- More than 95 per cent of CPSU/CSA members have accepted the Cook Government's offer for a new industrial agreement for the child protection workforce
- Salary and classification structure improvements recognise the skill and value of our child protection workforce
- Some child protection workers will benefit from structural adjustments equivalent to up to 6 per cent, on top of the public sector pay increase of 12.5 per cent over three years
- Cook Labor Government committed to boosting attraction and retention of its critical child protection workforce
The Cook Labor Government has reached a new agreement with the State's child protection workers which will deliver salary uplifts and improved conditions for this vital workforce.
The new agreement, overwhelmingly supported by the workforce, reflects the Cook Government's ongoing commitment to boost attraction and retention of its child protection workers.
It also delivers on the Cook Government's offer to the Community and Public Sector Union/Civil Service Association (CPSU/CSA) to establish a distinct industrial agreement for the State's 2,400 child protection workers.
The agreement will provide a salary scale uplift along with improved conditions and enhanced opportunities for career development and progression.
It includes uplifts to entry level child protection positions, expanded scope of qualifications suitable for appointment, and access to a qualifications allowance for non-qualified staff.
Some child protection workers will benefit from structural adjustments equivalent to up to 6 per cent, on top of the public sector pay increase of 12.5 per cent over three years.
The agreement was negotiated with the CPSU/CSA and reflects the critically important services child protection workers provide for vulnerable Western Australian families and communities.
The Cook Government continues to deliver record investment in the child protection system and has committed a further $30.9 million over four years to support an additional 55 child protection practitioners.
As stated by Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk:
"I'm so pleased to have delivered this historic pay increase and improved conditions for child protection workers across the State.
"The child protection system in Western Australia is underpinned by a quality, dedicated and passionate workforce. This agreement seeks to further embed their opportunities for career growth and recognise the importance of the work they lead.
"I would like to congratulate the CPSU/CSA on their effective advocacy and considered engagement through this process."
Comments attributed to Child Protection Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"Our State Government has listened to the workforce, and I'm pleased to announce our agreement with better incentives to attract and retain child protection practitioners has been accepted.
"The work undertaken by the child protection workforce is incredibly important in supporting our State's most vulnerable children, and I would like to thank the CPSU/CSA for their work on this agreement."
