Bayswater electorate
Mr TAYLOR (Bayswater) (12:56): (6333) My constituency question is to the Minister for Workplace Safety. My question is: what do the benefits of the Labor government’s sick pay guarantee mean for my local community in the Bayswater district? Nobody, no matter their situation, no matter where they live, no matter their employment status, should have to weigh up going to work sick and risking their health and putting food on the table. I have had conversations with locals who have let me know they have faced this exact same situation, particularly over the past two years. Nobody should be forced into making this choice. That is why I am so proud of the Andrews Labor government’s sick pay guarantee, a true Labor reform and an Australian first. The $245.6 million pilot will look to give eligible casual and contract workers, including hospital workers, retail employees, disability care workers and cleaners, five days of sick pay per year. It will mean they will not have to make the choice between their health and a day’s pay. I spoke with local businesses too that say this is a great reform and are appreciative that the government will be doing the back-end administration work, taking one more thing off their hands. It will mean staff can concentrate on getting well and they can concentrate on growing their business. It is a win-win. I am looking forward to welcoming the minister down to our community soon to speak with a local business about exactly this.