Long-service for 45,000 Qld workers

BUSINESSES will be slugged a levy to fund new long-service leave entitlements for 45,000 community service workers who will qualify for twomonths’ holiday, even if they change jobs.

The Palaszczuk Government is poised to set up the scheme that will allow respite, disability, drug and alcohol, homelessness, domestic violence, child safety, mental health and other community service workers to take 8.6 weeks leave after 10 years and a further 4.3 weeks after another five years.

Set to begin on July 1 – just months before the October election – the move follows a fierce campaign from unions, who argue the low pay, casualisation and work insecurity in the industry means workers can’t stay in the same jobs long term even if they want to.

But it’s angered some businesses that will need to cough up for the entitlement, and give workers substantial leave even if they’ve only been with them a short time.

Costing $1 million in the first year to set up, and $800,000 each year after that, the QLeave entitlements will be funded by a levy on a worker’s ordinary wage calculated at about 1.35 per cent.

It will mirror similar schemes enjoyed by construction workers and cleaners in Queensland and community service workers interstate.

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said community service workers were missing out now because of the structure of the industry, not for a lack of dedication.

“These are workers who are on the front line day in and day out, supporting and advocating for some of our most vulnerable Queenslanders,” she said.

Some employers raised objections with the bipartisan parliamentary committee that has recommended the laws be passed. A not-for-profit that provides education services to far north Queensland youths, called Vocational Partnerships Group, asked: “Why would a community agency hire a candidate who may exercise their right to an extended period of absence within weeks/months of their employment?”

It is supported by peak business group CCIQ, which called it “reasonable” given the transient nature of the sector.

The scheme will not be retrospective. Workers will have access to the entitlement after seven years.

THESE ARE WORKERS WHO ARE ON THE FRONT LINE DAY IN AND DAY OUT, SUPPORTING AND ADVOCATING FOR SOME OF OUR MOST VULNERABLE QUEENSLANDERS

GRACE GRACE