$30 m back pay brings some certainty to community services sector
Today’s announcement of $30 million to provide back pay for federally funded Queensland community services will bring relief to some organisations over how to fund wage increases resulting from the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission’s 2009 pay Equity decision, says the Queensland Council of Social Service.
In releasing its Redrafted Fair Work Regulations (which give force to the Queensland decision), the Federal Government today said the money would cover back pay from 27 March 2011 to 1 March 2012 and would also cover organisations that receive federal funding via state grants.
QCOSS President Karyn Walsh says “while I welcome the new regulations we must remember that the situation in Queensland is very different to the outcome of the national Pay Equity Case last week in which organisations were given eight years to phase in the new wage structures. The result is the same in terms of eventual pay outcomes but in Queensland we have not had the benefit of such a lengthy phasing in period. We must address the sustainability issues facing some organisations as a result of this unique situation.”
QCOSS CEO Mark Henley says it is critical that the state and federal governments establish a joint taskforce and sustainability fund to assist organisations that are experiencing difficulties to ensure they remain viable and able to continue delivering services.
“My biggest concern is that we don’t lose sight of the overall benefits these pay equity decisions bring to the sector in terms of recognition for work done and the ability to attract and retain quality staff. While we have had uncertainty and in some cases even viability issues, the new wage structures are an essential foundation on which to build our future,” says Mark.
For 50 years QCOSS has strived to promote social justice through working to eliminate inequality, disadvantage and poverty. The Queensland Council of Social Service is an independent not for profit peak body representing 650 community 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
