More than 60,000 hospital and health workers across New South Wales will receive a pay boost and improved conditions under a new agreement between the NSW Government and the Health Services Union.
The two-year deal delivers an eight and a half percent increase, with four percent from 1 July 2025 plus a half percent in superannuation, followed by a further four percent from 1 July 2026. The agreement covers a wide range of hospital and health staff including cleaners, wardspersons, security officers, linen workers, pharmacy assistants, administration staff and allied health professionals such as dietitians, physiotherapists and social workers.
HSU NSW secretary Gerard Hayes called it an historic step towards wage justice. “For the hardworking men and women who keep our hospitals clean, safe and focused on patients, this is long overdue,” he said. Over the four years to June 2027, a hospital assistant’s salary will rise by more than ten thousand dollars to exceed sixty-two thousand, while wardspersons and security officers will also see annual increases of over ten thousand dollars.
The agreement also brings key reforms to NSW Health Awards. Higher-grade duty payments will begin after three days instead of five, rest periods between shifts will extend from eight to ten hours, and rosters will require four weeks’ notice rather than two.
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the pay rise recognises the crucial role hospital staff play. “This agreement gives certainty to the people who keep our health system running and to the communities who depend on them,” he said. Health Minister Ryan Park said the deal strengthens the workforce with better pay, better conditions and a focus on recruitment and retention.
Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said it was the first multi-year agreement of its kind in more than a decade. “It secures fairer pay and conditions into the future and supports the long-term rebuilding of essential services,” she said.
