Here’s the latest on NSW nurses’ pay rise.
- NSW nurses and midwives have been awarded a major pay rise after an Industrial Relations Commission ruling, with total increases ranging up to around 16% over three years for many staff and a one-off reset in the first year. This outcome was reported in mid-April 2026 and applies to the state’s public health workforce.[1][4][5]
- The specifics include a one-off reset of about 10% in the first year (backdated to July 1, 2025) and ongoing annual increases of around 3% in the subsequent two years, with variations by role (e.g., enrolled nurses, assistant nurses receive higher upfront adjustments).[2][4][5]
- Some sources note this as a historic but incomplete valuation of nursing work, emphasizing that many in the sector still seek further alignment with interstate benchmarks and broader recognition of the profession.[4][5][2]
- Interim arrangements and earlier offers (e.g., a 3% interim rise) were superseded by the IRCommission decision, marking a turning point after years of industrial action and negotiation.[3][4]
Illustration: The pay rise is often described as a two-stage outcome—an immediate “reset” plus sustained increases over three years, intended to address long-standing undervaluation of nursing roles.
Would you like a one-page summary with the key percentages by role and the timeline, or a quick comparison to similar arrangements in other Australian states? I can provide a concise table if you’d prefer.
Sources
Around 50,000 registered nurses and midwives in New South Wales have been awarded a 16 per cent pay rise over three years by the independent Industrial Relations Commissioner, including a 10 per cent one-off reset backdated to 1 July 2025.
7news.com.auRegistered nurses will receive a "one-off reset" of a 10 per cent pay rise in the first year, backdated to July 1, 2025, and a 3 per cent pay rise the following two years.
www.abc.net.auUnion at loggerheads with Minns government over 10.5% pay rise offer after NSW police win deal for wage increase of up to 40%
www.theguardian.comAmid voting to accept the 3 per cent interim wage increase offer, the NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association says it is "not the end" of their dispute with the state government.
www.abc.net.auNurses and midwives across New South Wales are set to receive significant pay increases following a landmark industrial ruling.
womensagenda.com.auThe independent Industrial Relations Commission of NSW found the nearly 70,000 employees were entitled to a pay bump over three years.
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