You may have seen media stories last week questioning the rate of superannuation contributions and wages for employees with a disability.
If you would like to know more about how we approach these issues, please click here to read more.
Superannuation contributions
We pay super for all employees at the rate set by the Superannuation Guarantee laws. We make a super contribution of either 11% or $30, whichever is the higher amount, per fortnight – for all employees.
We have also negotiated the option of fee-free superannuation for employees who are paid a supported wage under the Supported Employment Services Award, through our default provider, Smart Monday. This ensures their super savings will keep growing for retirement instead of being eroded by fees.
Wages and quality support at work
Some media have reported concerns that wages paid to supported employees under the Supported Employment Services (SES) Award are too low.
One important piece of information that has been missing from these stories is that people whose wages are set under the SES Award also receive the Disability Support Pension, and require significant ongoing support to maintain day-to-day employment. In keeping with the latest Fair Work Commission determination, we will continue to increase supported wages over the next three years.
We also support the Disability Royal Commission recommendation for supported employee wages to be further increased by 2034. Under current federal funding arrangements, we would require corresponding government support in order to move to full wage payments. We would warmly welcome the opportunity to do this and have asked the government to consider it. Governments would also need to guarantee a pension safety net remains for people who may need it.
We agree with comments by Inclusion Australia that many people who work in disability enterprises want increased pay.
Many employees with intellectual disabilities also tell us they prefer to have high levels of support in the workplace – whether they are working for us or elsewhere.
The big challenge for governments and employers is to make systemic changes that will offer both full wages and quality workplace support for people with intellectual disability.
We want to see more large employers – especially governments – develop inclusive pathways for people living with a disability, into mainstream jobs.
Work incentives are also important, such as the Pensioner Work Bonus, which allows Aged pensioners to earn $150 per week more than people receiving the Disability Support Pension, before losing any of their pension. We have asked the government to extend the same work incentive bonus to supported employees receiving the Disability Support Pension.
We remain committed to making employment possibilities a reality for people with disability and people facing barriers to employment, into the future.
If you have any questions or comments about supported employment policy matters, please reach out to Chief Corporate Relations Officer Kirrily Boulton, [email protected].
News
View all
Director Election Expression of Interest
Are you in email overload?
Grant funding brings new life to Alex Hills L&L
BRACE proposed changes
Fire Services – Chubb Fire & Security is our new provider
