❓ Opposition asks Premier to address the 30% wage gap between disability service workers in government and not-for-profit sectors, requesting increased funding for the latter. Premier acknowledges the issue, ongoing work, but makes no firm commitment.
AnsweredQoN 567Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
DISABILITY SERVICES SECTOR — WAGE PARITY
Before I ask my question, I want to congratulate the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for two reasons. First, tonight he will receive his Master of Business Administration. Second, and more importantly, next week he is getting married! I refer to the plight of workers in the disability services sector and to their need to receive wage parity across the board. (1) Given the 30 per cent gap in wages between direct care workers employed by the Disability Services Commission and those employed in the not-for-profit disability sector, will the Premier commit to adjusting the base funding to the not-for-profit groups to close the gap? (2) If no to (1), why will the government not commit to that when it is making a direct move towards utilising not-for-profit groups more and more to deliver government services? Mr C.J. BARNETT
Before I ask my question, I want to congratulate the Deputy Leader of the Opposition for two reasons. First, tonight he will receive his Master of Business Administration. Second, and more importantly, next week he is getting married! I refer to the plight of workers in the disability services sector and to their need to receive wage parity across the board. (1) Given the 30 per cent gap in wages between direct care workers employed by the Disability Services Commission and those employed in the not-for-profit disability sector, will the Premier commit to adjusting the base funding to the not-for-profit groups to close the gap? (2) If no to (1), why will the government not commit to that when it is making a direct move towards utilising not-for-profit groups more and more to deliver government services? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. (1)–(2) Members of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union and people who work in the non-government sector of the disability sector are in the public gallery today. I met them outside Parliament House about an hour ago. They gave me a large and heavy bundle of letters about their pay conditions. I recognise that people working within most of the human services areas, including disability, whether they are in government or non-government employment, are relatively lowly paid for the work they do and that the work they do in our society is absolutely essential. I also recognise that those working in the non-government sector typically receive a lower salary than those in the government sector. The Leader of the Opposition said that the gap is 30 per cent. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the employers tell us. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is probably the right figure, although it varies from one organisation to another. A partnership forum has been formed between the government and the major non-government organisations in the broad human services area. That policy grouping is looking at how the non-government sector will progressively provide more services into the future. One of the first issues raised was the gap between wage levels. Work has been done by an accounting firm to understand the size of the gap and how it evolved over time. Although I cannot give any guarantees, I anticipate that as the government lets renewed and future contracts, some allowance will be made for that. As I said to the people outside, I hope that the gap is narrowed, if not eliminated, over time. I am not making any commitment about that right now because work is still being undertaken. With great respect to those in the gallery, I was disappointed to learn that they have been in the courtyard lobbying members of Parliament. I assumed when they told me that they were coming to Parliament to meet members, which I welcomed and encouraged, that they had appointments with members of Parliament. We need to be conscious of that. Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
I refer to the plight of workers in the disability services sector and to their need to receive wage parity across the board. (1) Given the 30 per cent gap in wages between direct care workers employed by the Disability Services Commission and those employed in the not-for-profit disability sector, will the Premier commit to adjusting the base funding to the not-for-profit groups to close the gap? (2) If no to (1), why will the government not commit to that when it is making a direct move towards utilising not-for-profit groups more and more to deliver government services? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. (1)–(2) Members of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union and people who work in the non-government sector of the disability sector are in the public gallery today. I met them outside Parliament House about an hour ago. They gave me a large and heavy bundle of letters about their pay conditions. I recognise that people working within most of the human services areas, including disability, whether they are in government or non-government employment, are relatively lowly paid for the work they do and that the work they do in our society is absolutely essential. I also recognise that those working in the non-government sector typically receive a lower salary than those in the government sector. The Leader of the Opposition said that the gap is 30 per cent. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the employers tell us. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is probably the right figure, although it varies from one organisation to another. A partnership forum has been formed between the government and the major non-government organisations in the broad human services area. That policy grouping is looking at how the non-government sector will progressively provide more services into the future. One of the first issues raised was the gap between wage levels. Work has been done by an accounting firm to understand the size of the gap and how it evolved over time. Although I cannot give any guarantees, I anticipate that as the government lets renewed and future contracts, some allowance will be made for that. As I said to the people outside, I hope that the gap is narrowed, if not eliminated, over time. I am not making any commitment about that right now because work is still being undertaken. With great respect to those in the gallery, I was disappointed to learn that they have been in the courtyard lobbying members of Parliament. I assumed when they told me that they were coming to Parliament to meet members, which I welcomed and encouraged, that they had appointments with members of Parliament. We need to be conscious of that. Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
(1) Given the 30 per cent gap in wages between direct care workers employed by the Disability Services Commission and those employed in the not-for-profit disability sector, will the Premier commit to adjusting the base funding to the not-for-profit groups to close the gap? (2) If no to (1), why will the government not commit to that when it is making a direct move towards utilising not-for-profit groups more and more to deliver government services? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. (1)–(2) Members of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union and people who work in the non-government sector of the disability sector are in the public gallery today. I met them outside Parliament House about an hour ago. They gave me a large and heavy bundle of letters about their pay conditions. I recognise that people working within most of the human services areas, including disability, whether they are in government or non-government employment, are relatively lowly paid for the work they do and that the work they do in our society is absolutely essential. I also recognise that those working in the non-government sector typically receive a lower salary than those in the government sector. The Leader of the Opposition said that the gap is 30 per cent. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the employers tell us. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is probably the right figure, although it varies from one organisation to another. A partnership forum has been formed between the government and the major non-government organisations in the broad human services area. That policy grouping is looking at how the non-government sector will progressively provide more services into the future. One of the first issues raised was the gap between wage levels. Work has been done by an accounting firm to understand the size of the gap and how it evolved over time. Although I cannot give any guarantees, I anticipate that as the government lets renewed and future contracts, some allowance will be made for that. As I said to the people outside, I hope that the gap is narrowed, if not eliminated, over time. I am not making any commitment about that right now because work is still being undertaken. With great respect to those in the gallery, I was disappointed to learn that they have been in the courtyard lobbying members of Parliament. I assumed when they told me that they were coming to Parliament to meet members, which I welcomed and encouraged, that they had appointments with members of Parliament. We need to be conscious of that. Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
(2) If no to (1), why will the government not commit to that when it is making a direct move towards utilising not-for-profit groups more and more to deliver government services? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. (1)–(2) Members of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union and people who work in the non-government sector of the disability sector are in the public gallery today. I met them outside Parliament House about an hour ago. They gave me a large and heavy bundle of letters about their pay conditions. I recognise that people working within most of the human services areas, including disability, whether they are in government or non-government employment, are relatively lowly paid for the work they do and that the work they do in our society is absolutely essential. I also recognise that those working in the non-government sector typically receive a lower salary than those in the government sector. The Leader of the Opposition said that the gap is 30 per cent. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the employers tell us. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is probably the right figure, although it varies from one organisation to another. A partnership forum has been formed between the government and the major non-government organisations in the broad human services area. That policy grouping is looking at how the non-government sector will progressively provide more services into the future. One of the first issues raised was the gap between wage levels. Work has been done by an accounting firm to understand the size of the gap and how it evolved over time. Although I cannot give any guarantees, I anticipate that as the government lets renewed and future contracts, some allowance will be made for that. As I said to the people outside, I hope that the gap is narrowed, if not eliminated, over time. I am not making any commitment about that right now because work is still being undertaken. With great respect to those in the gallery, I was disappointed to learn that they have been in the courtyard lobbying members of Parliament. I assumed when they told me that they were coming to Parliament to meet members, which I welcomed and encouraged, that they had appointments with members of Parliament. We need to be conscious of that. Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. (1)–(2) Members of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union and people who work in the non-government sector of the disability sector are in the public gallery today. I met them outside Parliament House about an hour ago. They gave me a large and heavy bundle of letters about their pay conditions. I recognise that people working within most of the human services areas, including disability, whether they are in government or non-government employment, are relatively lowly paid for the work they do and that the work they do in our society is absolutely essential. I also recognise that those working in the non-government sector typically receive a lower salary than those in the government sector. The Leader of the Opposition said that the gap is 30 per cent. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the employers tell us. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is probably the right figure, although it varies from one organisation to another. A partnership forum has been formed between the government and the major non-government organisations in the broad human services area. That policy grouping is looking at how the non-government sector will progressively provide more services into the future. One of the first issues raised was the gap between wage levels. Work has been done by an accounting firm to understand the size of the gap and how it evolved over time. Although I cannot give any guarantees, I anticipate that as the government lets renewed and future contracts, some allowance will be made for that. As I said to the people outside, I hope that the gap is narrowed, if not eliminated, over time. I am not making any commitment about that right now because work is still being undertaken. With great respect to those in the gallery, I was disappointed to learn that they have been in the courtyard lobbying members of Parliament. I assumed when they told me that they were coming to Parliament to meet members, which I welcomed and encouraged, that they had appointments with members of Parliament. We need to be conscious of that. Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. (1)–(2) Members of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union and people who work in the non-government sector of the disability sector are in the public gallery today. I met them outside Parliament House about an hour ago. They gave me a large and heavy bundle of letters about their pay conditions. I recognise that people working within most of the human services areas, including disability, whether they are in government or non-government employment, are relatively lowly paid for the work they do and that the work they do in our society is absolutely essential. I also recognise that those working in the non-government sector typically receive a lower salary than those in the government sector. The Leader of the Opposition said that the gap is 30 per cent. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the employers tell us. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is probably the right figure, although it varies from one organisation to another. A partnership forum has been formed between the government and the major non-government organisations in the broad human services area. That policy grouping is looking at how the non-government sector will progressively provide more services into the future. One of the first issues raised was the gap between wage levels. Work has been done by an accounting firm to understand the size of the gap and how it evolved over time. Although I cannot give any guarantees, I anticipate that as the government lets renewed and future contracts, some allowance will be made for that. As I said to the people outside, I hope that the gap is narrowed, if not eliminated, over time. I am not making any commitment about that right now because work is still being undertaken. With great respect to those in the gallery, I was disappointed to learn that they have been in the courtyard lobbying members of Parliament. I assumed when they told me that they were coming to Parliament to meet members, which I welcomed and encouraged, that they had appointments with members of Parliament. We need to be conscious of that. Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
(1)–(2) Members of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union and people who work in the non-government sector of the disability sector are in the public gallery today. I met them outside Parliament House about an hour ago. They gave me a large and heavy bundle of letters about their pay conditions. I recognise that people working within most of the human services areas, including disability, whether they are in government or non-government employment, are relatively lowly paid for the work they do and that the work they do in our society is absolutely essential. I also recognise that those working in the non-government sector typically receive a lower salary than those in the government sector. The Leader of the Opposition said that the gap is 30 per cent. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the employers tell us. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is probably the right figure, although it varies from one organisation to another. A partnership forum has been formed between the government and the major non-government organisations in the broad human services area. That policy grouping is looking at how the non-government sector will progressively provide more services into the future. One of the first issues raised was the gap between wage levels. Work has been done by an accounting firm to understand the size of the gap and how it evolved over time. Although I cannot give any guarantees, I anticipate that as the government lets renewed and future contracts, some allowance will be made for that. As I said to the people outside, I hope that the gap is narrowed, if not eliminated, over time. I am not making any commitment about that right now because work is still being undertaken. With great respect to those in the gallery, I was disappointed to learn that they have been in the courtyard lobbying members of Parliament. I assumed when they told me that they were coming to Parliament to meet members, which I welcomed and encouraged, that they had appointments with members of Parliament. We need to be conscious of that. Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the employers tell us. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is probably the right figure, although it varies from one organisation to another. A partnership forum has been formed between the government and the major non-government organisations in the broad human services area. That policy grouping is looking at how the non-government sector will progressively provide more services into the future. One of the first issues raised was the gap between wage levels. Work has been done by an accounting firm to understand the size of the gap and how it evolved over time. Although I cannot give any guarantees, I anticipate that as the government lets renewed and future contracts, some allowance will be made for that. As I said to the people outside, I hope that the gap is narrowed, if not eliminated, over time. I am not making any commitment about that right now because work is still being undertaken. With great respect to those in the gallery, I was disappointed to learn that they have been in the courtyard lobbying members of Parliament. I assumed when they told me that they were coming to Parliament to meet members, which I welcomed and encouraged, that they had appointments with members of Parliament. We need to be conscious of that. Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is probably the right figure, although it varies from one organisation to another. A partnership forum has been formed between the government and the major non-government organisations in the broad human services area. That policy grouping is looking at how the non-government sector will progressively provide more services into the future. One of the first issues raised was the gap between wage levels. Work has been done by an accounting firm to understand the size of the gap and how it evolved over time. Although I cannot give any guarantees, I anticipate that as the government lets renewed and future contracts, some allowance will be made for that. As I said to the people outside, I hope that the gap is narrowed, if not eliminated, over time. I am not making any commitment about that right now because work is still being undertaken. With great respect to those in the gallery, I was disappointed to learn that they have been in the courtyard lobbying members of Parliament. I assumed when they told me that they were coming to Parliament to meet members, which I welcomed and encouraged, that they had appointments with members of Parliament. We need to be conscious of that. Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
With great respect to those in the gallery, I was disappointed to learn that they have been in the courtyard lobbying members of Parliament. I assumed when they told me that they were coming to Parliament to meet members, which I welcomed and encouraged, that they had appointments with members of Parliament. We need to be conscious of that. Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
I refer to the plight of workers in the disability services sector and to their need to receive wage parity across the board. (1) Given the 30 per cent gap in wages between direct care workers employed by the Disability Services Commission and those employed in the not-for-profit disability sector, will the Premier commit to adjusting the base funding to the not-for-profit groups to close the gap? (2) If no to (1), why will the government not commit to that when it is making a direct move towards utilising not-for-profit groups more and more to deliver government services? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. (1)–(2) Members of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union and people who work in the non-government sector of the disability sector are in the public gallery today. I met them outside Parliament House about an hour ago. They gave me a large and heavy bundle of letters about their pay conditions. I recognise that people working within most of the human services areas, including disability, whether they are in government or non-government employment, are relatively lowly paid for the work they do and that the work they do in our society is absolutely essential. I also recognise that those working in the non-government sector typically receive a lower salary than those in the government sector. The Leader of the Opposition said that the gap is 30 per cent. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the employers tell us. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is probably the right figure, although it varies from one organisation to another. A partnership forum has been formed between the government and the major non-government organisations in the broad human services area. That policy grouping is looking at how the non-government sector will progressively provide more services into the future. One of the first issues raised was the gap between wage levels. Work has been done by an accounting firm to understand the size of the gap and how it evolved over time. Although I cannot give any guarantees, I anticipate that as the government lets renewed and future contracts, some allowance will be made for that. As I said to the people outside, I hope that the gap is narrowed, if not eliminated, over time. I am not making any commitment about that right now because work is still being undertaken. With great respect to those in the gallery, I was disappointed to learn that they have been in the courtyard lobbying members of Parliament. I assumed when they told me that they were coming to Parliament to meet members, which I welcomed and encouraged, that they had appointments with members of Parliament. We need to be conscious of that. Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
(1) Given the 30 per cent gap in wages between direct care workers employed by the Disability Services Commission and those employed in the not-for-profit disability sector, will the Premier commit to adjusting the base funding to the not-for-profit groups to close the gap? (2) If no to (1), why will the government not commit to that when it is making a direct move towards utilising not-for-profit groups more and more to deliver government services? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. (1)–(2) Members of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union and people who work in the non-government sector of the disability sector are in the public gallery today. I met them outside Parliament House about an hour ago. They gave me a large and heavy bundle of letters about their pay conditions. I recognise that people working within most of the human services areas, including disability, whether they are in government or non-government employment, are relatively lowly paid for the work they do and that the work they do in our society is absolutely essential. I also recognise that those working in the non-government sector typically receive a lower salary than those in the government sector. The Leader of the Opposition said that the gap is 30 per cent. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the employers tell us. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is probably the right figure, although it varies from one organisation to another. A partnership forum has been formed between the government and the major non-government organisations in the broad human services area. That policy grouping is looking at how the non-government sector will progressively provide more services into the future. One of the first issues raised was the gap between wage levels. Work has been done by an accounting firm to understand the size of the gap and how it evolved over time. Although I cannot give any guarantees, I anticipate that as the government lets renewed and future contracts, some allowance will be made for that. As I said to the people outside, I hope that the gap is narrowed, if not eliminated, over time. I am not making any commitment about that right now because work is still being undertaken. With great respect to those in the gallery, I was disappointed to learn that they have been in the courtyard lobbying members of Parliament. I assumed when they told me that they were coming to Parliament to meet members, which I welcomed and encouraged, that they had appointments with members of Parliament. We need to be conscious of that. Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
(2) If no to (1), why will the government not commit to that when it is making a direct move towards utilising not-for-profit groups more and more to deliver government services? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. (1)–(2) Members of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union and people who work in the non-government sector of the disability sector are in the public gallery today. I met them outside Parliament House about an hour ago. They gave me a large and heavy bundle of letters about their pay conditions. I recognise that people working within most of the human services areas, including disability, whether they are in government or non-government employment, are relatively lowly paid for the work they do and that the work they do in our society is absolutely essential. I also recognise that those working in the non-government sector typically receive a lower salary than those in the government sector. The Leader of the Opposition said that the gap is 30 per cent. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the employers tell us. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is probably the right figure, although it varies from one organisation to another. A partnership forum has been formed between the government and the major non-government organisations in the broad human services area. That policy grouping is looking at how the non-government sector will progressively provide more services into the future. One of the first issues raised was the gap between wage levels. Work has been done by an accounting firm to understand the size of the gap and how it evolved over time. Although I cannot give any guarantees, I anticipate that as the government lets renewed and future contracts, some allowance will be made for that. As I said to the people outside, I hope that the gap is narrowed, if not eliminated, over time. I am not making any commitment about that right now because work is still being undertaken. With great respect to those in the gallery, I was disappointed to learn that they have been in the courtyard lobbying members of Parliament. I assumed when they told me that they were coming to Parliament to meet members, which I welcomed and encouraged, that they had appointments with members of Parliament. We need to be conscious of that. Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. (1)–(2) Members of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union and people who work in the non-government sector of the disability sector are in the public gallery today. I met them outside Parliament House about an hour ago. They gave me a large and heavy bundle of letters about their pay conditions. I recognise that people working within most of the human services areas, including disability, whether they are in government or non-government employment, are relatively lowly paid for the work they do and that the work they do in our society is absolutely essential. I also recognise that those working in the non-government sector typically receive a lower salary than those in the government sector. The Leader of the Opposition said that the gap is 30 per cent. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the employers tell us. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is probably the right figure, although it varies from one organisation to another. A partnership forum has been formed between the government and the major non-government organisations in the broad human services area. That policy grouping is looking at how the non-government sector will progressively provide more services into the future. One of the first issues raised was the gap between wage levels. Work has been done by an accounting firm to understand the size of the gap and how it evolved over time. Although I cannot give any guarantees, I anticipate that as the government lets renewed and future contracts, some allowance will be made for that. As I said to the people outside, I hope that the gap is narrowed, if not eliminated, over time. I am not making any commitment about that right now because work is still being undertaken. With great respect to those in the gallery, I was disappointed to learn that they have been in the courtyard lobbying members of Parliament. I assumed when they told me that they were coming to Parliament to meet members, which I welcomed and encouraged, that they had appointments with members of Parliament. We need to be conscious of that. Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. (1)–(2) Members of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union and people who work in the non-government sector of the disability sector are in the public gallery today. I met them outside Parliament House about an hour ago. They gave me a large and heavy bundle of letters about their pay conditions. I recognise that people working within most of the human services areas, including disability, whether they are in government or non-government employment, are relatively lowly paid for the work they do and that the work they do in our society is absolutely essential. I also recognise that those working in the non-government sector typically receive a lower salary than those in the government sector. The Leader of the Opposition said that the gap is 30 per cent. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the employers tell us. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is probably the right figure, although it varies from one organisation to another. A partnership forum has been formed between the government and the major non-government organisations in the broad human services area. That policy grouping is looking at how the non-government sector will progressively provide more services into the future. One of the first issues raised was the gap between wage levels. Work has been done by an accounting firm to understand the size of the gap and how it evolved over time. Although I cannot give any guarantees, I anticipate that as the government lets renewed and future contracts, some allowance will be made for that. As I said to the people outside, I hope that the gap is narrowed, if not eliminated, over time. I am not making any commitment about that right now because work is still being undertaken. With great respect to those in the gallery, I was disappointed to learn that they have been in the courtyard lobbying members of Parliament. I assumed when they told me that they were coming to Parliament to meet members, which I welcomed and encouraged, that they had appointments with members of Parliament. We need to be conscious of that. Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
(1)–(2) Members of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union and people who work in the non-government sector of the disability sector are in the public gallery today. I met them outside Parliament House about an hour ago. They gave me a large and heavy bundle of letters about their pay conditions. I recognise that people working within most of the human services areas, including disability, whether they are in government or non-government employment, are relatively lowly paid for the work they do and that the work they do in our society is absolutely essential. I also recognise that those working in the non-government sector typically receive a lower salary than those in the government sector. The Leader of the Opposition said that the gap is 30 per cent. Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the employers tell us. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is probably the right figure, although it varies from one organisation to another. A partnership forum has been formed between the government and the major non-government organisations in the broad human services area. That policy grouping is looking at how the non-government sector will progressively provide more services into the future. One of the first issues raised was the gap between wage levels. Work has been done by an accounting firm to understand the size of the gap and how it evolved over time. Although I cannot give any guarantees, I anticipate that as the government lets renewed and future contracts, some allowance will be made for that. As I said to the people outside, I hope that the gap is narrowed, if not eliminated, over time. I am not making any commitment about that right now because work is still being undertaken. With great respect to those in the gallery, I was disappointed to learn that they have been in the courtyard lobbying members of Parliament. I assumed when they told me that they were coming to Parliament to meet members, which I welcomed and encouraged, that they had appointments with members of Parliament. We need to be conscious of that. Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
Mr E.S. Ripper : That’s what the employers tell us. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is probably the right figure, although it varies from one organisation to another. A partnership forum has been formed between the government and the major non-government organisations in the broad human services area. That policy grouping is looking at how the non-government sector will progressively provide more services into the future. One of the first issues raised was the gap between wage levels. Work has been done by an accounting firm to understand the size of the gap and how it evolved over time. Although I cannot give any guarantees, I anticipate that as the government lets renewed and future contracts, some allowance will be made for that. As I said to the people outside, I hope that the gap is narrowed, if not eliminated, over time. I am not making any commitment about that right now because work is still being undertaken. With great respect to those in the gallery, I was disappointed to learn that they have been in the courtyard lobbying members of Parliament. I assumed when they told me that they were coming to Parliament to meet members, which I welcomed and encouraged, that they had appointments with members of Parliament. We need to be conscious of that. Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : That is probably the right figure, although it varies from one organisation to another. A partnership forum has been formed between the government and the major non-government organisations in the broad human services area. That policy grouping is looking at how the non-government sector will progressively provide more services into the future. One of the first issues raised was the gap between wage levels. Work has been done by an accounting firm to understand the size of the gap and how it evolved over time. Although I cannot give any guarantees, I anticipate that as the government lets renewed and future contracts, some allowance will be made for that. As I said to the people outside, I hope that the gap is narrowed, if not eliminated, over time. I am not making any commitment about that right now because work is still being undertaken. With great respect to those in the gallery, I was disappointed to learn that they have been in the courtyard lobbying members of Parliament. I assumed when they told me that they were coming to Parliament to meet members, which I welcomed and encouraged, that they had appointments with members of Parliament. We need to be conscious of that. Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
With great respect to those in the gallery, I was disappointed to learn that they have been in the courtyard lobbying members of Parliament. I assumed when they told me that they were coming to Parliament to meet members, which I welcomed and encouraged, that they had appointments with members of Parliament. We need to be conscious of that. Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
Mr E.S. Ripper : I don’t see a problem. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do. This is Parliament House; it is not a forum to lobby members of Parliament. Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
Mr F.M. Logan : The CCI does it. Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : I do not think it is appropriate. The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
The issue is a real one. I thank the workers in the disability area for the work they do. I understand there is a gap, that they are on relatively low incomes and that they are finding it tough.
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