Join ACOSS
Support ACOSS in developing sound policy and undertake effective advocacy on the needs of people affected by poverty, disadvantage and inequality, and to build a strong and sustainable community sector.
The campaign for funding
Jump to
The campaign for funding is based upon the following key principles:
- Pay equity across the social service sector, specifically market-based wages.
- Full funding of any pay rises flowing from the equal remuneration case and of market-based wages for the sector.
- Funding for any wage rises and of market-based wages from both government and non-government funding sources.
Better wages are crucial for the sustainability of these vital sectors. The campaign is based on the three key elements of the community sector:
- Services - funding must cover the full cost of services including decent wages to ensure that this vital work is sustained.
- Workers - must be paid decent wages to ensure that the community sector can attract and retain an experienced and effective workforce.
- Clients - depend upon the experience, expertise and support provided by the social and community sector.
Pay equity is critical for service sustainability. Market-based wages are essential for the sustainability of social services, which have been facing growing problems in attracting and retaining staff. Market-based wages are also essential for attracting staff with the skills and experience necessary to ensure the ongoing, effective and efficient delivery of social services to the clients and communities that rely on them.
Objectives of the campaign
- Build support for the principles of the campaign amongst government and opposition parties and the broader community, including commitments for funding where possible.
- Ensure that funding for any pay rises derives from all sources of funding and covers all workers, irrespective of how their position is funded (a key lesson learnt from the Queensland case).
- The need for more systematic engagement with all levels of government and non-government funding sources to maintain wage parity after the resolution of the case.
Campaign Sponsors
The campaign for full funding of decent pay is sponsored by:
