The Finocchiaro CLP Government has secured fair wages, job security, and no wage freeze for public sector employees.
The Northern Territory Public Sector Enterprise Bargaining Policy 2025-2028 locks in competitive wage growth of 3%, protects existing entitlements, and keeps the Territory's public sector strong and sustainable.
Minister for Public Service Jo Hersey said the policy delivered certainty, fairness, and transparency for public sector workers while maintaining responsible budget management.
"We are guaranteeing no wage freeze and locking in stable, fair wage growth for public sector employees," said Mrs Hersey.
"Public sector workers are the backbone of our essential services. This policy ensures they receive fair, competitive pay rises while keeping our finances strong and sustainable."
Key policy commitments are:
No wage freeze - public sector workers will receive a 3% annual pay increase, already factored into the Territory Budget.Any increase above 3% must be funded by real, bankable productivity improvements and work practice reforms.Existing enterprise agreements remain in place, ensuring salaries and entitlements are protected.No back-pay, sign-on bonuses, or similar payments, ensuring a responsible approach to public finances.Collective bargaining with unions remains central, guaranteeing a fair and transparent negotiation process.
Mrs Hersey reinforced the government's commitment to job security and frontline services.
"We will not cut public sector jobs," she said.
"Our focus is keeping frontline services strong - police, healthcare workers, and teachers - while carefully managing growth in non-frontline areas to ensure resources go where they are needed most.
"The new Wages Policy strikes the right balance between fair pay for workers, workforce security, and responsible financial management.
"It ensures a strong and competitive public sector while maintaining the government's economic development agenda."
The policy applies to all NT Public Sector (NTPS) employees covered by the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 1993 (PSEMA) and all NT Police Force members below the rank of Commander.
Enterprise bargaining negotiations have already begun, with eight agreements up for renegotiation in 2025, covering key frontline workforces, including Police, Firefighters, Correctional Officers, Aboriginal Health Practitioners, Medical Officers, Jacana Energy workers, the general NTPS workforce, and Frances Bay Marine Facility workers.
"We are committed to a fair, open, and transparent bargaining process that delivers real benefits for public sector workers," said Mrs Hersey.
"This policy protects jobs, secures fair wages, and strengthens our economy, delivering long-term benefits for our hard-working public servants and the wider community."
The Northern Territory Public Sector Enterprise Bargaining Policy 2025-2028 ensures the NT public sector remains competitive, sustainable, and financially responsible, providing certainty for workers and delivering essential services for Territorians.
