The NSW Government has secured a multi-year pay deal with TAFE NSW teachers, which is set to benefit the organisation’s nearly 9,000 teaching staff.
More than 90% of teaching staff, backed by the NSW Teachers Federation, have voted to accept the Government’s 10.5% baseline pay offer.
“This pay agreement with TAFE NSW teaching staff reaffirms the Minns Labor Government’s industrial relations framework is working,” said Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis.
“It recognises not only the important service our teachers and educators provide but acknowledges and rewards their efforts.
“This is a good step forward but there is always more work to do to ensure we have the best public service in the world.”
The deal, which delivers on the Government’s election commitment to rebuild TAFE NSW, consists of:
- A 3.5% pay rise, plus a 0.5% superannuation boost for 2024-25;
- A 3% pay rise annually in both 2025-26 and 2026-27, plus a further 0.5% increase to super in 2025-26.
Additionally, the Government will undertake reforms within 12 months to remove TAFE NSW from the former Government’s ‘Smart and Skilled’ competitive market, a key recommendation of the NSW VET Review.
This means TAFE NSW will no longer compete with the private training providers for funding and instead will have a more predictable annual budget.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said the changes will slash red tape and give teachers more time to focus on the actual teaching of students.
“Removing TAFE NSW from the competitive (Smart and Skilled) market was a key recommendation of the Government’s VET Review. It will result in a major reduction in administrative burden for TAFE NSW, but more importantly it enhances the recognition that TAFE NSW is the core provider of vocational training in NSW,” said Mr Whan.
“Funding certainty and a stable and secure vocational training workforce are crucial to meeting the increasing demand for skilled workers across several critical industries NSW communities rely on every day.”
In addition, Government has transitioned more than 1,700 casual teachers and delivery support staff from the beginning of this semester into permanent roles, providing long-overdue job security and stability for staff.
“I’m delighted that the TAFE NSW teaching staff have agreed to the Government’s offer, recognising their contribution to the state. Our teachers are on the front line of delivering the skills education to fill shortages in our critical industries and we value them,” said Minister Whan.
“We’ve heard from teachers that they want to see reform in TAFE NSW, and alongside the increase in pay, this agreement builds on reform by no longer requiring TAFE NSW to compete with private training providers for funding.”
NSW Teachers Federation President, Henry Rajendra said: the Federation enthusiastically welcomed the strengthening of TAFE NSW.
“We also commend the removal of the constraints of the contestable funding market on TAFE NSW, and the introduction of a new three-year enterprise agreement that delivers solid pay increases to some of the most essential educators in NSW,” said Mr Rajendra.
“These are a clear demonstration of the NSW Government’s commitment to rebuilding a strong and stable TAFE NSW.
“As the heart of the vocational education and training sector in Australia, TAFE NSW is critical to delivering the education and skills for our students, communities and economy across NSW.
“TAFE NSW has a proven track record of excellence, delivering dependable public education that meets individual, industry and community needs.”
Nearly two thirds of NSW Public sector workers and their union have now signed wage agreements with the NSW Government.
