Richard Wiseman, a Griffith High deputy principal, has been recognised with life membership of the NSW Teachers Federation after 38 years of advocacy. His efforts secured teacher housing, classroom air-conditioning, and a historic pay rise. Wiseman also successfully campaigned for improved incentives to attract teachers to Griffith, addressing chronic vacancies. He remains committed to strengthening public education in regional communities, despite increasing challenges. Wiseman's dedication has benefited both Griffith High and the broader education system.
Community service workers in NSW and the ACT have used a Dolly Parton flash mob to highlight pay pressures, with one in four workers considering leaving due to affordability concerns. The Australian Services Union is seeking a 35 per cent pay rise through the Fair Work Commission, warning of potential service disruptions if staff shortages worsen. The union is calling on the state government to support and fund the pay increase for workers in predominantly female roles.
Federal public servants are being asked to vote on a 9 per cent pay offer spread over three years. The Australian Public Service Commission proposed rises of 3.2 per cent from March 2027, 3 per cent in 2028 and 2.8 per cent in 2029. Its chief negotiator, Alison Stott, said the increases exceed forecast inflation, and that bargaining is continuing. The Community and Public Sector Union wants 15 per cent over three years, citing inflation of 4 per cent. Its national secretary, Rebecca Fawcett, said the offer falls short and the union's members will decide.
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Commonwealth public servants have been offered a 9 per cent pay rise over three years. The Australian Public Service Commission tabled the proposal as part of bargaining across the public service. The offer includes a 3.2 per cent rise from next March, then 3 per cent in 2028 and 2.8 per cent in 2029. The Community and Public Sector Union says the offer falls short of its claim of 5 per cent a year or inflation, whichever is higher. Union members will vote on whether to accept the offer, and bargaining is continuing.
Public servants have been offered pay rises totalling 9 percent over three years. The proposal, tabled by chief negotiator Alison Stott, includes increases of 3.2 percent, 3 percent and 2.8 percent from March 2027 to March 2029. The Community and Public Sector Union is likely to reject the offer, which falls short of its demand of 5 percent a year. Members will now decide whether the offer is good enough. The government also proposes a standard 7.5-hour workday and 20 days of annual leave, changes the union says would cut conditions for some staff.
Liberal MP Angie Bell has called for the Prime Minister and Small Business Minister Anne Aly to be "stoned in the square" over the tax office's ban on credit card payments. Bell made the remarks while supporting a private member's bill from shadow treasurer Tim Wilson that would force the tax office to reinstate credit card payments. She later withdrew the remarks about ten minutes after making them. Labor earlier delayed the ban until next July. The Coalition's attempt to suspend standing orders to introduce Wilson's bill failed in the House of Representatives.
Victoria’s doctors may take further industrial action ahead of the state election after rejecting the government’s latest offer. The Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation (ASMOF) Victoria wants limits on shifts and guaranteed days off, but the government’s offer only includes pay rises. Union members rallied outside Parliament House last week, with Dr Travis Lines saying the turnout showed strong concerns about working conditions. The government says it is committed to continuing negotiations.
