NSW’s public health workers are set to receive an 8.5 per cent pay rise over two years under a new deal struck between the Minns government and the Health Services Union NSW.
The agreement provides a 4 per cent pay rise in the first year, followed by another 4 per cent and a 0.5 per cent superannuation contribution the following year, above the government’s 3 per cent wage policy.
NSW Premier Chris Minns and Health Services Union boss Gerard Hayes.Credit: Kate Geraghty/Flavio Brancaleone
The deal comes as this masthead revealed an alarming rise in physical assaults on NSW health workers driven by long waits in emergency departments and the breakdown of the state’s mental health services.
NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Health Minister Ryan Park are expected to announce the finalised offer at a press conference at 12.45pm at Blacktown Hospital today.
The offer is expected to be accepted by HSU members today with the unanimous endorsement of the HSU NSW Branch Committee of Management.
HSU NSW Secretary Gerard Hayes said the pay deal was a big stride towards wage justice.
“This historic agreement recognises the indispensable work of pharmacy assistants, security officers, linen workers, cleaners and wardspeople. These workers are often overlooked, yet without them, our hospitals would collapse,” Hayes said.
Over the four years between 2023 (the last negotiated wage rise) and June 2027, a hospital assistant will see their pay jump by more than $10,000, from around $52,000 to over $62,000.
A wardsperson’s annual salary will be $10,400 higher by the 2026-27 financial year, and a security officer will get an additional $10,500 per year.