The agreement for Salaried Medical Officers delivers a real wage increase above current inflation, as well as substantial additional support to junior doctors and those practicing in rural areas.

The agreement includes:

• A total wage rise of 13%, including increases of 3.5% backdated to April 2025, 3.25% in April 2026, 3.25% in April 2027, and 3% in April 2028.
• A $4,050 base wage increase for trainee medical officers and senior registrars.
• Incentives of up to $39,493 to attract and retain doctors in regional areas.
• An increase in professional development payments for junior doctors in accredited training programs from $8,500 to $10,000, to ensure they can maintain high levels of clinical practice.
• Minimum 10-hour breaks between shifts to help doctors get more time to rest and recharge.
• Formal recognition of Rural Generalists and a boost in their attraction and retention allowances, recognising that their diverse skillsets are essential to meet the wide ranging and often complex health needs in rural and remote communities.

The ballot of employees closed at 5pm Sunday, with 72 per cent of those voting supporting the new agreement.

This ballot followed extensive good faith negotiations between the State Government and the SA Salaried Medical Officers Association (SASMOA), resulting in doctors’ support for a revised Government offer that successfully averted strike action.

This agreement builds on significant investments the Government has already made in the public health system, including 600 new hospital beds and the recruitment of more than 2,700 additional health workers.

This recruitment includes 646 extra doctors above attrition, more than six times the Government’s election commitment to recruit 100 extra doctors.

Now that the agreement has been endorsed by employees, it will be lodged with the South Australian Employment Tribunal for approval.