The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released its consumer price index for the last June quarter, which shows annual inflation in Brisbane at 7.3% and nationally at 6.1%.

These figures are up from the previous quarter’s figures (Brisbane inflation is up from 6% last quarter to 7.3% now).

Because of union members’ involvement in the Wages Matter campaign, the revised wages offer has increased from 2.5% per annum, to 4%, 4% and 3% over the life of the agreement. Additionally, members’ actions have achieved the possibility of three one-off compensation payments should inflation be higher than the wage increase.

If inflation stays above 7% until the March quarter this would mean a one-off compensation payment on 31 August, 2023 under the revised wages policy would be:

• AO2(1): $1,668.10
• AO3(1): $2,062.20
• AO4(1): $2,446.00
• AO5(1): $2,842.70
• AO6(1): $3,268.00
• AO7(1): $3,663.20
• AO8(1): $4,063.60

The uncertain nature of changes to inflation is why the one-off compensation payment is structured the way it is.

Recently, union members were surveyed to determine whether they would support a campaign that prioritises lower paid workers receiving a wage increase that addresses cost-of-living pressures – the results of that survey showed overwhelming support for this.

Together delegates have endorsed a proposal for a bargaining claim for a $3000 recruitment and retention payment for lower paid workers in Queensland Health.

If we are going to succeed in minimising the impact of the cost-of-living crisis for lower paid workers in Queensland Health we need to make sure workers get involved to have a strong collective voice.

We need to determine if we have the collective strength to win for low paid workers in Queensland Health through this process.

We are asking members whether this is an issue you would be willing to campaign around.

It will take members getting active to win a fair deal.

Can we count you in?