After months of negotiation and a strong show of unity, we’re proud to announce that the new Relationships Australia workplace agreement has been overwhelmingly approved, with 95% voting YES!
We kicked off this journey on 3 May 2024, and after dedicated work and powerful advocacy, the voting period ran from Monday 1 September to Friday 5 September 2025. Here's the outcome:
• 257 employees eligible to vote
• 206 votes cast (incredible turnout!)
• 196 YES votes (95%)
• 10 NO votes (5%)
The agreement is now with the Fair Work Commission for final approval.
What workers won:
Pay rises secured:
• 3.9% increase back paid to 1 January 2025
• 3.5% increase from 1 July 2025
• 3% or Fair Work minimum (whichever is higher) from 1 July 2026
• 3% or Fair Work minimum (whichever is higher) from 1 July 2027
Vehicle allowance increased:
• Now 99c per km – aligned with the Award
Personal leave protected:
• 20 paid personal leave days retained – no reduction
Family & domestic violence leave:
• 20 days paid leave – double the legislated minimum
Long service leave:
• Remaining at 13 weeks – well above the standard 8.66 weeks. TDN wanted to reduce this.
Increased penalty rates:
• Afternoon shift: now 17.5% (Award: 12.5%)
• Night shift: now 22.5% (Award: 15%)
Paid training & case discussions:
• Minimum 2 hours paid for scheduled sessions
Buddy allowance:
• $2.50 per hour for supporting new staff on shift
Broken shift allowance boosted:
• $20.12 for one unpaid break
• $26.63 for two unpaid breaks
Improved compassionate leave:
• Now 5 days, up from 3
National Police Checks covered:
• All required checks and renewals paid by TDN
Mandatory vaccinations covered:
• Fully reimbursed or provided by TDN
Award Alignment:
The underpinning Award has been corrected to the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award (SCHADS) – ensuring stronger entitlements and industry-standard protections. This is a powerful outcome – the result of collective strength, persistence, and members' voices being heard. Together, workers locked in real improvements to wages, leave, allowances, and working conditions.
Thank you to everyone who participated, stood united, and made this possible.