The Australian Public Service (APS) is on the edge of returning to its role as a ‘model employer’ with the federal Government announcing itself as committed to ensuring it does.
In a statement from the Minister for the Public Service, Senator Katy Gallagher (pictured), the Government said it expected the APS to provide working conditions that keep pace with the broader economy, were fair and equitable and provided job security through genuine negotiations.
Senator Gallagher said the interim arrangements were a short-term measure aimed at providing certainty of a 3% wage increase over a 12 month period to all employees as their annual wage increase falls due and while final preparations for bargaining are concluded.
She said the Government regarded centralised bargaining as a core element of its ‘ambitious APS reform agenda’ and recognised the dedication of all Public Service employees.
“Labor moved quickly in 2022 to introduce new, sustainable and affordable interim wages of a 3% pay increase,” Senator Gallagher said.
“(This gave) public servants who worked so hard to support the community during the pandemic certainty around their pay packet while more comprehensive arrangements are developed,” she said.
“The Government holds a steadfast commitment to re-engage in genuine bargaining as a model employer and work is currently underway on a new, longer term policy for the APS,” she said.
Senator Gallagher said there was a welcome reduction in the APS gender pay gap last year which was expected to continue to narrow as more women were employed in senior roles and other targeted measures Labor implemented.
She said the Government was committed to centralise bargaining to recognise more equitably, support capability and capacity across the APS.
