The South Australian Government is set to deliver a meaningful wage boost to thousands of low-paid public sector staff, after workers overwhelmingly endorsed a new enterprise agreement covering roles across aged care, disability services, early childhood education, hospital operations and other frontline services.
The SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Weekly Paid was backed by 94.2 per cent of participating employees, with turnout reaching 61 per cent. The ballot result follows several months of negotiation between the Government and the United Workers Union, with both sides presenting the outcome as a fair lift for people who keep essential services running.
The agreement covers around 6,800 workers and introduces a range of immediate and staged improvements. Aged care, disability services and childcare employees will receive wage parity with their relevant Federal modern award. Other workers under the deal will see annual pay rises of 4 per cent from July 2025, then 3.5 per cent in both 2026 and 2027, supported by additional adjustment payments to address longstanding pay gaps.
Sunday penalty rates will increase, reaching 200 per cent for disability services workers and 175 per cent for others covered by the agreement. Disability services staff will also receive a first aid allowance, recognising the specialised care many provide. The deal further locks in entitlements for subsidised car parking and free public transport for health workers, with a broader review of pay relativities scheduled before the next round of bargaining.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the workers involved are central to the delivery of public services and deserve fairer wages. He highlighted that the agreement reflects the value of their contributions across hospitals, aged care and childcare settings.
Industrial Relations Minister Kyam Maher said the strong vote followed constructive negotiations and will offer meaningful cost-of-living support. He described the roles covered as essential to the care of vulnerable South Australians and the functioning of health and community services.
Health Minister Chris Picton echoed the sentiment, pointing to the importance of orderlies, technicians, catering and security staff in daily hospital operations. He said the new agreement recognises their work through improved pay and entitlements.
Once formally approved by the South Australian Employment Tribunal, the agreement will join a series of recently settled public sector deals covering allied health, doctors, police and SA Water employees.
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