Sub-Minimum wage

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Council Meeting

25 June 2024

 

Item No:              C0624(2) Item 34

Subject:              Question on Notice: Subminimum wages           

From:                  Councillor Marghanita Da Cruz  

 

“It's legal for disabled people to be paid as little as $2.90/hr, even though the minimum wage is $23.23/hr. "

The Guardian had an article about the issue in January 2024 https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/jan/28/larry-was-paid-420-an-hour-in-australia-its-not-enough-to-live-on-but-its-completely-legal. 

 

200 national and state organisations, over MPs & Councillors and over 2000 individuals have signed an Abolish Subminimum Wage - Open Letter. 

"Abolish Subminimum Wage - Open Letter


Read this letter in Plain English Sign this letter


We oppose the practice of paying disabled workers subminimum wage. It is unacceptable that in 2024 disabled people living in Australia can be paid as little as $2.90 per hour, while the minimum wage for others is $23.23 per hour.

These practices don’t help disabled people find work. We know from the Disability Royal Commission that Australia has one of the lowest disability employment rates in the OECD. As disabled people and allies, we support transition to fairer, equitable work through more modern and just practices to support disabled people in the workplace, such as supported employment and customised employment.

We acknowledge the international workers’ movement — led by disabled people — to end these archaic practices, which originated in the 1930s, and seek equitable pay. This movement has seen sweeping legislative success across the past decade.

Disabled people demand equal pay for our work. It is time for Australia to abolish subminimum wages.

In solidarity,"

Available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Dj4N8NtD9RKJj7eypPgKkIPggKI2aONCrwBOEzjrEIg/edit?pli=1

Question

Do we have any positions, which are offered in the 'supported wage system'?

Answer

Inner West Council do not have any positions under a supported wage system. All employees are covered under the Local Government (State) Award.

Question

Do we employ any staff under 'the supported wage system'?

Answer

No.

Question

There are at least two Australian Disability Enterprises(ADE) operating in LGA. Are we providing any subsidies (eg rent or peppercorn leases, complementary or discounted room hires in Council venues, rate exemption or discounted rates, and favourable consideration in tender and procurement processes) to any ADEs?

Answer

As of last Council meeting in the newly adopted Procurement Strategy, we have a compulsory 15% weighting on the ESG components, this will benefit the ADEs.

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NSW State Policy

"You can buy from an Australian disability enterprise (ADE) with a single quote and no contract value limits." https://www.info.buy.nsw.gov.au/buyer-guidance/source/select-suppliers/australian-disability-enterprises (viewed11 July 2024)

" M2010-06 Exemption from Procurement Policy for Disability Organisations

Description: This memorandum should be read in conjunction with TC 04/07 Procurement Policy Reform, TPP 04-1 NSW Government Procurement Policy, NSW Government Code of Practice for Procurement and M2006-11 NSW Procurement Reforms." https://arp.nsw.gov.au/m2010-06-exemption-procurement-policy-disability-organisations

ABC 31 July 2024: 

'Government reveals response to disability RC

It's been ten months since the disability royal commission handed down its final report with more than 200 recommendations to put an end to the abuse of people living with disability.
Today the Federal Government is expected to make public its initial response to that wide reaching report.

Advocates say the reply needs to be a comprehensive one.
Today the Federal Government is expected to make public its initial response to that wide reaching report:... https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-31/government-responds-to-disability-royal-commission/104141938

ABC AM RN (31 jULY 2024): Advocates say the reply needs to be a comprehensive one.

Federal government responds to disability royal commission, fully accepting 13 recommendations

  "The federal government has revealed its response to the landmark disability royal commission, but has not committed to a number of the most contentious recommendations, including phasing out special schools, group homes and segregated employment...
Recommendations to phase out segregated employment by 2034 and group homes within 15 years were listed as needing further consideration, as was the co-design of a new complaints mechanism and a new scheme allowing employees with disability to be paid at least half the minimum wage.

Greens senator Jordon Steele-John says the Government needs to action the recommendations made by the Royal Commission. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)" 

Listen to audio at https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/am/government-reveals-response-to-disability-rc/104163026

 
 
 

 

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