Australia invests $630m in wage rises for care sector workers
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 19:31 · Archive
The Australian federal government will invest $630 million to ensure workers in health, disability and community service sectors receive fairer pay, with the money directed to more than 128,000 charities and not-for-profit organisations that deliver government programs. The move follows a Fair Work Commission finding that these industries have been undervalued because of gender-based assumptions, and the commission has announced changes to five priority awards.
The funding will also benefit government-funded workers in housing, youth services and community development. Community and disability workers filed a claim with the Fair Work Commission in June seeking up to a 35 per cent pay rise for 300,000 Australian workers, arguing they are undervalued and overworked.
Emeline Gaske, secretary of the Australian Services Union, said in June that the workforce, primarily made up of women, had been underpaid for decades. 'As the sector continues to grow and demand for workers is surging, we cannot afford to lose workers because pay is failing to keep up with the cost of living,' she said. Community lawyer Agata Nabaglo said: 'I won't be able to provide for my family and likely I will need to leave the sector if things don't change.'
How it is being reported
- Payday looms for undervalued Aussie workersThe federal government has announced a substantial payout to workers in the health, disability and community service sectors.The West Australian · 12 Oct, 19:02
- Payday looms for undervalued Aussie workersThe federal government has announced a substantial payout to workers in the health, disability and community service sectors.Perth Now · 12 Oct, 19:02
In this story: Australian federal government · Fair Work Commission · Australian Services Union · Emeline Gaske · Katy Gallagher · Agata Nabaglo · Australia
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