Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment

Bulletin 3 - Bargaining negotiations update - issued May 2026

It is important to ensure that all dentists are kept appropriately informed of the progress of negotiations.

The fourth negotiation meeting in relation to the proposed NTPS Dental Officers’ 2022–2026 Enterprise Agreement (Agreement) was held on Wednesday 27 May 2026. During this meeting, my delegates formally raised concerns regarding the continued absence of a log of claims from the Community Public Sector Union.

The NTPS Enterprise Bargaining Policy – 2025 - 2028 PDF (133.0 KB) clearly encourages unions to submit their log of claims at or prior to the commencement of bargaining. This approach is intended to ensure that the employer is appropriately positioned to develop and present an offer for a new Agreement prior to the expiry of the current Agreement.

The policy further stipulates that outcomes arising from enterprise bargaining will not include provision for back pay.

The Health Services Union have submitted their log of claims where they are seeking 5% per year wage increase, plus the consumer price index (CPI) for the Northern Territory to ensure true wages growth.

I am committed to providing an offer for a new Agreement prior to expiry of the current Agreement and have tabled the following improvements to entitlements and conditions:

  • Supporting living organ donor leave – recredit of leave in line with national scheme.
  • Leave to engage in voluntary emergency management activities – expanded to cover preparation and planning (not just response and recovery).
  • Compassionate leave – provision to allow access to compassionate leave if on approved recreation leave (recredit recreation leave).
  • Blood donor leave – expanded to include plasma.
  • Employee Assistance Program clause to include reasonable travel time to attend appointments.
  • Diversity and disability in the workplace – new clause to recognise and support these identified groups.
  • Safe and healthy work environment – include provisions to prevent and address psychosocial risks in the workplace.

In addition to these improvements I have provided the following clauses to align with recent legislative changes:

  • right to disconnect
  • dispute settling procedures
  • management of change.

Have your say – your feedback is important

Should you wish to provide feedback, you can provide your feedback to me by emailing Enquiries.OCPE@nt.gov.au.

More information

Regular updates in relation to the bargaining process are posted on the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment website.

For more information on bargaining in general, go to the Fair Work Commission webpage or call their information line on 1300 799 675.

Nicole Hurwood
Commissioner for Public Employment
May 2026