Equal pay agreement reached

The finalisation of a funding partnership between state and federal governments on community sector wage increases has been welcomed by Victoria’s child and family services peak body.

Following Fair Work Australia’s landmark ruling on the ASU’s equal remuneration application for the social and community services industry, a dispute between state and federal governments has seen the Commonwealth unable to reach agreement on its contribution towards increased wage costs.

The completion of this funding partnership represents the culmination of an 18 month negotiation between state and federal community ministers.

‘We congratulate ministers Mary Wooldridge and Julie Collins on their perseverance through these protracted negotiations’, said Deb Tsorbaris, CEO of the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare.

‘This announcement will assist our community sector organisations to pay their workers these statutory wage increases, and continue to deliver vital services to vulnerable children and families into the future’.

‘These improvements to wages also offer deserved recognition for the crucial role played by community sector workers; in particular the largely female workforce… this long-overdue increase will improve our sector’s capacity to recruit and retain workers, which is a fantastic outcome for families and kids doing it tough’.

Delivery of the Commonwealth funding announced in the new deal will commence in September 2013.

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