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Sick Pay Guarantee pilot expands

The Victorian Government pilot scheme enabling casual, contract, self-employed workers access to sick and carer’s pay has been expanded and now includes more occupations.

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Originally starting last year, the program will now run for three years until 13 March 2025, fully funded by the Victorian Government.

The expansion now captures more than 400 jobs, including community support workers, taxi and rideshare drivers, arts workers, childcare and early childhood workers, fitness instructors, tourism and outdoor recreation workers, factory workers, fruit pickers and hairdressers.

The scheme allows up to 38 hours a year of sick and carer’s pay. Eligibility requirements include:

  • 15 years or older
  • Physically work in Victoria
  • Have the right to work in Australia
  • Work an average of 7.6 hours per week or more in an eligible job.
  • Don’t have access to paid sick and carer’s leave entitlements at any job.

Newly eligible workers can apply for sick and carer’s pay from the day they sign up, and workers who were eligible in the first phase of the pilot will have an additional year of the pilot.

Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra said: “As the Victorian Chamber has previously stated, casual and contract workers have their sick and care leave entitlements factored into their higher take home pay.

“This scheme unfairly benefits casual workers to the detriment of part- and full-time workers.

“Interestingly, the guarantee has been under-utilised, supporting our position that it is not needed.

“This scheme is an extension of the pilot, and the Victorian Chamber encourages the State Government to rule out another levy on business to fund it into the future.”

The scheme funding is valued at $245.7 million. More information for individuals and business is available via the Sick Pay Guarantee.

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