Federal government puts $630 million into pay for undervalued workers
The money will go to more than 128,000 charities and not-for-profit groups.
The federal government will spend $630 million on fairer pay. This money is for workers in health, disability and community services.
The Fair Work Commission is Australia's workplace pay umpire. It found these industries were undervalued because of assumptions based on gender.
The commission also announced changes to five priority awards. Awards are the industry rules that set minimum pay.
The money will go to more than 128,000 charities and not-for-profit groups that run government programs. Other workers paid by the government will also benefit.
They work in housing, youth services and community development. In June, community and disability workers asked for pay rises of up to 35 per cent.
Their claim covers 300,000 workers. Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said the move is a clear signal that this work is valued.
Why it mattersThe money aims to keep workers in these jobs. A union warned low pay could mean losing them.
AustraliaHealth, disability and community workers may see higher wages as this funding flows to charities.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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