16.1 Subject to the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act 1996, should any dispute (including a question or difficulty) about an industrial matter arise, then the following procedures apply:

16.1.1 Should any dispute, question or difficulty arise as to matters occurring in a particular workplace, then the employee and/or Association workplace representative will raise the dispute, question or difficulty with the principal/supervisor as soon as practicable.

16.1.2 The principal/supervisor will discuss the matter with the employee and/or Association representative within two working days with a view to resolving the dispute, question or difficulty or by negotiating an agreed method and time frame for proceeding.

16.1.3 Should the above procedure be unsuccessful in producing a resolution of the dispute, question or difficulty or should the matter be of a nature which involves multiple workplaces, then the individual employee or the Association may raise the matter with an appropriate officer of the Department with a view to resolving the dispute, question or difficulty or negotiating an agreed method and time frame for proceeding.

16.1.4 Where the procedures in paragraph 16.1.3 of this subclause do not lead to resolution of the dispute, question or difficulty, the matter will be referred to the Executive Director of Employee Relations of the Department and the General Secretary of the Association. They or their nominees will discuss the dispute, question or difficulty with a view to resolving the matter or by negotiating an agreed method and time frame for proceeding.

16.1.5 Should the above procedures not lead to a resolution, then either party may make application to the Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales.