Member win: EB12 delivers CPI pay boost and back pay
Member action delivers.
With the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) announcing the Brisbane March Consumer Price Index (CPI) figure at 4.7%, an important part of your EB12 agreement has now been triggered – with a pay rise and backpay headed your way.
This is what you fought for – an agreement that protects your wages when the cost of living rises. And now, it’s delivering.
We are answering key questions about what the CPI Uplift Adjustment (CUA) is, why it’s been triggered, and what this means for your pay and future increases.
What is the CUA?
Under the EB12 agreement, Queensland Health (QH) employees are entitled to a wage increase when inflation, measured by the Brisbane CPI, rises above the agreed pay rise. This is called the CPI Uplift Adjustment (CUA).
For the 12 months ending 31 March 2026, the Brisbane CPI is 4.7% (published 29 April, ABS). Since this exceeds the 3% pay rise applied on 1 April 2025, the CUA is triggered.
What does this mean for your pay?
- Your 1 April 2025 pay rise of 3% will now be increased to 3.5%.
- This change is backdated, so you will receive backpay.
- The updated rate becomes your new base rate of pay, which means it flows through to all earnings (including penalties, loadings and allowances).
Find out more here.
QNMU members led the way - what we won in EB12
For months, QNMU members across the state have shown what true collective strength looks like. You’ve attended meetings, shared your stories, undertaken historic industrial action, and stood shoulder-to-shoulder through every stage of this campaign.
Time and again, Queensland Health underestimated you and time and again, you proved them wrong.
You proved that no one should ever underestimate the power of nurses and midwives standing together.
It was your action, your unity, and your determination that got us here. You should be proud – this is what being part of a union is all about. We have each other’s backs.
The strength of our union comes from you – nurses and midwives united by a shared goal to make healthcare better. You continue to push back against unsafe staffing, you advocate fiercely for your patients, clients, and residents, and you demand the respect our professions deserve.
This agreement is proof of what we can achieve when we stand together. But the fight for better wages and conditions is never over.
Through EB12, we’ve come so far – and we’re not done yet. This agreement delivers:
- At least 11% in wage increases over three years, plus classification structure improvements lifting earning potential for half the workforce.
- The highest public sector wage offer in Queensland this year, with guaranteed backpay from 1 April 2025.
- Double time for overtime for all shift workers – a national first – from 1 July 2027.
- New and improved allowances, rewarding the vital work you do.
- Expanded RANIP and increased rural/remote isolation bonuses.
- Stronger rights and protections – preserved and strengthened.
- A stronger foundation for EB13 and beyond.