Sub-Minimum wage
Council Meeting 25 June 2024 |
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
ABC 31 July 2024:
'Government reveals response to disability RC
Advocates say the reply needs to be a comprehensive one.
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...
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