Bligh settles wages deal

The State Government has finalised a three-year wages agreement with more than 125,000 of its employees, Premier Anna Bligh announced this afternoon.

The just-signed agreement reached between the government and senior officials of the public sector unions means that there is in-principle agreement for 45.000 staff now - with the broad parameters, including wage rates next year covering about 80,000 staff.

Over three years they will receive 4.5% in the first year and 4% in each of the two succeeding years.

“The wage offer will now be put to members for approval,:” she said.

“The minimum increase will be $34 a week, applying for workers such as hospital workers, teacher’s aides, cleaners and non-teaching TAFE staff,” said Ms Bligh said.

Queensland Health staff (with the exception of doctors and nurses and allied health professionals), teacher’s aides, Main Roads and Q Build would be the first public servants to get pay rises under the new deal.

Another 22 other sections of the public service will receive the increases as and when their agreements are due for renewal.

“The public servants affected are being offered a realistic wage increase while we still take a responsible approach to managing the State Budget,” she said.

“Setting these wage matters now gives the Budget certainty going forward.

“I believe this is a good outcome for our workers and the State’s economy,” she said.

“This economically responsible outcome is broadly consistent with the type of increases being paid in other public services around the country.

“It means that Queensland is able to retain and attract quality staff for our hospitals, dental clinics, to build our roads and help government to function effectively.”

“We will have an industrial relations environment that will ensure there are no interruptions in the provision of vital public services to Queenslanders,” she said.

“I want to thank all for their objectivity in this. At times there is argy bargy in such a process, but in the end a balance is achieved.

“I believe this is a good outcome for our workers and the State’s economy,” she said.

“This is a good deal for lower paid workers in these difficult times,”” she said.

Premier’s Office 3224 4500