Burwood electorate
Mr FOWLES (Burwood) (14:44): (6399) My question is for the Minister for Workplace Safety in the other place. Will the minister please advise how the Victorian sick pay guarantee will benefit my electorate of Burwood? The Victorian sick pay guarantee gives vulnerable workers a safety net of five days paid sick leave. Eligible occupations include some of the most insecure, such as 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. Across Victoria’s workforce there are approximately a million casual and contract workers, and among these workers we see an over-representation of women, young people, temporary residents and migrants. These are our most vulnerable Victorians, working in some of the most insecure occupations. 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, and I look forward to the minister’s response.