Earn
Casual workers eligible for sick pay under new Victorian scheme
More than 150,000 Victorian workers will now be able to access sick leave.

Casual workers eligible for sick pay under new Victorian scheme
Casual and contract workers in Victoria within certain industries will now receive up to five days of paid sick or carer’s leave each year as part of a new $245.6 million scheme.
Launched by the Victorian government as a two-year pilot program, the ‘Australian-first’ scheme will provide payments directly to eligible workers at the national minimum wage, currently $20.33 per hour.
“When people have nothing to fall back on, they make a choice between the safety of their workmates and feeding their family. The ultimate decision they make isn’t wrong – what's wrong is they're forced to make it at all,” said Premier Daniel Andrews.
“The last two years have shown just how difficult that choice can be for casual workers – so we’re doing what we can to make sure it’s a choice they don’t have to make.”
Over 150,000 workers are expected to be eligible for the scheme initially within industries such as hospitality, retail, aged care, cleaning and security.
About one in five casual and contract workers currently hold more than one job to earn a living according to the state government and many do not have access to sick and carer’s pay.
The new scheme is expected by the government to result in a reduction in workplace injuries and illness alongside general productivity improvements from healthier workers as well as lower staff turnover rates.
“We need every worker for the recovery of our economy – the best way to do that is through secure work,” said Minister for Workplace Safety Ingrid Stitt.
“This scheme will protect more Victorians and give them the support they need when they’re sick or caring for a loved one.”
Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Paul Guerra said that the $245.6 million in funding for the pilot program was not necessary.
“While paid leave to isolate was necessary and sensible during this pandemic to prevent the spread of COVID-19, this is no longer a significant issue as the pandemic impact is subsiding,” he said.
“Now is not the time for another cost to taxpayers when casual workers already have additional loading catered for in their hourly wage. There should be no expectation this trial should continue beyond the stated two years.”
Workers can check whether they are eligible for the new scheme or apply for a payment via the Victorian government’s website.

Earn
Most voters believe JobSeeker rate should be lifted
Nearly half of Aussies said they would likely vote for a candidate who promised to lift the JobSeeker payment above the poverty line. ...Read more

Earn
Should Australia’s minimum wage be lifted?
With the cost of living being a central focus of this election campaign, both major parties are in disagreement over wage increases. ...Read more

Earn
New research claims over 300,000 Australian households have 'no financial safety net'
New research has been released. ...Read more

Earn
Are property investors pushing prices higher?
The average price for investment properties was found to be nearly $170,000 below the mean national property price. ...Read more

Earn
Almost a quarter of full-time workers are considering leaving their current job
Younger workers are the most likely to be thinking about quitting. ...Read more

Earn
Young people are leading the great resignation
Almost a third of Gen Z and Millennial workers are actively seeking a new role. ...Read more

Earn
Women earn up to 37% less than men in the gig economy
A report commissioned by the Victorian government has examined inequality in the on-demand economy. ...Read more

Earn
Why energy stocks are becoming more attractive
The latest market correction has provided an opportunity to benefit from high-risk segments like energy, an expert has said. ...Read more

Wrapping up an eventful 2021
Listen now

What Omicron means for property, and are units right for first-time buyers? What is equity crowdfunding? Are industry super funds tapping into member funds to save their skins?
Listen now

Will housing affordability improve in 2022? Will buy now, pay later become the norm? Why are Aussies staying in failing super products?
Listen now

Who really benefits from crypto ETFs? How will the RBA respond to rising inflation? Could a mandate help address unpaid super?
Listen now

Earn
Most voters believe JobSeeker rate should be lifted
Nearly half of Aussies said they would likely vote for a candidate who promised to lift the JobSeeker payment above the poverty line. ...Read more

Earn
Should Australia’s minimum wage be lifted?
With the cost of living being a central focus of this election campaign, both major parties are in disagreement over wage increases. ...Read more

Earn
New research claims over 300,000 Australian households have 'no financial safety net'
New research has been released. ...Read more

Earn
Are property investors pushing prices higher?
The average price for investment properties was found to be nearly $170,000 below the mean national property price. ...Read more

Earn
Almost a quarter of full-time workers are considering leaving their current job
Younger workers are the most likely to be thinking about quitting. ...Read more

Earn
Young people are leading the great resignation
Almost a third of Gen Z and Millennial workers are actively seeking a new role. ...Read more

Earn
Women earn up to 37% less than men in the gig economy
A report commissioned by the Victorian government has examined inequality in the on-demand economy. ...Read more

Earn
Why energy stocks are becoming more attractive
The latest market correction has provided an opportunity to benefit from high-risk segments like energy, an expert has said. ...Read more