The ACT Government will help protect local jobs in the community services sector at a time when these jobs are most needed.

The end of the 2020-21 financial year will see Commonwealth supplementary funding cease for community sector employees under the historic Equal Remuneration Order (ERO), meaning these jobs would be under-funded or lost without intervention.

To help prevent significant job losses or retraction in services, the ACT Government will commit to providing the equivalent funding in current and future contracts. This $9 million will allow our vital community organisations to focus on supporting Canberrans most in need.

 “With this announcement today, we want every worker and community partner to know the ACT Government is committed to maintaining the pay levels set out in the ERO. This will provide certainty to the sector and allow them to get on with the job of supporting our community,” said Minister for Community Services and Facilities, Suzanne Orr.

“Contracts that are due to expire in June 2021 will be extended until June 2022 to enable a strategic, collaborative and measured approach to service re-design, service delivery outcomes and design of procurement and re-tendering processes that are fit for purpose”.

CEO of ACTCOSS Dr. Emma Campbell said the announcement provided welcome relief for the community sector.

“The community sector has been working overtime during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect members of our community, while keeping essential services running.

The last six months has shown just how vital community organisations are and this funding will see these organisations continue their critical work while ensuring that our female dominated workforce is appropriately valued and paid a decent wage.”

For more information on how the ACT Government is supporting the community sector, visit this link: https://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/

Statement ends