Equal Pay Group Announced

The membership of the new national consultative group, established to examine how to manage the implications of the historic equal pay test case, has been announced.

Parliamentary Secretary for Workplace Relations Senator Jacinta Collins will chair the ‘Community Sector Wages Group’ which will include representatives from the federal, state and territory governments, the social and community services (SACS) providers, and unions.

Senator Collins says the group will assess the potential implications of pay increases which may be awarded by Fair Work Australia, taking into account the need to ensure a sustainable and effective social and community services sector.

The test case was launched by the Australian Services Union and others, on behalf of SACS workers, in March 2010. The Full Bench of Fair Work Australia held final hearings this month and awaits some further submissions as it considers its decision.

Community Sector Wages Group membership:
Chair: Senator Jacinta Collins
Department of Families, Housing,Community Services and Indigenous Affairs -one member
States and Territories – One member from each jurisdiction
SACS Providers
ACOSS – Dr Cassandra Goldie, Chief Executive Officer
Uniting Care – Lin Hatfield Dodds, National Director
Centacare Brisbane -Peter Selwood, Executive Director
National Disability Services – Patrick Maher, Chief Operating Officer
Jobs Australia – David Thompson, Chief Executive Officer
Unions
Australian Council of Trade Unions (one member each)
ASU National
ASU NSW
United Voice
Health Services Union

View the unions' final submission to the Fair Work Tribunal here http://www.fwa.gov.au/sites/remuneration/submissions/ASU_Submission_28-F