News
2 October, 2025
Paramedic wage boost
QUEENSLAND’S ambulance officers are set to receive increased wages and enhanced conditions for paramedics across the state, after the State Government and the United Workers Union (UWU) struck an in-principle agreement for a new certified agreement.
The in-principle agreement includes a guaranteed eight per cent increase to wages (3 per cent, 2.5 per cent, 2.5 per cent) and allowances over three years, with additional wage increases through a CPI Uplift Adjustment if triggered.
It includes allowances designed to attract, retain and recognise paramedics and other hard-working operational employees in rural and remote locations, as well as recognise and reward employees working unsociable night shifts.
The in-principle agreement also has a strong focus on staff wellbeing, including initiatives to support frontline ambulance staff finishing work on time wherever possible.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls, commended both the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and the UWU for negotiating in good faith to reach an agreement that will deliver timely and fair outcomes for all staff.
“This deal means better outcomes for our hardworking paramedics right across the State, but also our other key ambulance workers such as Patient Transport Officers, who ensure a safe and stable journey between health facilities and home, and our Triple Zero Emergency Dispatchers,” he said.
QAS Commissioner Craig Emery said the constructive bargaining meetings demonstrated that all parties are aligned in looking after frontline staff.
“We are very pleased to have presented an offer to the UWU that their members are supportive of. We have already commenced drafting the new agreement to ensure the wage rises and other improvements will flow to our people as soon as possible,” he said.
“To have a certified agreement that has a strong focus on staff wellbeing and safety was incredibly important to both the QAS and the UWU.”
UWU Ambulance Coordinator, Fiona Scalon, said the in-principle agreement was reached after a member survey confirmed the offer should be endorsed.
“Throughout this entire process, members’ voices have been central – from shaping claims, to putting arguments directly at the bargaining table, and in meetings with the Minister,” she said.
“We’re pleased to reach an in-principle agreement with QAS, which recognises the importance of ambulance workers and provides commitments to better support them.”
