PUBLIC servants will receive a three per cent boost to their wages that will be rolled out over the next 12 months.

Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher announced the wage hike this morning (October 6) as part of the Public Sector Interim Workplace Arrangements 2022, saying the pay rise will apply to Commonwealth employees with an annual pay increase due before August 31, 2023.

“This decision will ensure that Commonwealth public servants who have worked so hard to support the community during the pandemic and the transition to the new government are not worse off in their pay packers while more comprehensive arrangements are developed,” said Gallagher.

“The government is committed to working in partnership with agencies, unions and employees to develop a comprehensive workplace relations approach for the APS.

“This is a complex undertaking as there are significant differences in pay, terms and conditions across the Commonwealth. The proposed reform will need to include careful consideration and consultation on these matters.”

The pay rise represents a stopgap while salary negotiations across the entire bureaucracy continue.

“Labor promised to be better when it came to bargaining with the government’s workforce and this is the first step in that process,” said Gallagher.

“This interim arrangement creates certainty and consistency while the government develops a process to support service wide negotiations.”