The Victorian Government will endeavour to help more casual, contract and self-employed workers access sick and carer’s pay.
The Victorian Government’s Sick Pay Guarantee program has expanded to include over 400 new job categories, with a particular focus on supporting workers in the arts and creative industries. These jobs range from musicians, makeup artists, sound and lighting technicians, to camera operators, actors, writers, dancers, museum and gallery attendants, ushers, ticket collectors, and more. Eligible workers can now apply for sick and carer’s pay from the day they sign up, and those who were already eligible during the initial phase of the pilot will receive an additional year of coverage.
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This groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind in Australia, provides eligible workers with access to up to 38 hours of sick and carer’s pay per year at the national minimum wage ($23.23 per hour) in specific job categories. Its primary goal is to reduce workplace illnesses and enhance workplace safety and productivity.
Creative workers can easily check their eligibility and enroll online through the vic.gov.au/sickpayguarantee website or the Service Victoria app, with categories specific to arts and creative industries, retail sales and supermarkets, and beauty, fitness, and outdoor recreation. Since its launch in March 2022, over 76,000 casual and contract workers have joined the program, providing financial security to those needing sick or carer’s leave. Additionally, Neighbourhood Houses are available to assist people in signing up, and information is accessible in 19 languages, with interpreter services available via the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
For more information, visit this link.
