Wednesday, 17 August 2022

Ministers statements: sick pay guarantee

Ms PULFORD (Western Victoria—Minister for Employment, Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Resources) (12:22): I rise today—in fact I sort of shuffle across the chamber today—to provide an update on a really exciting Australian-first initiative that I have recently taken responsibility for, the sick pay guarantee. Of course I want to acknowledge my wonderful colleague and friend Minister Ingrid Stitt for bringing this amazing program to life. Thank you very much, Minister. What I would like to advise the house is that over 35 000 Victorians have now registered for the pilot.

The pandemic has highlighted, as we are all aware, more than ever the flawed nature of insecure work. Our most vulnerable workers were often forced, and indeed still are often forced, to choose between their health or the health of a loved one and paying rent, putting food on the table or paying their bills. The reality is that without sick pay many people in casual and insecure work will still go to the job sick because they cannot afford to miss a shift, often making themselves sicker and indeed risking the health of others. The sick pay guarantee provides up to 38 hours a year of sick and carers pay to casual and contract workers in certain jobs. It is currently focused on workers in retail and sales, food trades and food prep, aged and disability care, cleaning, laundry and security.

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting Ava, who is a casual retail assistant. She is one of the 35 000 Victorians who have registered. She made a claim after, when cooking with an exploding casserole dish, she injured her hand quite badly. Rather than having to stress, in addition to her injury, about money and putting her health further at risk, she was able to take the time off she needed to heal thanks to the sick pay guarantee, a great outcome for her and for her employer.

I am proud to be part of a government that wants to be doing more to protect our most vulnerable workers. My message to all members today and to anybody else watching is: if you know anyone who is eligible for the sick pay guarantee, register today. Do not wait until you are sick. Make sure you are covered.