The PSA CPSU NSW welcomes the change of direction ushered in by the 2023-24 State Budget, which turns its back on privatisation, avoids job cuts for members and has addressed many of the issues that have adversely affected us all in the past 12 years.

The PSA CPSU NSW has long campaigned for the end to the wages cap that, in the Treasurer’s own words, “contributed to low wages growth, public sector vacancies and essential service shortages”.

The wages cap was scrapped on 1 September 2023. In addition, the State Government has budgeted for increases in wages and superannuation over the next four years. The Treasurer has announced a decrease in the use of consultants and labour hire.

Today’s budget affirms one of the PSA CPSU NSW’s long-standing demands for an independent, properly funded Industrial Relations Commission. Your union is awaiting the findings of a taskforce into the state’s industrial relations system.

The State Budget confirmed the success of the PSA CPSU NSW’s campaign for more permanency for staff in schools. The original announcement of up to 6000 permanent positions has already been exceeded, with 7000 and counting school administrative and support staff receiving secure roles.

In addition, there will be a $9.8 billion boost over four years for TAFE, schools and preschools.

For years the efficiency dividend has been a feature of NSW State Budgets, imposing pointless job cuts and preventing vacancies from being filled. Today’s budget makes no mention of the efficiency dividend. Its loss will not be mourned by your union.

We will be contacting the appropriate ministers to get more information about how the 2023-24 NSW State Budget affects our members.