Victorian state government details impact of sick pay guarantee laws

The outcome of one state’s ambitious plans to allow casual workers to have a form of paid sick leave has been revealed.

The results of Victoria’s ambitious plan to allow casual workers to have a form of paid sick leave have been revealed, one year after the pilot’s launch.

Multicultural Affairs Minister Colin Brooks announced on Tuesday morning that 60,000 Victorians in casual jobs had signed up to the sick pay guarantee scheme since last Labour Day.

This has totalled more one million hours of sick and carers’ pay to casual and contract workers at a cost of $22m across 93,000 claims.

“Casual and contract workers are telling us that when given a choice – a proper choice – they will choose to stay home and recover when they’re sick,” he said.

“We’ve already supported workers when they need it most – with more than one million hours of sick and carers’ pay. This scheme is protecting more and more Victorians and giving them the support they need when they’re sick or caring for a loved one.”

Multicultural Affairs Minister Colin Brooks said 60,000 Victorians in casual jobs had signed up to the sick pay guarantee scheme. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

Marcus Maisano signed up for scheme earlier this year and has already been paid for two sick days taken off work.

“My employer was very happy to assist me,” he said.

“Obviously, they were a little bit put out that they had to find a new staff member to take on that shift, but they were easygoing about it – it was quite easy.

“It gives me that peace of mind to not feel that financial stress, thinking, ‘I’m going to have to lose a shift at work, what am I going to do to make up that time or make up that possible earnings’?”

Eligible casual and contract workers without sick leave entitlements can access up to 38 hours a year of sick and carers’ pay through the program, paid at the national minimum wage.

The guarantee aims to reduce workplace illnesses and keep businesses safer and more productive.

More than 41 per cent of workers surveyed said they would have gone to work unwell if they had not registered for the scheme.

Workers who are eligible to sign up include casual and contract retail assistants, hospitality workers, aged care and disability care workers, supermarket and supermarket supply chain workers, cleaners, laundry workers, security guards, food preparation workers, bakers, fast-food workers and kitchen hands.

The $245.7m pilot is government funded until March 2024.

Originally published as Victorian state government details impact of sick pay guarantee laws