16 February 2023

The Andrews Labor Government is helping more casual and contract workers to access sick and carer’s pay through a partnership with Neighbourhood Houses Victoria.

Minister for Employment Ben Carroll today announced up to 100 neighbourhood houses across the state will provide free assistance to help community members sign up and claim the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee.

Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre in Greater Shepparton is one of over 60 neighbourhood houses already on board to deliver support. Participating neighbourhood houses and community centres can provide access to in-language support, computers and the internet, and help casual workers understand and sign up to the scheme.

With over 200,000 people visiting neighbourhood houses each week in Victoria, the partnership will mean thousands more casual workers will have the support they need to access sick and carer’s pay.

Eligible casual workers can now sign up for 38 hours a year of sick and carer’s pay with direct support from a participating neighbourhood house. This community-based approach will make the nation-leading initiative more accessible, particularly for workers who may face technology or language barriers.

The Sick Pay Guarantee is delivering sick and carer’s pay to industries with the highest rates of casual and contract workers that do not have access to sick pay. More than 55,000 workers have signed up to the program. The $245.7 million two-year pilot is fully funded by the Labor Government until March next year.

Eligible workers include casual and contract retail assistants, hospitality workers, aged and disability care workers, supermarket workers, supermarket supply chain workers, cleaners, laundry workers, security guards, food trades workers and food preparation assistants such as cooks, bakers, fast food workers, and kitchen hands.

Workers who want more information can contact their local Neighbourhood House, visit nhvic.org.au or sign up at vic.gov.au/sickpayguarantee. Information is available in 19 languages on the website or call 131 450.

Quote attributable to Minister for Employment Ben Carroll

“We want all casual and contract workers who are eligible for our Sick Pay Guarantee to sign up – whether that’s online, on the Service Victoria app, or through a neighbourhood house.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Lizzie Blandthorn

“This is another example of the contributions neighbourhood houses make to local communities across Victoria.”

Quote attributable to Neighbourhood Houses Victoria CEO Keir Paterson

“Neighbourhood Houses are the glue that holds together local communities, so we jumped at the chance to use our links to support casual workers, particularly those with language, technology or accessibility challenges”