Tasmania pledges community sector funding
Some of Tasmania’s lowest paid workers have been assured of their wage increases after the Tasmanian Government announced it will commit a further $7.04 million to cover the initiative.
Premier Lara Giddings said that the funding will fully implement Fair Work Australia’s decision to roll out a full wage increase for community workers around the country.
The State Government will provide an additional $7.04 million over and above the provision made in the 2012-13 Budget, taking the total funding commitment to $37.04 million across the forward estimates.
The Commonwealth has also agreed to contribute $7.5 million over four years to assist with implementing the wage claim.
"This funding will directly benefit more than 9000 Tasmanian workers and will also ensure that our most vulnerable citizens continue to receive the high quality care and support they deserve," Ms Giddings said.
"For too long workers in the community sector, predominantly women, have been disadvantaged by low wages and the stress of struggling to make ends meet.
"I personally supported the wage case because I fundamentally believe community sector workers should receive fair recognition for the vital services they provide to our most vulnerable people.”