University of Canberra staff approve new pay and superannuation deal

Staff at the University of Canberra have voted to approve a new Enterprise Agreement 2026, which includes a total salary increase of 14.5 per cent across five pay rises. A key feature of the deal is the increase of superannuation contributions for casual staff from 12 per cent to 17 per cent by 2030, a move described by Vice-Chancellor Bill Shorten as a significant investment in the university community.

The agreement also provides casual staff with benefits such as up to 30 weeks of paid parental leave for primary carers, long service leave, and expanded professional development opportunities. It includes provisions for workload consultation, support for Indigenous staff, and guidelines for the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

This announcement follows the discovery of nearly $250,000 in historic underpayments to 255 current and former casual academic staff between July 2019 and December 2025. The university is currently reimbursing affected staff for these errors, which included incorrect pay rates for PhD qualifications and uncompensated unit convener responsibilities. Vice-Chancellor Shorten stated the university aims to treat casual staff with the same level of detail and respect as permanent employees.