The wins for workers to come out of the NSW budget

The NSW budget announcement has come and gone, with some changes sure to please and others not so much. The workplace changes were pretty positive, however. Below are some of the best announcements that will affect how we work.

Public sector

The state of the job market is affecting businesses across the country. Staff vacancies were a major hurdle that has been addressed in the budget, with the government committing to a 4.5 per cent pay rise for over 400,000 public sector employees.

Nurses, teachers, police officers and firefighters will all benefit as part of the “essential services fund”. The $3.6 billion allocation will fund the pay rise, with the hopes that there will be fewer people leaving and more people entering these essential roles.

Teachers, in particular, have received much-needed attention, with the NSW government allocating $1.9 billion over the next four years to fund pay rises for around 95,000 workers. Pay scales for these positions have also been restructured. These changes aim to boost the number of teachers and alleviate shortages.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion

The budget is assisting women in the workplace, too. $13.8 million will be provided to women’s participation and empowerment in the workforce with the help of the Working Women’s Centre and the Future Women’s Jobs Academy.

Peter Mousaferiadis, founder and chief executive of Diversity Atlas, commented on the allocation and how these changes can help to promote female leadership: “To truly grasp the essence and significance of representation, we must recognise its intrinsic value, particularly in advancing the cause of gender parity within the workforce.”

“Achieving greater gender diversity in organisations goes beyond just numbers; it’s a testament to our commitment to reflecting the diverse communities in which these organisations operate. But why is this commitment so vital in the context of women’s representation?”

He continued: “Representation serves as a multifaceted lens that allows us to examine the intricate intersections of gender with other dimensions of diversity, such as appearance, religion, ethnicity, and ability. By taking this intersectional approach, we acknowledge that gender equality is not an isolated pursuit but one that must encompass the rich tapestry of identities that women bring to the table. This broader perspective is essential in fostering a workplace that truly values and respects the diversity of women’s experiences.”

As well as providing support for working women, the budget is supporting wider diversity, with the NSW government listing the allocations as:

• $3 million to support community organisations in running significant events and festivals or delivering minor infrastructure projects to celebrate their cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity in NSW.
• $15 million for faith organisations to improve safety and security at religious institutions, including places of worship, schools, community centres, and buildings.
• $47.8 million for the Multicultural Communities Support Package, which includes support for community language schools, the creation of a $30 million Multicultural Capital Partnership Fund, the establishment of the Premier’s Prevention Panel on Racism and Extremism, and a multicultural youth network platform.
• $3.9 billion in 2023–24 for cash and in-kind contributions for individual packages and other flexible supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to support people with a disability, their families and carers to achieve their goals and participate fully in the community

“Elevating women, especially those from Aboriginal and non-English-speaking backgrounds, to upper management positions is a powerful statement. It demonstrates confidence in the abilities and potential of women who may have faced historical marginalisation. This not only bolsters their confidence but also sends a resounding message that leadership is accessible to all,” said Mr Mousaferiadis.

“Importantly, diverse leadership positions don’t exist in isolation. They serve as beacons of possibility for other women within the organisation. When women see fellow women in influential roles, it instils a sense of belonging and ambition. It breaks down the barriers that have limited women’s progress for too long, creating a more inclusive, equitable, and ultimately representative settings.”