Fair pay for homelessness services

Last published on 10 May 2021 

The NSW Government has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement today to support homelessness service providers with costs associated with the Equal Remuneration Order (ERO) decision by Fair Work in 2011.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the decision gives homelessness service providers in NSW certainty.

“NSW has been very clear - we expect the Commonwealth to meet its obligations as we have met ours to ensure equal remuneration for workers in the community and social services sector,” Mr Ward said.

“I welcome the announcement from Minister Sukkar that these arrangements will continue.

“I would like to thank the homelessness and housing sector for its advocacy and support which has led to this positive outcome today.

“NSW stands ready to discuss with the Commonwealth a future National Housing and Homelessness Agreement which protects the vulnerable, supports this critical sector and incorporates fair pay for workers.”

The NSW Government and the Federal Government have a longstanding arrangement to support the homelessness sector with costs associated with the ERO decision.

The NSW Government is investing $1 billion in homelessness and housing support in 2020-21.