Thursday, 24 March 2022

Sick pay guarantee

Mr FOWLES (Burwood) (09:51): I rise today to highlight a fantastic piece of news for casual workers. The Andrews government has launched a two-year pilot program that will give casual workers in target industries up to five days a year of sick or carers pay at the national minimum wage. Occupations 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, laundry workers and security guards. Throughout the pandemic we have learned that going to work while you are sick can be a disaster for community health. Putting aside the obvious flow-on consequences, the Victorian sick pay guarantee is an important financial safety net for those who need it most. Across Victoria’s workforce there are approximately 1 million casual and contract workers, and these workers are over-represented by women, young people, temporary residents and migrants.

I would like to correct a common misconception regarding pay conditions for casuals. Yes, casual workers are entitled to a loading of around 25 per cent on their hourly rate. This is to compensate them for the lack of some paid leave entitlements as well as the insecure nature of their work. And, no, this loading cannot absorb the financial impact of taking time off work when they are sick or need to care for loved ones. Missing a shift or two can be the difference between food security, paying rent and being able to afford a rapid antigen test under the Morrison government. The Victorian sick pay guarantee is another example of our government’s core values. The Andrews government always has and always will put people first.