With many families struggling with the current cost of living crisis 1st July will deliver some relief.

Tax cuts will come into affect as well as the recently announced power bill assistance.

Importantly, under the Local Government (State) Award 2023 negotiated by your union, from your first full pay period after July 1st 2024, NSW Local Government employees under the Award will get a 3.5% pay-rise. And in addition permanent employees who satisfy the eligibility requirements will also get a one-off bonus payment.

This relief could not have come at a better time and is something that I am very proud of. The wage increase and bonus were achieved following months of negotiations in 2022-23 and were possible because of the strength of our union and importantly – the support of our members. All of our Award 2023 updates can be reviewed here.

Many members have contacted us to find out how the Award increase and in particular the bonus will work so we have answered some of your questions below. While this increase relates to local government members I am pleased to see that we are continuing to achieve some fantastic wins across all of our industries, with ongoing Enterprise Bargaining continuing in the energy sector as well as with many employers in the private sector.

Your questions about your bonus and payrise

Who gets the 3.5% pay-rise?
All NSW local government employees under the Local Government (State) Award will get the 3.5% pay-rise.

Who gets the one-off bonus?
All local government employees (other than casual and temporary employees) under the Local Government (State) Award with at least 12 months continuous service with their current council as of 30 June 2024 will get the bonus.

How much is the bonus?
The bonus is $1000 or 0.5% of your salary system rate of pay (whichever amount is greater) as it was on 30 June 2024.
Permanent part-time council employees will have their bonus payment pro-rata.
All bonus payments will be taxed.

When will the bonus be paid?
The one-off bonus will be included in your first full pay period on or after 1 July 2024.

When will my pay-rise start?
Your 3.5% pay rise will start in your first full pay period on or after 1 July 2024.
If you don’t get your bonus or pay-rise – speak to your workplace delegate or USU Organiser.

Remember: you’ll get another bonus and 3% pay-rise in July 2025 as outlined here:

By your side

Graeme Kelly OAM
General Secretary
United Services Union