Regional public sector employees to receive District Allowance increases, Grylls
Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 12-December-2011
Public sector employees based in eligible regional areas will receive increases to their District Allowance, following the release of findings from the Regional Price Index (RPI) today.
The increase to the District Allowance is funded by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program for $65.7million over three years and will see increases in the Pilbara by more than $6,000 and the commencement of allowances in parts of the Mid-West of the State.
The District Allowance payment is calculated using the RPI as well as climatic and isolation factors and is paid to assist with the higher cost of living that is generally associated with working in many parts of regional Western Australia.
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the RPI survey determined the cost of living in the regions to assist in the re-calculation of the District Allowance rates.
“The survey identified that Western Australia’s regional areas in the North-West and other remote areas of the State continue to experience a higher cost of living than people residing in or nearer to Perth,” Mr Grylls said
“It is important that appropriate district allowances are provided to attract and retain quality public sector staff in the regions.”
Commerce Minister Simon O’Brien said the calculations followed lengthy consultation with a number of Government departments and public sector unions.
“I welcome the increased district allowance and I am pleased to announce that eligible public sector employees in Geraldton will now receive a district allowance payment for the first time.” Mr O’Brien said.
“Geraldton is a significant port and industrial centre in the Mid-West and the ability to pay District Allowance will enable public sector employees to continue to make their contribution to this vibrant and expanding city.”
