The teachers’ EBA pay rise has been backdated to 6 December, 2023. Photo: Envato/monkeybusiness.
Public school teachers in Western Australia will receive a pay rise of 12 per cent over three years under a new enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA), backdated to 6 December, 2023.
The EBA was agreed upon by the government and the State School Teachers’ Union of Western Australia and the Principals’ Federation of Western Australia.
It will also address workload issues and enhance career pathways, and hopes to attract more teachers to regional and remote areas. It includes improvements to conditions associated with leave, allowances and professional learning.
Other improvements agreed to by the government include small-group tuition in 350 schools focusing on literacy and numeracy, and 64 new complex behaviour management coordinators to work alongside teachers on tailored education programs to help students with disabilities and learning challenges.
The pay improvements will comprise a 5 per cent rise effective from 6 December, 2023, a 4 per cent lift from 6 December, 2024, and a 3 per cent boost from 6 December, 2025.
A graduate teacher’s starting salary will increase by $9781 to $88,178, a senior teacher’s salary will jump by $14,704 to $132,557, experienced Level 3 teachers will earn up to $147,077, and senior school administrators up to $206,662.
Additional attraction and retention policies include:
- Increasing the graduate allowance to give new teachers more financial support
- Paid time for new starters to complete professional learning
- Reclassification of several principal positions
- Improvements to long-service leave, personal leave and compassionate leave entitlements
- The introduction of a district allowance for eligible employees
- Additional travel concessions for staff in the Pilbara, Kimberley and Goldfields
- Continuation of the extended air-conditioning subsidy for eligible employees.
Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk said the agreement was good for teachers, schools and students.
“Delivering salary increases of 12 per cent over three years is a strong outcome, combined with measures to address workload, support teachers in the classroom and a range of other benefits,” she said.
“It’s great to see so many teachers vote and endorse the State Government’s offer – I congratulate teachers and unions on this very positive result.”
Education Minister Dr Tony Buti said the agreement was a significant investment in the future of public education in Western Australia, one that would see teachers, principals and school leaders paid appropriately while cutting workload and boosting classroom resources.
“We value our teachers and are committed to enhancing the quality of education, ensuring that all students succeed,” he said.
“Teachers have such an important role in shaping the futures of young Western Australians, so it is vital that we recognise and reward this contribution while continuing to advance the profession.
“In addition to these commitments, work continues on a range of strategies to attract and retain quality teachers, support our workforce, and strengthen outcomes for students across Western Australia.”
