ALA

WA Government

Media Statement

Colin Barnett
Premier (includes Federal-State Relations; Public Sector Management; Government Accountability) State Development

Mon 06 October, 2008

IMMEDIATE SIX PER CENT PAY RISE FOR TEACHERS

Portfolio: Premier

The State Government today announced an immediate six per cent salary increase for Government school teachers and administrators after months of prolonged pay negotiations under the previous Labor Government.

During the recent election campaign, the Liberals promised an additional $120million for teachers’ salaries.

Premier Colin Barnett said the salary increase for teachers and school administrators would be back-dated to September 5, 2008.

Mr Barnett said the increase was part of the Liberal Party’s pre-election commitment of an additional $120million for teachers’ pay.

The increase would make Western Australian teachers the highest paid in Australia.

The six per cent increase would immediately see a first-year teacher’s annual salary grow from $48,425 to $51,331, a senior teacher’s salary from $70,868 to $75,120, a principal of a small school (under 100 students) from $77,744 to $82,409 and a principal of a large school (more than 700 students) from $114,593 to $121,469.

The Premier said the slow progress of negotiations had frustrated teachers and impacted negatively on the image of public education in WA.

“We needed to act quickly and in a decisive manner to address 12 months of failed negotiations on this issue,” he said.

“Education Minister Liz Constable and I met with the executive of the State School Teachers Union (SSTU) on September 25 and committed to deal with this issue as a matter of priority.

“We believe the salary of teachers and administrators should be increased by six per cent for the coming 12 months as a fair reward for their efforts and to compensate for changes in the nature of their work, the skill and responsibility required, and the conditions under which their work is performed.”

Mr Barnett said the six per cent increase would be absorbed into any final enterprise bargaining agreement reached with the SSTU.

Premier’s office - 9222 9475