Here are the latest developments on NSW nurses pay rises based on recent reports.
Key update
- NSW nurses and midwives have secured a major pay rise, with the Industrial Relations Commission approving increases of up to 16% over three years for registered nurses and midwives, including a one-off reset of about 10% backdated to July 2025. This result follows years of bargaining and industrial action.[1][4][5]
Additional context
- The pay rise is structured as phased increases, with different components across roles (e.g., a higher initial one-off reset for some groups, followed by annual increases). The decision has been framed as recognizing the undervaluation of largely female-dominated roles and aims to improve working conditions alongside the wage uplift.[2][4][10]
Recent related developments
- Interim wage adjustments were previously offered and accepted in 2025, including a 3% interim increase and improvements to conditions, which NSW nurses indicated was not the end of their campaign but a step toward broader reform. The new ruling expands on those interim measures.[3][7][10]
Notes
- Figures and feasibility of the exact percentage share vary by role (registered vs enrolled nurses, assistants in nursing) and are subject to phasing and backdating timelines outlined by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission and relevant government releases.[4][5][2]
If you’d like, I can pull the most recent official NSW government statements and union responses and summarize them with dates and percentages in a compact timeline.
Sources
Nurses and midwives will receive their largest pay increase in more than two decades after a ruling from the independent industrial umpire today, with the wage boost being an all-time record-breaker for the lowest paid amongst them.
www.nsw.gov.auNurses and midwives across New South Wales are set to receive significant pay increases following a landmark industrial ruling.
womensagenda.com.auAmid 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.auThe independent Industrial Relations Commission of NSW found the nearly 70,000 employees were entitled to a pay bump over three years.
www.dailymail.co.ukRegistered 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.auThe NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) has voted to accept the NSW Government’s offer of a 3 per cent interim wage increase and enhancements to working conditions.
www.nsw.gov.auAround 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.au