The Victorian State Government has announced a new pilot program to provide casual workers with up to five paid days of sick leave a year.
Workers are now able to register for the Australian-first two-year $245.6 million scheme, with an estimated 150,000 people eligible for the first phase.
Occupations eligible include hospitality, food trades, preparation assistants like chefs and kitchen hands, supermarket and supply chain, retail and sales assistants, aged and disability care, cleaners, security guards and laundry workers.
Premier Daniel Andrews said when people have nothing to fall back on, they make a choice between the safety of their workmates and feeding their families.
“The ultimate decision they make isn’t wrong, what’s wrong is they’re forced to make it at all,” he said.
“The last two years have shown just how difficult that choice can be for casual workers, so we’re doing what we can to make sure it’s a choice they don’t have to make.”
The State Government is fully funding the scheme over the two-year pilot period and hopes it will demonstrate a reduction in workplace injuries and illness, an increase in productivity and lower staff turnover.
They will also administer the program directly to workers to minimise the impact on businesses.
Minister for Workplace Safety Ingrid Stitt said Victoria needs every worker for the recovery of the economy.
“The best way to do that is through secure work,” she said.
“This scheme will protect more Victorians and give them the support they need when they’re sick or caring for a loved one.”
Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra said the Victorian Chamber does not consider the program necessary.
“While paid leave to isolate was necessary and sensible during this pandemic to prevent the spread of Covid-19, this is no longer a significant issue as the pandemic impact is subsiding,” he said.
“Now is not the time for another cost to taxpayers when casual workers already have additional loading catered for in their hourly wage. There should be no expectation this trial should continue beyond the stated two years.”
More information can be found at vic.gov.au/sick-pay-guarantee eligible people can apply for the payment at service.vic.gov.au.
