Wednesday 18 February 2026
On Wednesday 18 February 2026, the Community and Public Sector Union/Civil Service Association of Western Australia (CPSU/CSA) announced it has formally notified the WA Government of its intention to seek modernisation of the District Allowance, potentially benefitting regional public sector workers by up to an additional $9,000 a year.
A Notice to Initiate Bargaining for the District Allowance (Government Officers) General Agreement 2010 (the DA Agreement) with Government Sector Labour Relations (GSLR) was lodged this week following years of consultation and collaboration with the union’s Regional Delegate Leadership Group and regional members. The variation, if successful, would see a majority of the approximately 5,000 regional public sector workers party to this agreement receive an uplift of at least $1,000 per annum, and in some of our most remote locations up to $9,000.
The DA Agreement was last renegotiated in 2010, with calculation of regional price differences ceasing in 2019 after a period of unexpected reductions. In addition, the allowance has lost value in real terms over the previous six years of high inflation. The union’s proposed methodology seeks to modernise factors that inform the allowance’s calculation with an evidence-based approach. Factors would include population, climate and distance to an emergency department, public education and childcare facilities. In addition, the union seeks to annually index the allowance against Perth inflation and the local Regional Price Index, ensuring real value is maintained with minimal year-on-year fluctuations. Finally, the CPSU/CSA also seeks a $20 weekly flat-rate allowance for outer regional locations in the Great Southern, Wheatbelt and South West, who are currently ineligible for the allowance.
CPSU/CSA Branch Secretary, Melanie Bray, who at noon today launched the campaign in an Online Regional Members Briefing, said the improvements sought are essential to keeping regional public sector workers and their families in our regional locations, as they both deliver essential regional public services and contribute to the local community.
“The CPSU/CSA’s proposed variation of the District Allowance for Western Australia’s regional public sector workforce is a once-in-a-generation moment. Our regional delegates have spent years consulting with members, gathering evidence and finally in drafting to shape methodology that is not just informed by regional public sector workers, but works for regional public sector workers and their families.
“We’re talking about making life equitable for those who deliver public services for all Western Australians in some of our state’s most regional and remote locations. An additional $9,000 a year for Biosecurity Officers at the Western and South Australia Quarantine Checkpoint. An additional $6,500 for Housing Officers in Carnarvon. A new $1,040 allowance for Library Officers, School Support Officers and Managers of Corporate Services in many Great Southern & Wheatbelt public schools.
“The District Allowance is not a bonus for a job well done; it’s part of the infrastructure that keeps crucial public services operating in our regional centres. An inadequate district allowance leads directly to staff shortages, high churn and poor public service delivery in our communities.”
ENDS
- For detailed information on the methodology proposed in our variation, please see our District Allowance Campaign Media Kit, which includes a Media Explainer.
- The CPSU/CSA is hosting a Media Conference via Zoom to best cater for regional publications. The Media Conference will begin at 1:45pm Wednesday 18.02.2026 with details provided by email.
- The CPSU/CSA covers 44,000 general public sector workers, one-quarter of the WA public sector, including child protection officers, youth custodial officers, park rangers, veterinary scientists and dental technicians.
- Note to Journalists: Please ensure the full acronym, “CPSU/CSA” when mentioning us. “CPSU” is typically used to refer to the Union that covers Commonwealth, ACT and NT public sector workers. We are related but separate organisations.
For more information or to arrange further comment from CPSU/CSA Branch Secretary Melanie Bray:
Alex Wallace
CPSU/CSA Media and Stakeholder Officer
M: 0421 934 794 E: [email protected]
