However, workers remain unimpressed with the government's efforts
The Western Australia government has announced a three per cent annual wage increase for the next two years for public sector workers, as well as an additional one-off cost-of-living payment worth $2,500.
It follows the changes made by the state government on its public sector wages policy, affecting over 150,000 public sector workers, including part-time and casual staff.
"We've been listening and looking at it to ensure any adjustments that can be made to our public sector wages policy best respond to the current environment sensibly and reasonably," said Premier Mark McGowan in a statement. "Our public sector workers deserve this wage increase, and I am glad we can deliver it responsibly given our strong budget management."
According to the state government, the new changes will take immediate effect for industrial agreement offers that have already been accepted.
It comes as workers across Western Australia criticise the government's wage policy amid rising inflation and cost of living.
To compensate for this, the government also announced a one-off $2,500 cost-of-living payment in the coming weeks for workers who already accepted the previous agreement, including teachers, doctors, and transit guards.
"We've continued to look for ways to support workers, and that is why among a range of support measures already in place, we will provide a sector-wide one-off $2,500 cost of living payment, which will provide immediate assistance to WA public sector workers at a time when they most need it," said McGowan.
According to the premier, the announcement shows the government's commitment to bringing relief for Western Australia.
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"I want to acknowledge the efforts and work of our entire public sector workforce and that is why the cost-of-living payment will go to every public sector worker not just one particular sector like in some of the other states," he said.
The changes announced is expected to cost $634 million over the next four years, according to the state government, bringing the total wages policy to $.254 billion over the next four years.
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Workers react
In response to the wage policy change, UnionsWA said it will not be enough to address recruitment and retention problems in the state.
"The one-off payment of $2,500 and a three per cent pay rise for this year will protect low and some lower paid public sector workers," UnionsWA Secretary Owen Whittle said in a statement. "However, with inflation running at 7.4% annually, this new policy continues the trend of below cost of living pay increases for the many of WA's public sector workers."
According to Whittle, public services rely on professionals, such as teachers, police, and firefighters, among others, who have been "going backwards in pay" since the state government was elected in 2017.
"This policy will fail to adequately address the problems of attraction and retention in these critical areas of service to the West Australian public," said Whittle.
He stressed that the cost of living increases every day, and that the one-off payment will not be enough.
"The one-off $2,500 payment is welcome, but it doesn't go into the base salary," said Whittle. "Cost of living increases must be met day after day, week after week. Pay increases that count are increases to base pay."
"Unions will take time to work with our members and delegates to respond more fully to the McGowan Governments changed policy," added the secretary. "There's been a missed opportunity to engage positively during this economic challenge to design a policy that meets the needs of the public sector workforce and public services."