$2 bn announcement will help disadvantaged in Qld.

The Prime Minister’s announcement today that the Federal Government will fund the outcome of the national Equal Pay case is good news for disadvantaged Queenslanders, says the Queensland Council of Social Service.

“A guarantee by the Federal Government to fund its share of pay rises for community service workers is something we have been lobbying for since before the Queensland Pay Equity Decision in 2009 and is more than welcome,” says QCOSS President Karyn Walsh.

“It will have a direct impact on the quality of services for the most vulnerable in our community such as people who are homeless, those living with a disability or a mental health issue, and many others who receive help from the community services sector.”

QCOSS Director Mark Henley says it is important that the $2 billion announced over six years is implemented through a transparent framework that ensures funding is distributed fairly and equitably. “It is very important that organisations don’t miss out and find themselves facing large pay increases without support as this can only be of detriment to the community,” he says.

“The Queensland Government led the way in 2009 by committing $414 million over three years in supplementary funding following the 2009 decision. We welcome the Federal Government’s decision to do the same at a national level.”

The Equal Pay case is considering an average 20 per cent wage rise across a sector with a predominantly female workforce which has been underpaid for many years. “All in the sector recognise the urgent need for this inequity to be rectified,” says Mark. “With its announcement today the Federal Government has recognised that this cannot be done at the expense of Australia’s most vulnerable people who rely on the sector for support.”

For 50 years QCOSS has strived to promote social justice through working to eliminate inequality and disadvantage. The Queensland Council of Social Service represents 650 organisations and individuals throughout the state.

Mark Henley 0448 075 087, Karyn Walsh 0413 619 785

Mark Jeffery 0419 732 583, Ian Wynne 0414 643 122

Jenny Whitworth 0417 779 819