Over 400 more jobs covered in Australian-first programme
More casual and contract workers in Victoria are now eligible for the Sick Pay Guarantee scheme as the government expanded its coverage to include over 400 more jobs.
Employment Minister Ben Carroll announced over the weekend that the expansion will provide thousands more people in casual and contract jobs the opportunity to access up to 38 hours of sick and carer's pay a year.
The expanded list of eligible workers now includes those in the following jobs:
- Food, hospitality and accommodation
- Retail and sales
- Supermarkets and supermarket supply chains
- Factories, manufacturing, and warehousing
- Administration, clerical, and call centres
- Cleaning and laundry
- Beauty, fitness, and personal services
- Taxi, rideshare, and delivery driving
- Security
- Carers, aides, and social assistance
- Health and welfare support
- Farm, agriculture, and animal care
- Forestry, horticulture, and gardening
- Tourism and outdoor recreation
- Arts and creative industries
The Australian-first scheme, originally a two-year pilot, is also extended until March 13, 2025.
"People shouldn't be forced to choose between going to work sick or putting food on the table – we're proud to be expanding the Sick Pay Guarantee, because we know how important it is to support Victorians," the minister said in a statement.
Sick Pay Guarantee Scheme
Victoria's Sick Pay Guarantee scheme was launched in March 2022 to grant casual and contract workers up to five days of sick or carer's pay.
It focuses on the industries that have the highest rates of casual and contract workers who don't have access to sick pay and have unpredictable work hours, according to the Victoria government.
It added that the scheme aims to support industries where people who are more likely to experience hardships are overrepresented.
"Insecure work has terrible consequences, and we know how important it is for people to have the support and certainly they need to stay home and recover if they are sick or caring for a loved one," Carroll said.
The government allocated $245.7 million to the Australian-first initiative, which also aims to reduce workplace illnesses and injuries, as well as keep business safer and more productive.
According to government data, more than 76,000 casual and contract workers have signed up for the programme, with the scheme covering over 1.8 million hours of sick and carer's pay.
