The ACT has confirmed more than 300 Canberra Hospital cleaners will join Canberra Health Services on October 1, following confirmation of funding in the 2026-27 Budget.
Gardeners at Canberra Hospital will also transition to Canberra Health Services on this date, said Minister for the Public Service, Rachel Stephen-Smith.
“Cleaners are an essential part of our healthcare team – and they deserve stable and permanent jobs,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
“By directly employing more than 300 cleaners, we’re strengthening the connection between these vital workers and the wider health workforce, and delivering better outcomes for Canberrans.
“This is just one example of how secure, public service jobs benefit workers, their families and the entire community.”
Bringing this workforce into Canberra Health Services means cleaning services currently delivered through external contracts will be managed directly by the organisation, the Minister said.
This will support a more integrated approach to service delivery, strengthen collaboration between cleaning staff and frontline healthcare workers, and ensure closer alignment with the Infection Prevention and Control Unit, she said.
The initiative supports the ACT Government’s commitment to secure employment and the principle that government services should be delivered by public servants wherever practical. It will provide eligible cleaners with the opportunity to transition into the ACT Public Service and become part of the broader workforce.
“Cleaning teams play an critical role in our health care workforce. Every day they work to ensure our hospitals and health facilities remain safe, hygienic and welcoming for patients, visitors and staff,” said Minister for Health, Dr Marisa Paterson.
“This investment recognises the important contribution cleaners make to patient safety and the quality of care delivered across Canberra Health Services.”
United Workers Union President, Lyndal Ryan welcomed the decision.
“For years, cleaners at Canberra Hospital fought for secure jobs, dignity, and recognition for the essential work they do in our public hospitals. Through their hard work, unity and collective action, workers stood together to lobby the ACT Health Minister and other Ministers, making sure their voices were heard,” said Ms Ryan.
“In particular, Minister for Health was empathetic and understanding of the worker’s needs and recognized the value they bring in keeping the hospitals and community safe and operating 24/7.
“As a result, the Health Minister also provided funding for fair wages when the cleaner’s Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) was re negotiated.
“The UWU members persistence has helped pave the way for around 300 cleaners to move towards direct employment with the ACT Public Service in October this year a significant win for job security, dignity, and respect.
“This achievement was not handed to us. It was won through the courage of workers, the strength of United Workers Union members, and the dedication of everyone who stood together and refused to give up,” she said.
