The $245.6 million scheme will transform casual and contract work in Victoria by providing vulnerable workers the safety net they need to take time off when they are sick or need to care for loved ones.
Being a casual or contract worker means not knowing when your next shift is, or working three jobs just to earn enough, with about one in five casual and contract workers working more than one job – many without access to sick or carer's leave.
The Andrews Labor Government has introduced the Sick Pay Guarantee, giving casual and contract workers up to five days of sick and carer’s pay at the national minimum wage, so thousands of workers in industries such as hospitality, aged care, security and retail, can get the cover they need to recover.
Member for Northern Victoria, Mark Gepp MP today encouraged eligible workers across Northern Victoria to register for the two-year pilot program; it is anticipated that more than 150,000 workers will be eligible in this first phase.
Occupations included in the first phase include hospitality workers, food trades workers and preparation assistants such as chefs and kitchen hands, supermarket and supply chain workers, retail and sales assistants, aged and disability care workers, cleaners and laundry workers and security guards.
The Labor Government is fully funding the scheme over the first two years, which is expected to demonstrate a reduction in workplace injuries and illness, general productivity improvements from healthier workers, and lower staff turnover rates.
The Government will also administer the program directly to workers, minimising the impost on businesses so they can focus on economic recovery.
The Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee builds on the temporary measures implemented during the pandemic, including the COVID-19 Worker Support Payment (now the Australian Government’s Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment) and the COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment.
Member for Northern Victoria, Mark Gepp said when people didn’t have savings to fall back on, they were forced to make the choice between the safety of their co-workers and community, or paying their bills.
“No worker should be forced to make that decision, so we’re making sure they don’t have to.
“Insecure work is toxic – not just in Victoria but across Australia. We’re leading the way with this nation-first trial to improve the lives of thousands of Victorians,” Mr Gepp said.
To find out more including eligibility, visit: www.vic.gov.au/sick-pay-guarantee.
To sign-up to the scheme and to apply for a payment, go to: www.service.vic.gov.au.
