadriplegic Centre, South Metropolitan Health Service or WA Country Health Service: WAH043 cl 5.3), as an allied health professional or other listed calling, pharmacist, imaging or radiation professional, scientist, technician, or administrative, clerical, ICT or security officer | WA state (WAIRC) | WAH043 (cl 21.1, cl 21.5(a)) | HSUWA (state union) | A disciplinary decision (including dismissal for a breach of discipline), a suspension on partial or no pay, or a reduction or termination for substandard performance: refer it to the WAIRC no later than 28 days after the day the decision or finding is made (IR Act s 29(1)(j), (2)(c); HSA s 171(1)). Any other dismissal: WAIRC unfair dismissal claim within 28 days after the termination (s 29(1)(c), (2)(a)). A redeployment decision: 21 days (Public Sector Management (Redeployment and Redundancy) Regulations 2014 (WA) r 44) | Discipline is under the Health Services Act Part 11 (WAH043 cl 10.10(a)), not Part 5 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994 (WA) |
| WA Health, as a supervisor of catering, cleaning, food or sterilising services, or a catering officer or manager | WA state (WAIRC) | WAH043 (WAH001 Schedule B lists these callings) | HSUWA (state union) | As above | The workers they supervise are usually under the United Workers Union's agreement (next row) |
| PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA (scientists, technicians, specimen control officers and phlebotomists (pathology collectors), clerical staff) | WA state (WAIRC) | WAH043: PathWest is one of its eight employers (cl 5.3(e)) | HSUWA (state union) | As for WA Health | PathWest is public. A private laboratory (ACL, Western Diagnostic, Clinipath) is federal: see below |
| WA Health, as a patient care assistant, orderly, transport officer, cleaner, laundry worker or sterilisation technician, or in a cook or chef classification | WA state (WAIRC) | The WA Health System – United Workers Union (WA) – Hospital Support Workers Industrial Agreement 2024 (WAH040), which defines "Patient Care Assistant" and "Transport Officer" (cl 3) and lists the cook and chef classifications (cl 19). Its employers are the health service providers (cl 5.2). WAH001 cl 3(3)(e) leaves out of the HSU award the callings that on 30 March 2006 would have made employees eligible for coverage by an award of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union | United Workers Union | As for WA Health above. Part 11 of the Health Services Act applies to all employees of a health service provider (HSA s 154(1); s 6, "employee"), so a decision listed in s 171(1) (disciplinary action, suspension on partial or no pay, a reduction or termination for substandard performance) is referred no later than 28 days after the day it is made (IR Act s 29(1)(j), (2)(c)); any other dismissal, no later than 28 days after the termination (s 29(1)(c), (2)(a)). The agreement itself is not covered by this guide | Kitchen staff turn on classification: catering officers, managers and supervisors are in WAH001 Schedule B (HSUWA); cooks and chefs in WAH040's classifications are UWU. A Fiona Stanley Hospital chef who moved from a contractor to the South Metropolitan Health Service in 2021 was under the PACTS agreement of 2022 when the employment ended (Phoolwuntee Devi Kullup v South Metropolitan Health Service [2025] WAIRC 00364 at [1]–[2], [81]), so check your own classification |
| WA Health, as an enrolled nurse (other than mental health or mothercraft), assistant in nursing, Aboriginal or ethnic health worker, or Aboriginal health practitioner | WA state (WAIRC) | WAH044, the United Workers Union's agreement (cl 4.1), which binds the health service providers and the Mental Health Commission (cl 4.2) | United Workers Union | If you are employed by a health service provider, as for the row above (HSA ss 6, 154(1), 171(1); IR Act s 29(1)(j), (2)(c) and s 29(1)(c), (2)(a)). The Mental Health Commission is not a health service provider, so for its staff the Health Services Act route does not apply. The agreement itself is not covered by this guide | A salaried "Senior Aboriginal Health Officer" is listed in WAH001 Schedule B, so may be under WAH043: check the position |
| WA Health, as a registered nurse or midwife, or an enrolled mental health or mothercraft nurse | WA state (WAIRC) | WAH042 | ANMF WA | See the nurses and midwives guide | WAH001 cl 3(3)(a) leaves nursing registrants out of the HSU award |
| WA Health, as a doctor | WA state (WAIRC) | The WA Health System – Medical Practitioners – AMA Industrial Agreement 2024 (WAH041), whose employer parties are six health service providers (the Child and Adolescent, East Metropolitan, North Metropolitan and South Metropolitan Health Services, WA Country Health Service and PathWest), the Director General of the Department of Health and the Mental Health Commission (Child and Adolescent Health Service and others v Australian Medical Association (WA) Incorporated [2024] WAIRC 00992); clinical academics, WAH037 | Australian Medical Association (WA) Incorporated, the union party to WAH041 (Child and Adolescent Health Service and others v Australian Medical Association (WA) Incorporated [2024] WAIRC 00992) | If you are employed by a health service provider, as for the patient care assistant row above (HSA ss 6, 154(1), 171(1); IR Act s 29(1)(j), (2)(c) and s 29(1)(c), (2)(a)). Doctors employed by the Department of Health or the Mental Health Commission are not health service provider employees, so the Health Services Act route does not apply to them. The agreement itself is not covered by this guide | WAH001 cl 3(3)(b) leaves medical practitioners out of the HSU award |
| WA Health, as a tradesperson (electrician, plumber, fitter, building trades) | WA state (WAIRC) | WAH045, the engineering and building services agreement | The trade unions named in it (cl 4.3) | As for the patient care assistant row above: WAH045's employers are all health service providers (cl 4.2), so Part 11 of the Health Services Act applies (HSA ss 6, 154(1), 171(1); IR Act s 29(1)(j), (2)(c) and s 29(1)(c), (2)(a)). The agreement itself is not covered by this guide | Engineers and biomedical engineers on the professional scale are WAH043 |
| Dental Health Services (Perth Dental Hospital and Community Dental Services), as a dentist (dental officer) or dental technician | WA state (WAIRC) | Dentists: the Dental Health Services – Dental Officers – CSA Industrial Agreement 2022 (DEN012), which expired on 30 June 2024 (cl 5.1) and continues until replaced (IR Act s 41(6)). Dental technicians: the Dental Health Services – Dental Technicians – CSA Industrial Agreement 2024 (DEN014), expiring on 19 March 2027 (cl 5.1) | Civil Service Association (CSA) | The employer party to both agreements is North Metropolitan Health Service, a health service provider (DEN012 cl 4.2; DEN014 cl 4.2), so the WA Health route above applies (HSA ss 6, 154(1), 171(1); IR Act s 29(1)(j), (2)(c) and s 29(1)(c), (2)(a)). The agreements are not covered by this guide | WAH001 cl 3(3)(c) leaves the salaried staff of Dental Health Services out of the HSU award, except where dental services are devolved to the management and control of an individual public hospital health service, so that it has permanent management control of the employees and the services. "Dentist" is a WAH043 calling (cl 21.5(a)), so a dentist employed by a health service provider outside Dental Health Services, or in a devolved service, is under WAH043 |
| Dental Health Services, in any other salaried role | WA state (WAIRC) | The Public Sector CSA Agreement 2024 (PUB072), which binds North Metropolitan Health Service for "Salaried Officers in the Dental Health Services other than Dentists and Dental Technicians" (Schedule 6 item (3)) | CSA | As in the row above: the employer is North Metropolitan Health Service, a health service provider | DEN012 and DEN014 cover only dentists and dental technicians |
| The Department of Health, the Mental Health Commission or the Department of Justice, as a public service officer (including allied health or scientific officers there) | WA state (WAIRC) | PUB072 (Schedule 6 item (2) lists these agencies). None of them is a WAH043 employer | CSA (with the UWU and ANMF WA for their own groups at the Mental Health Commission, which is an employer party to WAH044 (cl 4.2(b)) and to WAH042 (cl 4(3)(c))) | Not yet covered by this guide. These staff are not employed in a health service provider (HSA s 6, "employee"), so the Health Services Act route above does not apply to them. Check before relying on a time limit | No HSUWA agreement covers these agencies |
| WA Health, as a member of the Health Executive Service (including health service provider chief executives) | WA state (WAIRC) | None of the agreements: WAH043 excludes the Health Executive Service (cl 5.8) | None named | Not covered by this guide | Employed on individual contracts |
| Graylands Selby-Lemnos and Special Care Health Services salaried staff who were CSA members on 6 May 1998 and remain so | WA state (WAIRC) | CSA instruments: WAH001 cl 3(3)(d) leaves them out of the HSU award | CSA | Not covered by this guide | Other salaried staff there are within WAH043 like any other health service provider staff |
| Peel Health Campus | WA state since 13 August 2024, when it joined the South Metropolitan Health Service (South Metropolitan Health Service, 13 August 2024). Before that it was run by Ramsay, in the Fair Work system | WAH043 for the salaried groups (South Metropolitan Health Service is a WAH043 employer, cl 5.3) | HSUWA (state union) | As for WA Health | If you worked there before and after the move, check which instrument covered each period |
| Mount Lawley Hospital | St John of God's evidence to the Fair Work Commission was that it handed the hospital over to the WA Government on 31 August 2026, and that from that date the hospital "continued to function but was under the operation of the Government" (St John of God Health Care Inc. v Lia Perrella [2026] FWC 4004 at [5]) | Not confirmed | HSUWA | Check your employer and instrument before relying on a time limit | Not covered by this guide |
| Serco, doing non-clinical work in the South Metropolitan Health Service region (for example at Fiona Stanley Hospital): among other services, patient transport, distribution of waste, supplies and linen, reception, safety and incident management, electronic records management, and asset, grounds and fleet management (cl 1) | Federal (Fair Work Commission) | The Serco Non-Clinical Health Services Agreement 2026 (AE533547), approved by Serco Australia Pty Limited [2026] FWCA 1978, nominal expiry 11 April 2029 (cl 2.3). It covers Serco employees in its classifications doing non-clinical work under Serco's contracts with the Department of Health for the South Metropolitan Health Services region (cl 1, 2.2), and names no hospital | HSU and United Workers Union (both covered: Serco Australia Pty Limited [2026] FWCA 1978 at [5]) | Fair Work Commission unfair dismissal claim within 21 days after the dismissal took effect (FW Act s 394(2)(a)); general protections dismissal dispute within 21 days (s 366(1)(a)) | The hospital is public but you are a Serco employee. Work can move back: a Serco chef at Fiona Stanley Hospital who moved to the South Metropolitan Health Service in 2021 became a WA Health employee and, when the employment ended, was under the PACTS agreement of 2022 (Phoolwuntee Devi Kullup v South Metropolitan Health Service [2025] WAIRC 00364 at [1]–[2], [81]) |
| St John of God (including St John of God Midland Public Hospital), as an allied health, scientific, imaging, pharmacy, administrative, clerical or technical employee | Federal (Fair Work Commission) | AE527839, covering caregivers "in the State of Western Australia and eligible for membership of the Union" in St John of God's hospital facilities and social outreach services, among other places (cl 3), nominal expiry 30 June 2027 | HSU (WA Branch) | Fair Work Commission, 21 days (unfair dismissal and general protections) | At Midland you are employed by the operator, not WA Health. A contracted health entity is part of the WA health system (HSA s 19(1)(c)), but its staff are its own. Check which St John of God entity employs you: AE527839 names St John of God Health Care Inc and St John of God Social Outreach Services (cl 2(1)(a)) |
| Ramsay Health Care in WA (for example Hollywood, and the public side of Joondalup Health Campus), as a professional, administrative, technical, supervisory or clerical employee | Federal (Fair Work Commission) | The Ramsay Health Care Western Australia, HSU, Health Professionals, Administrative, Clerical and Technical Employees Enterprise Agreement 2025 (AE531371), which covers any Ramsay hospital in WA (cl 1.3.2) and names none; nominal expiry 30 December 2027 | HSU (WA Branch) | Fair Work Commission, 21 days | Check which Ramsay entity employs you: AE531371 applies to Ramsay Health Care Australia Pty Limited and Ramsay Professional Services Pty Limited (cl 1.3.1(a)) |
| Another private hospital or health employer with an HSU agreement: Bethesda Hospital (AE524958, nominal expiry 31 December 2026), the Mount Hospital (AE523187, 25 January 2027), GenesisCare radiation therapists (AE532119, 31 July 2028), Lifeblood donor centres (AE523380, 30 November 2026) | Federal (Fair Work Commission) | The employer's agreement, over the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (HPSS Award) | HSU (WA Branch) | Fair Work Commission, 21 days | Not covered in detail |
| A private hospital, as an orderly, cleaner, food services worker or patient care assistant (St John of God, Ramsay, the Mount) | Federal (Fair Work Commission) | The operator's enrolled nurses and support services agreement (AE528105, AE533652, AE527486) | United Workers Union and ANMF WA, not the HSU (each approval decision notes that the agreement covers the UWU and the ANMF) | Fair Work Commission, 21 days | Not covered by this guide |
| A private pathology company: Australian Clinical Labs (Clinical Laboratories (WA) Pty Ltd) or Western Diagnostic Pathology (Healius) | Federal (Fair Work Commission) | ACL: the Clinical Laboratories (WA) HSUWA and Employee Enterprise Agreement 2024 (AE527842), nominal expiry 30 January 2028. Western Diagnostic: the Western Diagnostic Pathology & Health Services Union Enterprise Agreement 2024 (AE528125), nominal expiry 30 June 2027; its couriers have their own agreement (AE526733) | HSU (WA Branch) | Fair Work Commission, 21 days | The HPSS Award's pathology collector classifications and rates changed from 1 April 2026 (cl 16.2(c)); see the agreement and pay page |
| Clinipath (Sonic Healthcare's WA pathology) | Federal (Fair Work Commission), if the employer is a company | No federal agreement was found on the Commission's search, so the HPSS Award is the instrument we can point to | HSU (WA Branch) | Fair Work Commission, 21 days | How Clinipath's WA staff are employed is not stated in any public source we read |
| An aged care, disability or community health provider whose agreement covers the HSU: for example Brightwater (AE532081), Bethanie (AE528443), Amana Living allied health (AE526662), SwanCare (AE533745), Regis WA (AE533314), Activ administration staff (AE524694), Good Sammy (AE529813), Ability WA therapy and professional staff (AE531855), 360 Health and Community (AE526665), Silverchain health professional and support services (AE524353, past its nominal expiry of 30 June 2026; an agreement continues until replaced or terminated) | Federal (Fair Work Commission), if the provider is a constitutional corporation | The provider's agreement, over the HPSS Award (health professionals), the Aged Care Award 2010 (aged care support staff) or the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (disability and home care) | HSU (WA Branch), often with the UWU and ANMF WA | Fair Work Commission, 21 days | Not covered in detail |
| A sole trader or partnership (for example Waikiki Private Hospital, which has its own state agreement, WAI012) | WA state (WAIRC): not a national system employer (FW Act s 14(1)(a), s 30B) | A state award or state agreement | HSUWA (state union) | WAIRC unfair dismissal claim, 28 days after the termination | Not covered in detail |
| Self-employed practitioners and contractors; students on placement | Neither: they are not employees | None | HSUWA | None |
The Child and Adolescent Health Service's multisystemic therapy program (clinicians and clinical managers)System: WA state (WAIRC)
- Main instrument
- WAH043, varied for these positions by the CAHS – HSUWA – Multisystemic Therapy Program Agreement 2021 (CAH001), which prevails where inconsistent (cl 6.6–6.8; its "Primary Industrial Agreement" is the PACTS agreement "or its replacement", cl 3.12)
- Union
- HSUWA (state union)
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- As for WA Health below
- Note
- About 10 employees at registration in 2021 (cl 6.4)
A WA Health health service provider (Child and Adolescent Health Service, East Metropolitan Health Service, Health Support Services, North Metropolitan Health Service, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, the Quadriplegic Centre, South Metropolitan Health Service or WA Country Health Service: WAH043 cl 5.3), as an allied health professional or other listed calling, pharmacist, imaging or radiation professional, scientist, technician, or administrative, clerical, ICT or security officerSystem: WA state (WAIRC)
- Main instrument
- WAH043 (cl 21.1, cl 21.5(a))
- Union
- HSUWA (state union)
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- A disciplinary decision (including dismissal for a breach of discipline), a suspension on partial or no pay, or a reduction or termination for substandard performance: refer it to the WAIRC no later than 28 days after the day the decision or finding is made (IR Act s 29(1)(j), (2)(c); HSA s 171(1)). Any other dismissal: WAIRC unfair dismissal claim within 28 days after the termination (s 29(1)(c), (2)(a)). A redeployment decision: 21 days (Public Sector Management (Redeployment and Redundancy) Regulations 2014 (WA) r 44)
- Note
- Discipline is under the Health Services Act Part 11 (WAH043 cl 10.10(a)), not Part 5 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994 (WA)
WA Health, as a supervisor of catering, cleaning, food or sterilising services, or a catering officer or managerSystem: WA state (WAIRC)
- Main instrument
- WAH043 (WAH001 Schedule B lists these callings)
- Union
- HSUWA (state union)
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- As above
- Note
- The workers they supervise are usually under the United Workers Union's agreement (next row)
PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA (scientists, technicians, specimen control officers and phlebotomists (pathology collectors), clerical staff)System: WA state (WAIRC)
- Main instrument
- WAH043: PathWest is one of its eight employers (cl 5.3(e))
- Union
- HSUWA (state union)
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- As for WA Health
- Note
- PathWest is public. A private laboratory (ACL, Western Diagnostic, Clinipath) is federal: see below
Show all 26 rowsShow fewer
WA Health, as a patient care assistant, orderly, transport officer, cleaner, laundry worker or sterilisation technician, or in a cook or chef classificationSystem: WA state (WAIRC)
- Main instrument
- The WA Health System – United Workers Union (WA) – Hospital Support Workers Industrial Agreement 2024 (WAH040), which defines "Patient Care Assistant" and "Transport Officer" (cl 3) and lists the cook and chef classifications (cl 19). Its employers are the health service providers (cl 5.2). WAH001 cl 3(3)(e) leaves out of the HSU award the callings that on 30 March 2006 would have made employees eligible for coverage by an award of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union
- Union
- United Workers Union
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- As for WA Health above. Part 11 of the Health Services Act applies to all employees of a health service provider (HSA s 154(1); s 6, "employee"), so a decision listed in s 171(1) (disciplinary action, suspension on partial or no pay, a reduction or termination for substandard performance) is referred no later than 28 days after the day it is made (IR Act s 29(1)(j), (2)(c)); any other dismissal, no later than 28 days after the termination (s 29(1)(c), (2)(a)). The agreement itself is not covered by this guide
- Note
- Kitchen staff turn on classification: catering officers, managers and supervisors are in WAH001 Schedule B (HSUWA); cooks and chefs in WAH040's classifications are UWU. A Fiona Stanley Hospital chef who moved from a contractor to the South Metropolitan Health Service in 2021 was under the PACTS agreement of 2022 when the employment ended (Phoolwuntee Devi Kullup v South Metropolitan Health Service [2025] WAIRC 00364 at [1]–[2], [81]), so check your own classification
WA Health, as an enrolled nurse (other than mental health or mothercraft), assistant in nursing, Aboriginal or ethnic health worker, or Aboriginal health practitionerSystem: WA state (WAIRC)
- Main instrument
- WAH044, the United Workers Union's agreement (cl 4.1), which binds the health service providers and the Mental Health Commission (cl 4.2)
- Union
- United Workers Union
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- If you are employed by a health service provider, as for the row above (HSA ss 6, 154(1), 171(1); IR Act s 29(1)(j), (2)(c) and s 29(1)(c), (2)(a)). The Mental Health Commission is not a health service provider, so for its staff the Health Services Act route does not apply. The agreement itself is not covered by this guide
- Note
- A salaried "Senior Aboriginal Health Officer" is listed in WAH001 Schedule B, so may be under WAH043: check the position
WA Health, as a registered nurse or midwife, or an enrolled mental health or mothercraft nurseSystem: WA state (WAIRC)
- Main instrument
- WAH042
- Union
- ANMF WA
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- See the nurses and midwives guide
- Note
- WAH001 cl 3(3)(a) leaves nursing registrants out of the HSU award
WA Health, as a doctorSystem: WA state (WAIRC)
- Main instrument
- The WA Health System – Medical Practitioners – AMA Industrial Agreement 2024 (WAH041), whose employer parties are six health service providers (the Child and Adolescent, East Metropolitan, North Metropolitan and South Metropolitan Health Services, WA Country Health Service and PathWest), the Director General of the Department of Health and the Mental Health Commission (Child and Adolescent Health Service and others v Australian Medical Association (WA) Incorporated [2024] WAIRC 00992); clinical academics, WAH037
- Union
- Australian Medical Association (WA) Incorporated, the union party to WAH041 (Child and Adolescent Health Service and others v Australian Medical Association (WA) Incorporated [2024] WAIRC 00992)
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- If you are employed by a health service provider, as for the patient care assistant row above (HSA ss 6, 154(1), 171(1); IR Act s 29(1)(j), (2)(c) and s 29(1)(c), (2)(a)). Doctors employed by the Department of Health or the Mental Health Commission are not health service provider employees, so the Health Services Act route does not apply to them. The agreement itself is not covered by this guide
- Note
- WAH001 cl 3(3)(b) leaves medical practitioners out of the HSU award
WA Health, as a tradesperson (electrician, plumber, fitter, building trades)System: WA state (WAIRC)
- Main instrument
- WAH045, the engineering and building services agreement
- Union
- The trade unions named in it (cl 4.3)
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- As for the patient care assistant row above: WAH045's employers are all health service providers (cl 4.2), so Part 11 of the Health Services Act applies (HSA ss 6, 154(1), 171(1); IR Act s 29(1)(j), (2)(c) and s 29(1)(c), (2)(a)). The agreement itself is not covered by this guide
- Note
- Engineers and biomedical engineers on the professional scale are WAH043
Dental Health Services (Perth Dental Hospital and Community Dental Services), as a dentist (dental officer) or dental technicianSystem: WA state (WAIRC)
- Main instrument
- Dentists: the Dental Health Services – Dental Officers – CSA Industrial Agreement 2022 (DEN012), which expired on 30 June 2024 (cl 5.1) and continues until replaced (IR Act s 41(6)). Dental technicians: the Dental Health Services – Dental Technicians – CSA Industrial Agreement 2024 (DEN014), expiring on 19 March 2027 (cl 5.1)
- Union
- Civil Service Association (CSA)
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- The employer party to both agreements is North Metropolitan Health Service, a health service provider (DEN012 cl 4.2; DEN014 cl 4.2), so the WA Health route above applies (HSA ss 6, 154(1), 171(1); IR Act s 29(1)(j), (2)(c) and s 29(1)(c), (2)(a)). The agreements are not covered by this guide
- Note
- WAH001 cl 3(3)(c) leaves the salaried staff of Dental Health Services out of the HSU award, except where dental services are devolved to the management and control of an individual public hospital health service, so that it has permanent management control of the employees and the services. "Dentist" is a WAH043 calling (cl 21.5(a)), so a dentist employed by a health service provider outside Dental Health Services, or in a devolved service, is under WAH043
Dental Health Services, in any other salaried roleSystem: WA state (WAIRC)
- Main instrument
- The Public Sector CSA Agreement 2024 (PUB072), which binds North Metropolitan Health Service for "Salaried Officers in the Dental Health Services other than Dentists and Dental Technicians" (Schedule 6 item (3))
- Union
- CSA
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- As in the row above: the employer is North Metropolitan Health Service, a health service provider
- Note
- DEN012 and DEN014 cover only dentists and dental technicians
The Department of Health, the Mental Health Commission or the Department of Justice, as a public service officer (including allied health or scientific officers there)System: WA state (WAIRC)
- Main instrument
- PUB072 (Schedule 6 item (2) lists these agencies). None of them is a WAH043 employer
- Union
- CSA (with the UWU and ANMF WA for their own groups at the Mental Health Commission, which is an employer party to WAH044 (cl 4.2(b)) and to WAH042 (cl 4(3)(c)))
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- Not yet covered by this guide. These staff are not employed in a health service provider (HSA s 6, "employee"), so the Health Services Act route above does not apply to them. Check before relying on a time limit
- Note
- No HSUWA agreement covers these agencies
WA Health, as a member of the Health Executive Service (including health service provider chief executives)System: WA state (WAIRC)
- Main instrument
- None of the agreements: WAH043 excludes the Health Executive Service (cl 5.8)
- Union
- None named
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- Not covered by this guide
- Note
- Employed on individual contracts
Graylands Selby-Lemnos and Special Care Health Services salaried staff who were CSA members on 6 May 1998 and remain soSystem: WA state (WAIRC)
- Main instrument
- CSA instruments: WAH001 cl 3(3)(d) leaves them out of the HSU award
- Union
- CSA
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- Not covered by this guide
- Note
- Other salaried staff there are within WAH043 like any other health service provider staff
Peel Health CampusSystem: WA state since 13 August 2024, when it joined the South Metropolitan Health Service (South Metropolitan Health Service, 13 August 2024). Before that it was run by Ramsay, in the Fair Work system
- Main instrument
- WAH043 for the salaried groups (South Metropolitan Health Service is a WAH043 employer, cl 5.3)
- Union
- HSUWA (state union)
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- As for WA Health
- Note
- If you worked there before and after the move, check which instrument covered each period
Mount Lawley HospitalSystem: St John of God's evidence to the Fair Work Commission was that it handed the hospital over to the WA Government on 31 August 2026, and that from that date the hospital "continued to function but was under the operation of the Government" (St John of God Health Care Inc. v Lia Perrella [2026] FWC 4004 at [5])
- Main instrument
- Not confirmed
- Union
- HSUWA
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- Check your employer and instrument before relying on a time limit
- Note
- Not covered by this guide
Serco, doing non-clinical work in the South Metropolitan Health Service region (for example at Fiona Stanley Hospital): among other services, patient transport, distribution of waste, supplies and linen, reception, safety and incident management, electronic records management, and asset, grounds and fleet management (cl 1)System: Federal (Fair Work Commission)
- Main instrument
- The Serco Non-Clinical Health Services Agreement 2026 (AE533547), approved by Serco Australia Pty Limited [2026] FWCA 1978, nominal expiry 11 April 2029 (cl 2.3). It covers Serco employees in its classifications doing non-clinical work under Serco's contracts with the Department of Health for the South Metropolitan Health Services region (cl 1, 2.2), and names no hospital
- Union
- HSU and United Workers Union (both covered: Serco Australia Pty Limited [2026] FWCA 1978 at [5])
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- Fair Work Commission unfair dismissal claim within 21 days after the dismissal took effect (FW Act s 394(2)(a)); general protections dismissal dispute within 21 days (s 366(1)(a))
- Note
- The hospital is public but you are a Serco employee. Work can move back: a Serco chef at Fiona Stanley Hospital who moved to the South Metropolitan Health Service in 2021 became a WA Health employee and, when the employment ended, was under the PACTS agreement of 2022 (Phoolwuntee Devi Kullup v South Metropolitan Health Service [2025] WAIRC 00364 at [1]–[2], [81])
St John of God (including St John of God Midland Public Hospital), as an allied health, scientific, imaging, pharmacy, administrative, clerical or technical employeeSystem: Federal (Fair Work Commission)
- Main instrument
- AE527839, covering caregivers "in the State of Western Australia and eligible for membership of the Union" in St John of God's hospital facilities and social outreach services, among other places (cl 3), nominal expiry 30 June 2027
- Union
- HSU (WA Branch)
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- Fair Work Commission, 21 days (unfair dismissal and general protections)
- Note
- At Midland you are employed by the operator, not WA Health. A contracted health entity is part of the WA health system (HSA s 19(1)(c)), but its staff are its own. Check which St John of God entity employs you: AE527839 names St John of God Health Care Inc and St John of God Social Outreach Services (cl 2(1)(a))
Ramsay Health Care in WA (for example Hollywood, and the public side of Joondalup Health Campus), as a professional, administrative, technical, supervisory or clerical employeeSystem: Federal (Fair Work Commission)
- Main instrument
- The Ramsay Health Care Western Australia, HSU, Health Professionals, Administrative, Clerical and Technical Employees Enterprise Agreement 2025 (AE531371), which covers any Ramsay hospital in WA (cl 1.3.2) and names none; nominal expiry 30 December 2027
- Union
- HSU (WA Branch)
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- Fair Work Commission, 21 days
- Note
- Check which Ramsay entity employs you: AE531371 applies to Ramsay Health Care Australia Pty Limited and Ramsay Professional Services Pty Limited (cl 1.3.1(a))
Another private hospital or health employer with an HSU agreement: Bethesda Hospital (AE524958, nominal expiry 31 December 2026), the Mount Hospital (AE523187, 25 January 2027), GenesisCare radiation therapists (AE532119, 31 July 2028), Lifeblood donor centres (AE523380, 30 November 2026)System: Federal (Fair Work Commission)
- Main instrument
- The employer's agreement, over the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (HPSS Award)
- Union
- HSU (WA Branch)
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- Fair Work Commission, 21 days
- Note
- Not covered in detail
A private hospital, as an orderly, cleaner, food services worker or patient care assistant (St John of God, Ramsay, the Mount)System: Federal (Fair Work Commission)
- Main instrument
- The operator's enrolled nurses and support services agreement (AE528105, AE533652, AE527486)
- Union
- United Workers Union and ANMF WA, not the HSU (each approval decision notes that the agreement covers the UWU and the ANMF)
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- Fair Work Commission, 21 days
- Note
- Not covered by this guide
A private pathology company: Australian Clinical Labs (Clinical Laboratories (WA) Pty Ltd) or Western Diagnostic Pathology (Healius)System: Federal (Fair Work Commission)
- Main instrument
- ACL: the Clinical Laboratories (WA) HSUWA and Employee Enterprise Agreement 2024 (AE527842), nominal expiry 30 January 2028. Western Diagnostic: the Western Diagnostic Pathology & Health Services Union Enterprise Agreement 2024 (AE528125), nominal expiry 30 June 2027; its couriers have their own agreement (AE526733)
- Union
- HSU (WA Branch)
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- Fair Work Commission, 21 days
- Note
- The HPSS Award's pathology collector classifications and rates changed from 1 April 2026 (cl 16.2(c)); see the agreement and pay page
Clinipath (Sonic Healthcare's WA pathology)System: Federal (Fair Work Commission), if the employer is a company
- Main instrument
- No federal agreement was found on the Commission's search, so the HPSS Award is the instrument we can point to
- Union
- HSU (WA Branch)
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- Fair Work Commission, 21 days
- Note
- How Clinipath's WA staff are employed is not stated in any public source we read
An aged care, disability or community health provider whose agreement covers the HSU: for example Brightwater (AE532081), Bethanie (AE528443), Amana Living allied health (AE526662), SwanCare (AE533745), Regis WA (AE533314), Activ administration staff (AE524694), Good Sammy (AE529813), Ability WA therapy and professional staff (AE531855), 360 Health and Community (AE526665), Silverchain health professional and support services (AE524353, past its nominal expiry of 30 June 2026; an agreement continues until replaced or terminated)System: Federal (Fair Work Commission), if the provider is a constitutional corporation
- Main instrument
- The provider's agreement, over the HPSS Award (health professionals), the Aged Care Award 2010 (aged care support staff) or the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (disability and home care)
- Union
- HSU (WA Branch), often with the UWU and ANMF WA
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- Fair Work Commission, 21 days
- Note
- Not covered in detail
A sole trader or partnership (for example Waikiki Private Hospital, which has its own state agreement, WAI012)System: WA state (WAIRC): not a national system employer (FW Act s 14(1)(a), s 30B)
- Main instrument
- A state award or state agreement
- Union
- HSUWA (state union)
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- WAIRC unfair dismissal claim, 28 days after the termination
- Note
- Not covered in detail
Self-employed practitioners and contractors; students on placementSystem: Neither: they are not employees
- Main instrument
- None
- Union
- HSUWA
- If you are dismissed or disciplined: route and time limit
- None
- Note
Key time limits
These are short. Missing one can end a claim.
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| What | Time limit | Source |
|---|---|---|
| WA Health: refer a disciplinary decision (including a disciplinary dismissal), a suspension on partial or no pay, or a reduction in classification or termination for substandard performance | No later than 28 days after the day on which the decision or finding is made, not the day employment ends | IR Act s 29(1)(j), (2)(c); HSA s 171(1) |
| WA system: unfair dismissal claim for any other dismissal (for example the end of a fixed-term contract, probation or medical retirement) | No later than 28 days after the day the employment is terminated | IR Act s 29(1)(c), (2)(a) |
| WA Health: refer a redeployment ("section 94") decision | 21 days | Public Sector Management Act 1994 (WA) s 95(3); PSMRR r 44 |
| WA Health: reclassification claim | No time limit for the referral, but back pay cannot go earlier than the day you gave your employer "sufficient information for the employer to make a decision" about the reclassification | IR Act s 29(1)(h), s 29(2) (which sets none for it); s 36AD(3)–(4) |
| Fair Work system: unfair dismissal claim | 21 days after the dismissal took effect | FW Act s 394(2)(a) |
| Fair Work system: general protections dismissal dispute | 21 days after the dismissal took effect | FW Act s 366(1)(a) |
| Unlawful termination, for WA system employees including WA Health (for example dismissal for union activity, temporary absence through illness or injury, or making a complaint) | 21 days after the termination took effect. It cannot be made if an application about the same dismissal has been made under a State law, such as a WAIRC referral, unless that application was withdrawn or failed for want of jurisdiction | FW Act ss 772–774, 725, 732 |
WA Health: refer a disciplinary decision (including a disciplinary dismissal), a suspension on partial or no pay, or a reduction in classification or termination for substandard performanceTime limit: No later than 28 days after the day on which the decision or finding is made, not the day employment ends
- Source
- IR Act s 29(1)(j), (2)(c); HSA s 171(1)
WA system: unfair dismissal claim for any other dismissal (for example the end of a fixed-term contract, probation or medical retirement)Time limit: No later than 28 days after the day the employment is terminated
- Source
- IR Act s 29(1)(c), (2)(a)
WA Health: refer a redeployment ("section 94") decisionTime limit: 21 days
- Source
- Public Sector Management Act 1994 (WA) s 95(3); PSMRR r 44
WA Health: reclassification claimTime limit: No time limit for the referral, but back pay cannot go earlier than the day you gave your employer "sufficient information for the employer to make a decision" about the reclassification
- Source
- IR Act s 29(1)(h), s 29(2) (which sets none for it); s 36AD(3)–(4)
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Fair Work system: unfair dismissal claimTime limit: 21 days after the dismissal took effect
- Source
- FW Act s 394(2)(a)
Fair Work system: general protections dismissal disputeTime limit: 21 days after the dismissal took effect
- Source
- FW Act s 366(1)(a)
Unlawful termination, for WA system employees including WA Health (for example dismissal for union activity, temporary absence through illness or injury, or making a complaint)Time limit: 21 days after the termination took effect. It cannot be made if an application about the same dismissal has been made under a State law, such as a WAIRC referral, unless that application was withdrawn or failed for want of jurisdiction
- Source
- FW Act ss 772–774, 725, 732
The WAIRC may accept a referral out of time "if the Commission considers that it would be unfair not to do so" (IR Act s 29(3)). The Fair Work Commission allows more time only in exceptional circumstances (FW Act s 394(3); s 366(2) for general protections). Filing the wrong application does not stop the clock unless it was in substance the right claim on the wrong form (Belinda Weber v St John Of God Health Care Inc [2024] FWC 245 at [29], [43]). Treat any extension as a last resort.
The short version
Pay
WAH043 salaries rose "on and from" 1 July 2024 by 5%, 1 July 2025 by 4% and 1 July 2026 by 3.75%, the same percentage on every row (Schedules 1 to 3). The 1 July 2026 step is the last in the agreement. From 1 July 2026, for example:
| Classification | Annual salary from 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| G-1/2.1 (the lowest point; junior rates were abolished, cl 21.10) | $68,780 |
| P-1.1 (health professional with a three-year degree, cl 21.5(b)) | $91,726 |
| P-2.1 | $127,194 |
| G-14 and P-9 (top of the General and Professional divisions) | $213,729 |
| Senior Officer Class 4 (top of the Senior Officer Division, Schedule 3) | $260,805 |
G-1/2.1 (the lowest point; junior rates were abolished, cl 21.10)Annual salary from 1 July 2026: $68,780
P-1.1 (health professional with a three-year degree, cl 21.5(b))Annual salary from 1 July 2026: $91,726
P-2.1Annual salary from 1 July 2026: $127,194
G-14 and P-9 (top of the General and Professional divisions)Annual salary from 1 July 2026: $213,729
Senior Officer Class 4 (top of the Senior Officer Division, Schedule 3)Annual salary from 1 July 2026: $260,805
WAH043 excludes the award (cl 5.6), so WA Health pay moves only when a new agreement is made or a term is arbitrated.
St John of God's AE527839 rose 3.5% a year from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2024, 2025 and 2026 (Sch A(1)). From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, a professional at the first point of Grade 1 (G1.1, Table B) has $88,501 a year, against $91,726 at WA Health's P-1.1, about 3.5% less; at the senior grade (G2.1, $130,914) St John of God is about 2.9% above WA Health's P-2.1. Those percentages are our calculation: neither agreement mentions the other.
Under the federal agreements sits the HPSS Award.
- Where an enterprise agreement applies to an employee and a modern award in operation covers that employee, the agreement's base rate of pay must not be less than the base rate the award would give; if it is less, the agreement has effect as if it were equal to the award rate (FW Act s 206(1)–(2)).
- The award's new classification structure and first stage of pay rates for health professionals commenced on 1 October 2026, with further increases from 30 June in each of 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030 (Gender-based undervaluation – priority awards review [2026] FWCFB 123 at [80]).
- Separately, the award's pathology collector classifications and rates changed from 1 April 2026 (HPSS Award cl 16.2(c)).
Deep page: Your agreement and pay
Classification and reclassification
WAH043 has no reclassification procedure. Its no-further-claims clause "does not limit any right to pursue a reclassification matter before the Commission" (cl 7.2). Salaried staff of a health service provider appear to be "government officers" under the IR Act (s 36AB(1)(e)), which gives:
- a personal right to refer a reclassification claim to the WAIRC (IR Act s 29(1)(h)), with no time limit;
- back pay no earlier than the day you gave your employer enough information to decide the application (s 36AD(3)–(4));
- no appeal from the decision (s 36AE).
A member whose job has grown may therefore want to lodge a complete reclassification request with the employer early and keep the date. St John of God's agreement classifies and reclassifies positions by "work value" (AE527839 cl 55), and its test for a higher classification is that the change in the work "should constitute such a significant net addition to the work requirements as to warrant the upgrading to a higher classification" (cl 55(3)).
Discipline and registration
A WA Health employee is disciplined under Part 11 of the Health Services Act, which "applies to all employees" (s 154(1)) and prevails over industrial instruments and contracts of employment (s 157(3)–(4)). WAH043 says the same (cl 10.10(a)) and adds:
- a right to representation "at any stage of a disciplinary procedure" (cl 10.10(b));
- counselling instead of a reprimand for misconduct that is very minor, where performance and conduct are otherwise satisfactory (cl 10.11);
- on written request, a statement of the full details behind a termination decision within 72 hours (cl 10.12).
A breach of discipline includes being "negligent or careless in the performance of the employee's functions" (HSA s 161(d)), which can reach a laboratory, imaging or clinical error. A disciplinary decision is referred to the WAIRC no later than 28 days after the day it is made (IR Act s 29(2)(c)). The Public Service Arbitrator and the Public Service Appeal Board no longer exist: they were abolished on 31 January 2025 by the Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (WA) s 57, with transitional provisions for matters then unfinished (IR Act ss 124–125).
A suspension on full pay is not a decision the employee can refer; a dispute about it could be referred only by a union in which the employee is a member or eligible to be one, under IR Act s 29(1)(a)(ii) (Quai-de Azam Edoo v South Metropolitan Health Services [2026] WAIRC 00231 at [64]–[65]; the appeal was dismissed in Quai-De Azam Edoo v South Metropolitan Health Service [2026] WAIRC 00825, and a further appeal to the Industrial Appeal Court, IAC 2/2026, has been filed: Quai-De Azam Edoo v South Metropolitan Health Service [2026] WAIRC 00886).
In a private hospital or pathology company, discipline follows the employer's policy and the agreement. AE527839 sets out no disciplinary procedure; its termination clause preserves the employer's right to dismiss without notice "for serious misconduct which justifies instant dismissal" (cl 11(4)). A dismissal is tested under the Fair Work Act's unfair dismissal and general protections law.
Registration runs separately, whoever employs you.
- Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, pharmacists, podiatrists, medical radiation practitioners, optometrists and dental practitioners are registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (WA) and answer to their National Board through AHPRA.
- Most other health workers are not registered, but if they provide a health service they come under the codes of conduct for unregistered health care workers and the prohibition orders run by the Health and Disability Services Complaints Office (HaDSCO) (Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995 (WA) ss 3(1), 77A(a), 52B, 52H).
One allegation can run as employer discipline and a registration or HaDSCO matter at the same time.
Deep page: Discipline, dismissal and registration
Workload, safety and injury
WAH043 says the employer "will provide a safe and healthy work environment and ensure staffing levels are appropriate for the delivery of high-quality patient care" (cl 65.1). It sets no ratios or staffing numbers for allied health. A workload concern goes to the supervisor, then the employer's Employer/HSUWA Consultative Committee, then the dispute procedure, and HSUWA may raise it for a group (cl 65.4–65.8).
Every person conducting a business or undertaking in WA, in either system, must ensure the health and safety of workers so far as reasonably practicable (Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) s 19) and manage psychosocial hazards, including "workplace interactions or behaviours" (WHS Regulations rr 55A–55D).
Workers' compensation under the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 (WA) applies in both systems, but a psychological or psychiatric disorder is not an injury from employment if it results wholly or predominantly from administrative action, including discipline, unless the action was unreasonable and harsh on the employer's part (s 7). None of the occupations in this guide is on the list of prescribed employment for post-traumatic stress disorder (WCIM Regulations r 10(2)). COVID-19 is prescribed for employment as a health professional, and for employment of any kind in a hospital, medical practice, clinic or facility where people attend for health-related screening, testing or treatment (r 9(2)), subject to the conditions in r 9(5).
Assaulting a person working in a hospital, or providing a health service to the public, is a serious assault under the Criminal Code (WA) s 318(1)(i).
Deep page: Workload, safety and injury
Bargaining
WA Health agreements are bargained in the WA system. After a request to bargain, the System Manager and HSUWA meet as soon as practicable and within five working days, and they acknowledge the requirement to bargain in good faith (WAH043 cl 8.2(a), 8.4). There is no protected industrial action in the WA system, and in making a public sector decision the WAIRC must take into consideration any applicable Public Sector Wages Policy Statement and the State's financial position (IR Act s 26(2A)).
Private hospital and pathology agreements are bargained under the Fair Work Act, where protected action is possible after a ballot, subject to the Commission's duty to suspend or terminate action that threatens to endanger the life, personal safety or health, or welfare of the population or part of it (FW Act s 424(1)).
Both WAH043 and the St John of God agreement reach their expiry on 30 June 2027, and each says replacement negotiations will begin at least six months before that date (WAH043 cl 6.3; AE527839 cl 5(3)), that is by about 31 December 2026.
