Workers who care for our community’s most vulnerable and marginalised are guaranteed pay rises for the next four years under the Andrews Labor Government’s first Budget.
The Victorian Budget 2015-16 includes an additional $935 million so that pay increases to workers employed in the non-government social and community services sector would go ahead without impacting on services.
The mostly female workforce is employed across the community sector in areas such as caring for people with disabilities, the homeless and children who cannot live with their immediate families because of abuse or neglect.
Fair Work Australia’s Equal Remuneration Order, handed down in 2012, ordered pay increases for the traditionally underpaid workers in the non-government social and community services sector.
The funding will compensate non-government organisations for the Fair Work Australia ordered wage increases to ensure the sector can maintain services to their clients.
Fair Work Australia’s decision allowed for pay increases ranging from 19 to 41 per cent to bring workers employed in the non-government social and community services sector into line with public sector workers.
Fair Work Australia also found that a gender gap had opened up between the pay rates of workers in the government and non-government sectors.
The Andrews Labor Government is proud to be supporting a fair go for a workforce that contributes so much to the people of Victoria.
By funding these wage increases, the Labor Government is demonstrating its commitment to pay equity for workers and funding certainty for community sector organisations.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children, Jenny Mikakos
“This new money ensures traditionally low-paid, under-valued workers will receive the wage rises they deserve.”
“We value our community sector workers and are proud to support them.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing, Martin Foley
“The Andrews Labor Government has always believed in a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.”
“This emotional and taxing labour is fundamental to the value of our society. This announcement provides greater equity and certainty for thousands of community sector workers.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020