Public Servants and most TAFE support staff will receive a $1000 boost to their pay packets thanks to action from their union.

“When we negotiated a three-year pay deal for members, we demanded a one-off payment if inflation went too high,” said PSA CPSU NSW General Secretary Stewart Little. “In 2024, PSA members voted to accept an 11.4 per cent cumulative pay offer over three years. But the deal included a provision if inflation grew too high.

“The deal included an inflation safeguard for members at our insistence – in the form of a one-off, taxable, non-cumulative cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) payment of $1000 (plus superannuation) should the Sydney Consumer Price Index (CPI) exceed 4 per cent in the second or third year of the deal.”

In April, it was announced the CPI exceeded 4 per cent in the March 2026 quarter. Thanks to the union deal, all members covered by the 2024 increase will receive the $1000 COLA payment negotiated by the PSA as part of that deal. Part-time employees get a pro rata payment.

After the inflation figures were released, the PSA CPSU NSW met immediately with the State Government to get the payment implemented.

“This shows the power of a strong union fighting on behalf of its members,” said Mr Little.