[Greens-Media] Fair Work decision shows that Barnett needs to be prepared to do more

[Richards, Kirsten]

WA Greens spokesperson for Industrial Relations and Women, Hon Alison Xamon MLC today welcomed Fair Work Australia's ruling that the pay gap between Government and non-Government community service workers is a gender equity issue.

"This ruling confirms that non-Government workers in the Community Services are underpaid because the workforce is largely women."

In answer to questions, the Barnett Government has refused to acknowledge that the pay gap has a gender basis and has not supported the Australian Services Union's campaign.

While announcing that the Government intends to boost funding to the non-Government sector, the Premier also made clear his intentions to transfer the delivery of more services to the non-Government sector.

"The increase in community services funding must be tied to wages for this to be anything other than a cynical attempt to save money at the expense of women," Ms Xamon said.  "Mr Barnett must commit to eliminating the pay equity gap in the Community Services sector and must be prepared to ensure that that is how any increases to the sector are used." 

Mr Barnett is expected to announce the amount of the funding increase to the Community Services sector on Wednesday.