National

Inflation buffer for Qld public servants

By AAP Newswire

Oct 27, 2022

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace — Queensland's Grace Grace says a pay offer for public servants will include an inflation adjustment. -AAP Image

Queensland public servants will be offered a cost of living sweetener under the state government's proposed wage policy.

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Under the new agreements, public sector workers will be offered annual pay rises of two per cent in the first two years and a further three per cent in the third year.

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace says a special cost-of-living adjustment in the agreement will offset rising inflation.

If annual wage rises fail to keep up with the consumer price index, she says, the government will lift public servants' pay by up to three per cent.

"The Palaszczuk government recognises the current cost of living pressures facing Queensland workers, including those employed in our public sector," Ms Grace told parliament on Thursday.

"This is an important safeguard during these uncertain inflationary economic times."

The offer comes after inflation surged to 7.3 per cent in the year to the September quarter, exceeding market expectations and likely dragging out the interest rate hiking cycle.

Tuesday's federal budget predicted inflation would peak at 7.75 per cent in the current quarter.

Queensland is also finalising agreements covering nurses and midwives, teachers and police, Ms Grace said.