The Workforce Council welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment to deliver a $2 billion pay rise to workers in the community services sector.
Executive Director Wallis Westbrook believes the government’s commitment will positively affect the future of the sector.
“This decision will support the recruitment and retention strategies of the Health and Community Services Industries and provide services to the most vulnerable in Queensland,” said Mr Westbrook.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard made the announcement that will affect 150,000 workers, with majority being female and is a significant move towards closing the pay gap between men and women.
The Gillard Government stated that employees in these sectors deserved to be rewarded for their work in such challenging roles.
Employees working closely with the disabled, providing counseling for families, running homeless shelters and working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, have been identified as Australia’s lowest paid workers in the social and community services sector.
Pay increases have been proposed to come into effect in December 2012 and will be gradually implemented over the next six years.
For more information visit the Australian Government website.
