WA Premier Mark McGowan has announced a three per cent wage increase and a one-off $2500 sweetener for public sector workers on Sunday amid a backlash from workers in the state.
The new announcement offers a three per cent wage increase for the next two years to tackle the rising cost of living pressures for public sector workers.
Part-time and casual workers would receive the same increase and a one-off payment from the government.
For the proposed payment for workers in the state, the government will spend $634 million over the next four years.
“Today‘s announcement continues my government’s commitment to delivering cost of living relief for Western Australians and our hard-working public sector workers,” Premier said.
“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.”
“Our base pay rate is more generous than New South Wales, it’s more generous than Victoria, and I think it better reflects the expectations of the workforce,” he said.
“And certainly, for this year — for the vast majority of the workforce — it’s significantly above the inflation rate.”
