Queensland VMOs have voted in support of a minimum 8% wage increase over three years, while Victorian specialist health workers win a 28% pay rise after ‘unprecedented’ campaign.
Health professionals in Queensland and Victoria have won pay rises and better working conditions following months of negotiations with their state governments.
More than 500 visiting medical officers (VMOs) working in Queensland’s metropolitan and regional hospitals will get a wage increase of 8.5% over three years, with the potential of up to 10.5% through CPI uplift adjustments.
Wage increases will be backdated to 1 July 2026, the Australian Salaried Medical Officers’ Federation Queensland (ASMOFQ) said.
More than 91% of Queensland VMOs voted in support of the offer, the union said.
The new enterprise agreement also includes:
- A one-off 3% increase to professional development allowance rates
- The expansion of clinical managers and medical managers allowances
- Clarification of digital recall
- A review of the VMO Employment Framework over the life of VMO2
- Clauses regarding confidential and safe workspaces
The wage increase comes after four months of negotiations between Queensland Health, ASMOFQ and Together Queensland.
ASMOFQ president Dr Hau Tan said the ballot result showed that VMOs were in strong support of the negotiated package.
“Visiting medical officers make an important contribution to Queensland Health, providing specialist services across metropolitan, regional and rural communities” Dr Tan said.
“These improvements required considerable work behind the scenes by ASMOFQ representatives, members and staff throughout the negotiations.”
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls welcomed the positive outcome and thanked all parties for their “constructive approach to negotiations”.
“This is an exciting milestone, with more than 500 doctors set to benefit from the increased wages and enhanced conditions in this agreement,” Mr Nicholls said.
Pay rise for Victorian allied health workers
Meanwhile, thousands of Victorian health workers won a pay rise and better working conditions last week following 18 months of “unprecedented” negotiations with the state government, bringing an immediate end to ongoing industrial action.
Psychologists, audiologists and hospital pharmacists are among the professions that were awarded better pay, a one-off $1500 payment and funding for professional development in Victoria.
Health Services Union Vic. No. 4 said members voted overwhelmingly in favour of the government’s latest offer, with almost 90% voting in support.
The agreement covers the eight specialised health professions represented by the Health Services Union Vic. No. 4 branch: medical scientists, hospital pharmacists, psychologists, dietitians, medical physicists, genetic counsellors, perfusionists and audiologists.
The agreement includes:
- A 28% pay rise over 3.5 years
- A one-off payment of $1500
- $3500 per worker each year for professional development
- Better classification structures and clearer career progression
- Five days of paid reproductive health leave each year
- A range of other improved conditions.
HSU Vic. No. 4 branch secretary Conor Serong said the scale of the industrial action campaign had been “unprecedented”.
“This historic outcome reflects that,” Mr Serong said.
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“Our members have been resolute in demanding a fair deal that respects the value of their work.
“This is a huge victory, not only for health professionals, but every Victorian accessing the world-class healthcare our members provide.”
Mr Serong gave credit to the premier and the health minister for taking action.
“While these negotiations should not have taken 18 months, Premier Ben Carroll and Health Minister Ingrid Stitt moved quickly to make us a new offer once they were in their new roles.
“With a meaningful pay rise and significant improvements to career progression, our
members were finally presented with an offer that respects their work.”
Victorian Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said: “We’re proud to deliver our workforce better pay and improved conditions – it is what they deserve.
“This deal is a win for all Victorians who rely on their expertise and dedication every day.”