Thousands of Qld’s lowest paid public sector workers land pay rise

The news

Thousands of Queensland’s lowest paid public sector workers will see a pay rise of up to 3.5 per cent from this month, after the industrial relations umpire delivered its annual state wage case decision.

The figure – in line with the federal decision – was sought by unions as part of the annual Industrial Relations Commission work, with the government seeking only a “fair and reasonable” increase.

“A 3.5 per cent increase will help address the ongoing impact of cost of living increases in recent years for low paid workers,” Queensland Council of Unions general secretary Jacqueline King said.

Why it matters

While technically a lift to awards largely used for staff of First Nations councils, Parents and Citizens Associations and auxiliary firefighters, some will also flow to wo