Friday, 27 October 2006
HREOC welcomes "equal pay" announcement for employees with disability
The Commissioner responsible for Disability Discrimination, Graeme Innes AM, has welcomed the announcement by the Australian Fair Pay Commission to set the minimum wage for employees with disability at an amount equal to that of the standard federal minimum wage, which is available to all Australian workers.
"I congratulate the Australian Fair Pay Commission for today"s wage-setting decision. It affirms people with disability are entitled to receive a wage commensurate with their experience, skills, training and qualifications like all other Australian workers," Commissioner Innes said.
"This decision acknowledges the equal contribution made by employees with disability to the Australian workforce."
According to the latest ABS data, people with disability represent a significant 16.6% of Australia"s working age population. However, despite years of effort to promote skill acquisition and equal employment opportunities discrimination in employment of people with disability has not decreased and employment rates have actually declined.
"While Australians without disability are benefiting from record low unemployment rates and increases to the standard federal minimum wage and pay scales, unemployment rates for people with disability remain unacceptably high - ranging from 7.4% to 19.5%, depending on disability type," Commissioner Innes said.
"This high unemployment rate means people with disability remain financially vulnerable and are unable to enjoy the many benefits that come with having a job."
For more information about the Australian Fair Pay Commission and the first wage setting decision please refer to their website at http://www.fairpay.gov.au/
Media contact: Devra Adler on Phone: 02 9284 9834
Last updated January 31, 2008 .
