What: Premier & PSA General Secretary announce pay deal @ press conference
When: 10am today, Thursday 29th of January 2026
Where: 122 Pirie Street, Adelaide
More Info:
Public servants reach pay deal with Premier Malinauskas
Public servants will see an extra $100 in their pockets a week under a pay deal to be announced this morning, says the union which represents the workers, the Public Service Association (PSA).
SA Premier Malinauskas and PSA General Secretary Charlotte Watson will endorse and detail the deal together before it is put to a vote to PSA members tomorrow (Friday the 30th).
Child protection caseworkers, State Emergency Service crews, Prison Officers and all other public servants will then have a two week period to decide if they’ll take the deal.
Prior to this deal Public servants in SA had seen a 21% reduction in real wages over the last six years and incredibly many have slipped below the award safety net by almost $4,000.
Over the last six years SA Public servants have received annual pay rises equivalent to 1% a year, while inflation has been running as high as 7.2% in that same period pushing up the price of food, rent and utilities.
Most Australian workers get annual pay increases of 3.5% as a minimum - so after 6 years most workers would see their pay rise by 21%. These workers have only seen 6%.
It is estimated these workers are earning $15,000 a year less than 6 years ago in real terms.
The 40,000 workers are amongst the lowest paid in the state, and are the lowest paid in the country.
By way of comparison to other states a common administration position in SA is paid $58,709, but in WA it's paid $73,954 (26% higher), in the ACT $67,872 (16% higher), and in Tasmania $66,766 (14% higher).
Some are on as little as $55,000 a year. The minimum wage is $49,000.
PSA General Secretary Charlotte Watson says this deal will change lives.
“Most of our members are women in their 40s and 50s supporting a couple of kids, an extra $100 a week in their pockets will work wonders.
“This means our members won’t have to put off going to the dentist, or paying their rego.
“We have members who haven’t been on a holiday for years - this means they’ll be able to take their kids on a camping trip next Christmas.
“We know we have many members who hold down second jobs to make ends meet, we’re hoping they’ll be able to let go of those extra shifts and concentrate on being the backbone of this great state.
“We thank Premier Malinauskas and his team for being willing to listen to our members’ concerns, we are advising our members to vote yes to this deal.
Contact: Tim Brunero 0405 285 547
