South Australian Doctors Union Reaches Pay Deal with Government, Citing "In Principle" Agreement on 13% Wage Rise

Strategic Insights -

A full-day doctors strike in South Australia has been suspended after the South Australian Salaried Medical Officers Association (SASMOA) and the state government reached a pay deal. The agreement includes a 13% wage rise over four years for all doctors, with the government committing to real wage increases "over and above inflation." Junior doctors will move from being the lowest-paid in the country to being in the top half.

Key Takeaways:

  • The deal includes a 13% wage rise over four years, broken down into 3.5% backdated to April 2025, 3.25% for the second and third years, and 3% for the fourth year.
  • The agreement also includes an increase in professional development payments from $8,500 to $10,000 and more dedicated time for non-clinical work.
  • Regional doctors will receive additional incentives, including a maximum package of almost $40,000 a year to attract doctors to regional areas.
  • The SASMOA council has endorsed the offer, but members will vote on it after a six-week period.
  • The strike has been suspended, but patients have been informed that elective surgeries may be postponed.
  • The union, however, is still on strike, with 200 hospital workers from the Flinders Medical Centre, the Repat, and Noarlunga Hospital participating.
  • The union is asking for a 20% pay rise for hospital workers and citing "impossible workloads and chronic short staffing" as contributing factors to delays in emergency departments.
  • The UWU has been negotiating with the government since February and is still seeking a deal for disability and aged care workers.

Statistics:

  • 13% wage rise over four years for all doctors
  • 3.5% backdated wages increase for doctors from April 2025
  • 3.25% wage increase for the second and third years
  • 3% wage increase for the fourth year
  • $8,500 to $10,000 increase in professional development payments
  • Regional doctors' maximum incentive package of almost $40,000 a year
  • 200 hospital workers on strike from the Flinders Medical Centre, the Repat, and Noarlunga Hospital
  • $55,000 a year salary for hospital cleaners
  • $60,000 a year salary for theatre technicians

Sources:

  • "South Australian doctors union agrees to 13% pay rise over four years" - The Australian (no date provided)
  • Statement by Peter Malinauskas, SA Premier
  • Statement by Laura Willington, SASMOA president
  • Statement by Kyam Maher, Attorney-General
  • Statement by Demi Pnevmatikos, UWU SA state secretary
  • ABC Radio Adelaide (no date provided)