ACT public servants are being offered more generous and inclusive leave entitlements. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
The ACT Government has offered its workers a 7.5 per cent pay rise over three years and an increase in superannuation to 13 per cent as part of the current ACT Public Sector Enterprise Agreement bargaining.
The pay offer is staged in the form of annual salary increases of 3 per cent, 2.5 per cent and 2 per cent, below the present rate of annual inflation.
These are to be paid in twice-yearly chunks in July and February.
In year one, 1.5 per cent increases will be delivered in July 2026 and February 2027; in year two, 1.25 per cent in July 2027 and February 2028; and in year three, 1 per cent in July 2028 and February 2029.
The government is also proposing increasing superannuation by 0.5 per cent to 13 per cent, to be paid on 1 January 2028.
The pay offer may be less than hoped for by workers, but the government says its formal offer also includes more generous and inclusive leave entitlements with improved flexibility, expanded support for employees, and the strengthening of existing provisions.
These include the introduction of new supports and leave entitlements for parents who experience pregnancy loss, paid Premature Birth Leave and Reproductive Health Leave.
Employees who experience premature birth will continue to receive their full paid parental leave entitlement, receiving additional paid leave when a baby is born before 37 weeks’ gestation.
The eligibility for Reproductive Leave will be broadened and the current leave entitlement doubled, providing up to 10 days of paid leave a year.
The government proposes a range of Parental Leave changes from 1 July 2027 to consolidate leave types “for ease of understanding and access”.
These include the existing 24 weeks paid leave to birthing parents; 18 weeks paid leave for non-birthing parents; expanded access to parental leave for both parents, with the option to take leave concurrently and flexibly within a 24‑month period; and removal of the 12‑month service requirement for permanent employees to access the new Parental Leave entitlement.
The government says these provisions will effectively triple the current ‘bonding leave’ available to non-birthing parents from six to 18 weeks.
“This means ACTPS [ACT Public Service] staff will have more time to bond with their new baby and support their partner to recover from birth,” the government says.
“We are also committed to improving flexibility and access to parental leave for birthing parents.
“The 12‑month service requirement does not currently apply to bonding leave. Removing this requirement from the new consolidated parental leave arrangements will mean birthing parents no longer have to wait longer than their non-birthing partners to access their parental leave entitlement.”
The cap on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Leave is to be removed, ensuring employees can access the leave they need without restriction.
The range of supports available to employees in these circumstances will also be strengthened.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees will see ceremonial leave doubled to up to 10 days paid leave a year.
In addition, new provisions will enable employees to work from Country following a ceremony or Sorry Business.
Religious Leave will be extended to also cover other cultural purposes, and include an extra day of paid leave per year in addition to existing unpaid leave entitlements.
Negotiations have been underway since August 2025 and have concentrated on reaching agreement on the common core entitlements. The government has received more than 250 claims.
“The government recognises the contribution you have made to the ACT Public Service,” the government told its staff.
“All areas across the service have risen above and beyond and demonstrated the service is there to support Canberrans and improve our Territory. Through this offer, the government is continuing to invest in you and the service.”
Original Article published by Ian Bushnell on Region Canberra.
