NSW has announced a 3 per cent public sector pay rise and a bonus for paramedics. 

The NSW Government has introduced a two-year policy for public sector employees to receive a 3 per cent rise per year, with a further 0.5 per cent increase on offer for employees “that make a substantial contribution to productivity enhancing reforms”.

It is also providing a one-off payment of $3,000 to NSW Health Service employees in recognition of their work during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Paramedics, midwives, cleaners and permanent staff employed by the NSW Health Service will all be eligible.

“A strong public service is essential to delivering what matters to make daily life better,” NSW premier Dominic Perrottet said this week. 

The state’s public sector wage cap had been stuck at 2.5 per cent, but the 3 per cent rise is unlikely to impress Unions NSW, which argues that workers’ take-home pay will still be trimmed while inflation is at 5 per cent. 

The NSW Government says it will limit executive remuneration increases to 2 per cent within the next year. 

NSW treasurer Matt Kean said the pay rise will allow the public sector to be competitive in attracting and retaining talent. 

Also in this week’s pre-budget announcements, the state says it has put aside $1.76 billion for frontline emergency care, to build what the premier calls “the largest paramedic workforce in Australia.”

The investment is intended to help recruit 1,858 extra paramedics, 210 ambulance support staff, 52 nurses and eight doctors.

“Ambulance services across Australia are experiencing unprecedented demand but this funding will ensure NSW is well placed for the challenges ahead,” Mr Perrottet said.