Tuesday, 31 October 2023

Constituency questions

Southern Metropolitan Region

John BERGER (Southern Metropolitan) (12:55): (494) My question is for the Minister for Employment in the other place Minister Ward – and congratulations on your elevation, Minister. As you would know, the Allan Labor government is increasing the number of jobs covered by our landmark, nation-leading Victorian sick pay guarantee, and I have got good news: we are extending the pilot program until March 2025, ensuring more casual workers can access sick and carers pay. It is part of our $245.7 million initiative to reduce workplace illness and injuries. As a former union secretary, I know the incentive system is lopsided and hedged against the employee in the casual system, so we must do our part. Since the pilot launched in March last year more than 76,000 workers have signed up, but we know that there is always more work to be done. That is why my question to the minister is this: how can my constituents of Southern Metro Region apply to benefit from the Allan Labor government’s sick pay guarantee?