The Australian Education Union (AEU) ACT branch president, Angela Burroughs, has condemned the government's revised public sector pay offer as a 'cynical' proposal that fails to address immediate cost-of-living pressures.The offer includes inflation-linked payments for public sector staff if Canberra's annual inflation rate reaches 3.5% in 2027 and 2028.However, government forecasts predict inflation will settle at 2.5% annually, meaning the payments would not be triggered.

Burroughs criticized the deal as an 'absolute shocker' for low-paid school assistants, who make up the majority of the workforce in specialist schools.She argued the government is delaying payments until 2027 despite knowing the cost-of-living adjustments should be implemented now.

Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) ACT regional secretary Maddy Northam highlighted that member action led to improved negotiations, with CPSU members voting on whether to accept the deal or pursue further industrial action.

Public Service Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith defended the offer, stating the ACT public service is already among the best-paid and that the deal reflects productive discussions.

However, public school assistants are set to take industrial action on August 3, including a ban on playground duty and meetings, as negotiations continue.