On 19 May 2023, Government provided a significant and time limited wages offer for early resolution of the Core Agreement, and was subject to all non-wage related matters being resolved by 31 July 2023.
This generous offer includes the opportunity to receive an earlier pay increase effective 1 July 2023 as opposed to 1 September 2023, and Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) payments paid at the beginning of each of the three years, as opposed to the end of each year.
Core Agreement entities and unions have engaged in good faith negotiations regarding central and agency specific non-wage related matters, with a view to meeting the 31 July 2023 timeframe.
On 14 July 2023, Government provided an updated offer to unions, in an effort to meet the timeframe, and to resolve negotiations expeditiously so that staff can receive enhanced wages as early as possible.
The offer includes the original wages elements outlined in the wages offer dated 19 May 2023 and also includes all non-wage elements as a result of negotiations through Core Agreement discussions.
In addition to the significant wage enhancements, the offer includes a package of commitments that support employers and unions parties, together with employees, to continue to work on important matters in the workplace. Broadly, this includes improvements that address key themes raised during the negotiations, such as gender equity, intensification of work, the right to disconnect, work life balance, cost of living, remuneration, and consultative processes.
This offer (inclusive of wages and non-wages elements) is open for acceptance by union parties until close of business 31 July 2023.
This will allow formalisation of the agreement and processing of the wage enhancements as quickly as possible should agreement be reached and upon certification of the agreement. This includes payment of the 4% wage increase effective 1 July 2023 and the first COLA payment which will be 3% of base wages paid to eligible employees.
Government looks forward to resolving this round’s Core Agreement bargain swiftly with a view to rewarding its hard-working public servants.
View the Core Bargaining Offer (PDF, 730.6 KB)
If you have any questions about the negotiations, please contact your agency or union representative (see ‘More Information' below).