17,000 Education Assistants in Western Australia to Receive $65 Weekly Pay Increase
In 2025, education assistants, cleaners, and gardeners are set to receive wage increases ranging from 5–6.5 percent, with additional hikes of 4.8–6.1 percent in 2026.
The Western Australia (WA) Labor government has announced a pay rise for over 17,000 education assistants, cleaners, and gardeners who are primarily employed by the Department of Education.
Under two negotiated industrial agreements with the United Workers Union, workers will see their pay increase by $65 (US$42) per week starting in January 2025 and again in 2026.
For education assistants, this will result in wage boosts ranging from 5.09 percent to 6.5 percent in the first year and 4.84 percent to 6.11 percent in the second year.
Workers in regional areas like the South West, Great Southern, and Wheatbelt will receive additional incentives, along with the option for pro rata long service leave after seven years of continuous service.
Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk praised the United Workers Union and its delegates for their efforts in achieving this positive outcome.
Wider Public Sector Agreements Finalised
The Cook Labor government has finalized industrial agreements covering over 107,000 public sector workers under the Public Sector Wages Policy Statement 2023, which includes WA teachers, doctors, TAFE lecturers, transit officers, hospital support staff, and public servants.
Public servants in Western Australia received a 12.5 percent pay increase spread over three years on Sept. 30, along with improved employment conditions, totaling over 85,000 public sector employees.
Earlier this year, WA politicians and public servants also saw pay increases, with a 4 percent salary boost and a $1,000 motor vehicle allowance for members of Parliament.
Opposition Leader Libby Mettam criticized the Labor government for not effectively addressing the cost-of-living crisis, promising tax cuts, measures to promote homeownership, and responsible economic management if elected.
The opposition also outlined plans to address issues in WA’s health system, law enforcement, cost-of-living relief, and housing demands to meet community needs.
