The state government's legislation that sets out to freeze public sector salaries was this morning tabled in parliament.
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The Crown Employers (Salaries) Bill 2014 will apply a wage pause to public servants for one year.
It is expected the legislation will be debated on Thursday.
The wage pause was a signature savings strategy that came out of last week's state budget, and if passed, allows the government to save $50 million.
Treasurer Peter Gutwein says it is the equivalent of 500 public sector jobs.
''Without the wage pause, these 500 positions would have to go,'' Mr Gutwein told parliament.
The legislation will:
- Apply a fixed 12-month pause commencing at the next scheduled pay rise for public sector employees;
- Pause salary increments from the date of commencement for 12 months
- Implement a default increase of 2 per cent annually following the wage pause
- Enable regulation to vary away from the 2 per cent increase so government can deliver higher wages outcomes where the state’s finances can support it.
Opposition Leader Bryan Green has begun responding to the state budget.
The budget will continue be debated this afternoon, and the government's forest policy is expected to be debated and passed with amendments tonight.
