Government action needed on pay equity crisis
MEDIA RELEASE
September 20, 2011
Government action needed on pay equity crisis
There are only two weeks to go before the October 1 deadline when hundreds of Queensland community service organisations face significant salary increases and back-pay obligations due to the new Federal Government Regulation. It is time for the Federal and State Governments to respond to ensure there are no job losses or cuts in services to some of the most vulnerable people in Queensland, says the Queensland Council of Social Service.
“The new Federal Government Regulation requires 316 organisations to pay the new rates. We welcome the Regulation addressing the payment of fair wages to workers in the sector. It provides the basis for quality services and a more sustainable workforce. However with back-pay required from January 1, 2010 and an implementation date of October 1, a host of organisations are telling us they simply do not have the financial capacity to afford these massive bills unless there is appropriate government funding,” says QCOSS Director Mark Henley.
It is critical the Federal Government extends the October 1, 2011 deadline and reviews the back-pay requirements as these timeframes are now unrealistic.
QCOSS President, Karyn Walsh, says the Federal and State Governments should urgently put in place arrangements that will enable the sector to maintain appropriate levels of service to Queenslanders.
“This sort of uncertainty could not have come at a worse time when there is increased demand for services in the wake of last summer’s natural disasters. Funding for service delivery is an issue for all 1200 organisations in the community sector, not just the 316 organisations listed in the Regulation.
“We are committed to working in partnership with government to look at what can be done now to ease the funding crisis – as well as what needs to happen for the future viability of our vital sector.
“In the meantime, our key message is that the community sector is very resilient and will work very hard to ensure quality services continue to be provided across the state but this current situation is one that our sector has not faced previously,” says Karyn.
QCOSS, in conjunction with Jobs Australia and National Disability Services Queensland, is currently holding industrial relations forums to make organisations aware of their obligations and help them through the current crisis. They can call 1800 7295 4637 or email paylineq@ja.com.au for help, or visit www.communitydoor.org.au/pay-equity-regulation for detailed information.
Mark Henley 0448 075 087, Karyn Walsh 0413 619 785
Jenny Whitworth 0417 779 819
