The fight continues: Public Sector workers side-lined in State Budget

Today’s State Budget provides little sign of relief for public sector workers struggling through cost-of-living and attraction and retention crises.

Speaking to media immediately after today’s Budget release, Public Service Association (PSA) General Secretary Natasha Brown said the budget needed to include clearer provision for significant pay rises for the people who work tirelessly to keep our state running.

Continuing with a policy of public sector wage suppression and below-market wages is not what the public sector needs.  

The Budget clearly shows the state’s economy is in a strong position to provide the wages our members require. 

While the PSA welcomes funding for education, corrections, roads, health and housing, and some additional jobs in some areas of our membership, the government’s decision not to purposefully address the wage disparity and cost-of-living crisis currently affecting PSA members is inexcusable. 

The PSA’s asks for this State Budget were simple:

•    A respectful wage outcome that starts by restoring real wage value to pre-pandemic levels –    and protects members against future inflation.

      

•    Improved staff attraction and retention – by redressing the structural wage imbalance between the federal and other state governments and the private sector, and investing to improve conditions.

      

•    Immediate investment in the public sector – to provide workers with the adequate resources and infrastructure they need to better serve the public.

PSA General Secretary Natasha Brown has repeatedly called on the government and Premier Peter Malinauskas to cease the repeated public sector wage suppression and deal with the attraction and retention crisis in the public sector.

The State Budget does not reflect our ask.  

PSA General Secretary Natasha Brown said:

“The government needs to address the dire state of public sector wages and resourcing.” 

“It is crucial to invest in our public sector now.”

“Our members require better. They need wages that reflect the important work they do for the people of South Australia, and allow them to live comfortably.”

“The fight is not over. Our members are already taking action and will escalate it until the government comes to the negotiating table with a fair and respectful offer.”

Are you ready to take action at your workplace?

Talk to your PSA Organiser today. If you’re not a member yet, join online today.