The WA Government will fast-track the pay for public sector nurses, midwives and police officers their pay increase in accordance with the State Wages Policy, while negotiations on industrial agreements continue.
Eligible nurses and midwives will receive a pay increase between 3 per cent to 4.5 per cent, backdated to 12 October 2022, and a one-off $3,000 cost of living payment. Members of the Police Force will receive a pay increase between 3 per cent to 5.3 per cent, backdated to 1 July 2022, and the $3,000 cost of living payment.
The WA Government is committed to reaching an agreement with the nurses’ and police unions that improves working conditions for nurses, midwives and police officers.
While negotiations continue, the State Government has moved to fast-track the cost of living payment and pay rise to recognise the valuable work of our public sector nurses, midwives, and police officers. Employees will also receive a 0.5 per cent per annum increase in superannuation for two years.
This is in line with the State Wages Policy, a minimum $3,130 pay increase or 3 per cent, which has already been accepted by 112,000 other public sector employees, equating to three quarters of the sector.
Western Australia’s wages policy delivers WA’s lowest paid workers the bigger increases to assist with cost of living pressures.
For a police officer at constable rank, the State Wages Policy represents a base salary increase of between 3.7 per cent and 4 per cent, with the $3,000 cost of living payment and 0.5 percent per annum superannuation increase on top of this.
For a level 1 nurse, this represents a base salary increase of between 3.5 per cent to 4.5 per cent, with the $3,000 cost of living payment and 0.5 percent per annum superannuation increase on top of this.
In addition to the fast-tracked pay increase and one-off $3,000 cost of living payment, the State Government remains committed to the offer that was agreed in-principle with the nursing union. This offer includes:
- nurse to patient ratios across public hospitals
- an additional $1,200 per annum mentoring allowance for certain experienced nurses
- the highest shift allowance in the nation
The pay rise will form part of the final industrial agreement with the nurses’ and police unions.
The $3,000 one-off cost of living payment is anticipated to be paid in coming weeks.
Full details on the offer to public sector nurses and midwives can be found below.
Nurses, midwives and police officers are the backbone of our community, and the State Government is dedicated to supporting them.
The WA Government would like to thank all nurses, midwives and police officers for the outstanding job they do. We hope you have a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.
