Southern Downs Regional Council staff have secured a new pay deal after last week’s historic industrial action in Stanthorpe and Warwick forced the council back to the bargaining table.The breakthrough came after months of tense Enterprise Bargaining Agreement negotiations between the Southern Downs Regional Council and The Services Union (TSU).
Council only released one data point from the results of a 2024 employment satisfaction survey to The Town & Country Journal although councillors were fully briefed in a closed meeting last month.
“Council is proud of the outcome reached through the enterprise bargaining negotiations, which reflects council’s genuine commitment to balancing the interests of our staff, the community, and the organisation’s long-term sustainability,” a spokesperson for the SDRC said.
Union organiser Jason Shepherd said the walkout — the first ever at the council — had made a decisive difference. “It was very pleasing that the Council called us back to the table so swiftly after our members took protected industrial action,” Mr Shepherd said. “Our members work hard for the community, and this new agreement will help them feel valued and respected again.”
Council agreed that the new agreement will make council “a more attractive place to work, now and into the future.”
Dozens of outdoor and indoor staff walked off the job in both Stanthorpe and Warwick, rallying for better pay and conditions. Mr Shepherd said the new deal addressed key concerns that had left council workers feeling left behind.
“Since the new offer was tabled, we’ve spoken with many members, and all are very happy with the improvements,” he said. “This outcome benefits not only SDRC workers but also the local community. Retaining skilled, experienced staff is essential, as relying on contractors ultimately costs the community more.”
Mr Shepherd believes that the SDRC recognised the need to lift wages to remain competitive with neighbouring councils and provide relief after years of record inflation.
Council reiterated that “staff are our most valuable asset, and this agreement recognises their vital contribution to the organisation.”
The agreement includes:
1. A 15 per cent wage rise over three years
2. Improved paid parental leave
3. A suite of enhanced workplace conditions.
Are SDRC employees satisfied?
In a recent meeting of council, Cr Joel Richters asked for the results of an “employment engagement survey” which was an item included in the operational plan report tabled with no further information.
The Town & Country Journal asked the SDRC about the survey and were told that in August, during a closed information session, there was a “briefing” for councillors on the results of SDRC’s employment engagement survey which was conducted in July last year.
A council spokesperson said that the survey “aimed to capture staff sentiment across a range of workplace themes, including leadership, communication and organisational culture.”
“One of the key findings shared during the councillor information session was that staff rated the impact and effectiveness of the former executive team at 54%”, the spokesperson continued.
The significance of this 54% figure is unclear because without access to this or any other employment satisfaction surveys, The Town & Country Journal cannot determine whether this is an improvement, a decline, or indication of a plateau in employee sentiment. There is no context.
Council did not provide the complete results to our newspaper of the survey.
Council released no other data, however, the SDRC says that CEO Rachel Brophy “acknowledged the result and reaffirmed the organisation’s focus on building high-performing leadership team that fosters trust, collaboration and accountability. Ongoing engagement with staff remains a priority, with further initiatives planned to strengthen internal communication and support a positive workplace culture.”
