Health minister Tony RyallMonday 12 September 2011, 3:54PM
Media release from health minister Tony Ryall
The Government will contribute $90 million towards phasing in the
minimum wage for disability support workers on overnight sleepover
shifts.
Health Minister Tony Ryall says "Cabinet this morning agreed to
provide $90 million towards phasing in minimum wage rates by July
2013, and $27.5 million towards the back pay liabilities of the
providers."
IHC and other providers are also putting in money.
"People with disabilities and their families can be assured that
providing quality support remains a priority for this Government,"
says Mr Ryall.
The Health Minister says the sleepover agreement is a fair
one.
The employers, the union and the Crown have agreed to seek to
discontinue litigation currently in front of the Supreme
Court.
The government will also introduce legislation to Parliament before
it rises to secure the agreement.
The Agreement:
The Government will fund employers to pay 50% of the current
minimum hourly wage to workers for sleepovers from 1 July 2011, and
then 75% from 1 July 2012, then 100% from 1 July 2013.
The Government will also contribute $27.5 million for back pay
which will be paid at 50% of the appropriate minimum wage for the
period 1 July 2005 - 30 June 2011 to past and present employees in
respect of all claims lodged to 2 September 2011.