Dr. Pettitt questions the timing of a public sector wage offer that retains crucial workers. The Minister highlights the government's ongoing negotiations and a generous offer compared to other states, while emphasising fiscal responsibility.

AnsweredQoN 1038Legislative Council
Asked
26 October 2022
Portfolio
minister representing the Treasurer

QuestionView source ↗

PUBLIC SECTOR — WAGES
1038. Hon Dr BRAD PETTITT to the minister representing the
Treasurer:
When can public sector workers
expect an offer for their pay and conditions that will keep them in the crucial
jobs needed to power Western Australia now and into the future?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
The McGowan government continues to
listen to workers and unions as bargaining negotiations continue. Western Australia's
public sector wages offer is more generous than other Australian states,
including New South Wales and Victoria,
where the cost of living is significantly higher. It includes a one-off $3 000
cost-of-living payment , in addition
to increases of $3 120 or three per cent, whichever is higher. It applies to
more than 150 000 public sector workers,
with the shift away from the previous $1 000 wages policy costing more than
$3.3 billion. It is crucial that the state continues to have the
capacity to respond to future events, including a potential global recession,
which would have significant ramifications.

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