Public sector workers in Grafton protest after their demands for a pay rise were not met by the NSW government

Some public sector workers say lives are being treated as statistics. They protested in Grafton, calling for a pay rise and better working conditions.

Tired, overworked and underpaid – those were the major sentiments that echoed the public service rally in Grafton.

Matt Beetson has been in the community justice sector for nine years and said they are now essentially “taking a pay cut” after the Public Service Association union’s calls of a 5.4 per cent pay rise were not met.

“The last two years we’ve fallen below the minimal inflation pay and we’re now taking a cut,” Mr Beetson said.

Grafton public sector workers rally after a pay rise was failed to be met by the NSW government. Picture: Matt Gazy

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet announced a 0.5 per cent increase to public service annual pay, from 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent this year and a potential 3.5 per cent the following financial year.

Mr Beetson says this is not enough after Covid has made the job more difficult than ever.

“We still have to wear masks, do RAT tests daily and wear full PPE,” he said.

He said the job has become twice as hard since Covid – and staff are leaving in high numbers.

“We’re over it. Morale is at an all-time low,” he said.

Matt Paget has been working in community justice for two years and said it’s difficult to make ends meet with the rising cost of living, fuel and inflation.

Matt Paget, Steve Beetson and Matt Beetson from the youth justice public sector rally for fair pay. Picture: Matt Gazy

“Other industries are going up – we need to find a happy medium.”

Mr Paget said he is striking “for fair pay” and highlighted the importance of keeping competent staff especially when working with youth and working to change potentially life threatening behaviours.

“We’ve lost so many staff for the private sector, it’s hard to keep good quality staff,” he said.

He said more staff will continue to leave to “greener pastures”.

Michael Smart, who has worked in child protection services for 15 years said he started with 45 staff and is now left with 12, due to a mix of low pay-rates and poor working conditions.

Michael Smart said Covid has increased working pressures, with less staff and more expectation. to produce results. Picture: Matt Gazy

“The work remains but with less staff it’s harder to produce,” Mr Smart said.

He said the expectation to produce results has increased while staff numbers are lowering.

Mr Smart said the statistics of how many kids they are seeing has become a “number”.

“You can’t quantify life, but that’s what it becomes,” he said.

He said the government have shown no recognition to public servants – particularly those in non-health sectors, despite the ongoing work they have put in throughout the pandemic.

“This is not about chasing disruption, this is about raising awareness,” he said.

Mr Smart highlighted the challenges faced by floods, bushfires and the pandemic.

“We kept working – we didn’t get to stop,” he said.

Although he and his team said there is a great level of pride in working for Australia, he feels neglected by the government’s response.