NCOSS is not an industrial body and as such cannot give industrial advice. For further advice, please contact an employer body such as Jobs Australia. 

 Equal Pay Funding Update

16 April 2013
Phase 2 of the National Social and Community Services Education and Information Program Webinars

National Disability Services (NDS), Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) and Jobs Australia are pleased to announce the roll-out of Phase 2 of the National SACS Education and Information Program (SACS EIP) webinars targeting rural and regional organisations across Australia. The webinars are primarily designed to reach organisations located in rural and remote locations that were unable to attend face to face workshops.

This NSW-specific webinar will update participants on ongoing changes to the industrial landscape. You will need to register for the webinar online.

• 11 June: SACS EIP Webinar (NSW Specific)

Employer Resources: New resources including Frequently Asked Questions and a Glossary of Terms are available on the Project Website.

Links to recordings of the Phase 1 SACS EIP webinars can also be found on the project website. If you are unable to view the Phase I Recorded Webinars or unable to participate in Phase 2 of the webinars, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and an information pack will be sent out to you.

The SACS EIP is funded by the Australian Government in response to the implementation of the SCHADS Modern Award and the outcome from the Equal Pay Case. For more information contact:

• Dion Beverakis, Project Coordinator, National Disability Services
  ph: 02 9256 3164
  email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

8 February 2013
Equal Remuneration Supplementation Funding
FACS has put further details about how organisations should seek a review of the Equal Remuneration Supplementation Funding they have been provided. These details are available on the FACS website. 

NCOSS will shortly be distributing a short survey to members to gather feedback regarding both the process and quantum of supplementation to support our ongoing advocacy around the adequacy of sector funding. In the meantime please forward any specific questions or issues to NCOSS via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

23 January 2013
NDS, ACOSS and Jobs Australia have prepared national, state and territory communications announcing Phase II of the SACS Education and Information Program (EIP) workshops from February to June this year.  

Download NSW communication: 

• NSW Dates for Phase II of the National SACS Education and Information Workshops (Word) updated 23 January
  
• NSW Dates for Phase II of the National SACS Education and Information Workshops (.pdf) updated 23 January

19 December 2012
SCHADS Modern Award and Equal Remuneration Order (ERO) Information Webinars are now available online
During October and November 2012, National Disability Services (NDS), Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) and Jobs Australia hosted a number of webinars for employers in rural and regional areas with staff employed under the SACS (Social and Community Services) Modern Award.

Recorded webinar sessions for all states and territories are now available:

• NSW SCHADS Classifications and ERO Implementation
• NT, SA, TAS and ACT SCHADS Classifications and ERO Implementation
• QLD Pay Equity and ERO Implementation
• VIC SCHADS Classifications and ERO Implementation
• WA State SACS Award and Federal Modern Award Implementation

The recorded sessions, available with closed captions, provide up-to-date information on changes to the industrial landscape occurring during 2012-13, including an introduction of the SCHADS Modern Award (Social, Community Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award 2010) and the outcome from the Equal Pay Case.

Please note that the content of the recordings include the same information presented at the SACS and ERO forums and webinars held from June to November 2012. The SACS Education and Information Program is funded by the Australian Government.

19 December 2012
Update from ACOSS
Many of you will have received offers of supplementation funding from government funders in relation to the equal remuneration order. Please note that FaHCSIA has recently prepared a set of frequently asked questions that may answer many of the queries you have. I would encourage you to review these, along with the detailed information provided about supplementation funding for Commonwealth-only funded organisations.

For organisations funded by the Commonwealth who are considering seeking a review of their supplementation funding, you will have seen a due date in your funding offer. Please note that this due date is only to advise the Commonwealth that you are seeking a review. This is not the deadline for you to provide all required information for a review. Written advice to your funding program manager that you are planning to seek a review will trigger the documentation you will need to prepare the review. The review process will take 30 days from the point that the Government receives your review materials. In the meantime, ACOSS is continuing to work with Jobs Australia, NDS and the ASU to provide a series of information sessions on the industrial implications of the equal pay decision. Phase 2 of this program will be running through the first half of 2013 so stay tuned for details of more sessions and information available.

With best wishes, Cassandra Goldie CEO

5 December 2012
Commonwealth HACC Program

A number of organisations who receive funding from the Commonwealth under the HACC program have raised their concerns with NCOSS regarding the wages component calculation for the program. According to the Commonwealth Government's ERO website the wages component for the HACC program is 8.2%. NCOSS understands that this has been assessed on the basis that the ERO does not apply to home care employees who represent a significant proportion of staff funded through the HACC program.

The Home Care Sector is defined in the modern SCHCADS Award as "the provision of personal care, domestic assistance or home maintenance to an aged person or a person with a disability in a private residence". The ERO does apply to employees in the social and community services sector which is defined in the modern award as "the provision of social and community services including social work, recreation work, welfare work, youth work or community development work, including organisations which primarily engage in policy, advocacy or representation on behalf of organisations carrying out such work and the provision of disability services including the provision of personal care and domestic and lifestyle support to a person with a disability in a community and/or residential setting including respite centre and day services .To avoid doubt, an employee will not be precluded from being engaged under Schedule B, instead of another schedule, merely because they provide services in a private residence or in outreach".

NCOSS has also noted that the NSW Government have assessed the wages component for the Community Care Support Program (the part of the HACC program that remains the responsibility of the state with the reform of HACC) as being 70%.

In NSW many NGOs provide services to people under both HACC and CCSP and the services go beyond just personal care and domestic assistance and include provision of living skills and other support and assistance. Practically workers are not viewed as being "SACS" or "Home Care" . Organisations are therefore confused by the different approach as it is meaningless to the way they have arranged their staff and operations and means that the ERO supplementation offers from the Commonwealth do not address their obligations as employers under the ERO.

NCOSS has raised this issue with the Commonwealth and has also passed on our concerns to ACOSS to raise in their discussions on this matter. We would recommend that organisations concerned about the impact for their organisations to raise with the Commonwealth.

NCOSS would also recommend organisations consider pursuing a review but that they get advice first from an industrial advisory body. This is because each organisation's circumstances may be different and it is important to understand the implications and prospects before putting together the information required for review.

3 December 2012
More information about the NSW Government's approach to funding supplementation to meet the requirements of the Equal Remuneration Order (ERO) have been posted on the ADHC website:

• Link to ADHC website:  Calculation and Payment of Supplementation
• Link to ADHC website: Frequently Asked Questions

The Government have advised that they will continue to update NCOSS and other peaks regarding the ongoing management and roll out  of supplementation funding.

23 November 2012
The SACS pay tables which detail the first instalment of pay increases from the Equal Remuneration Order (ERO), effective from 1 December 2012, are now available through the NDS (National Disability Services) website.

These tables include the transition rates of pay from relevant pre-modern awards to SACS and Crisis Accommodation employee classifications under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Modern Award.

Delivered as part of the NDS, ACOSS and Jobs Australia National SACS Education and Information Program, the *pay tables are for general information purposes only based on information available from Fair Work Australia. The pay tables are intended to be used only as a guide and may be subject to change.

Corporations, organisations, employers and individuals are advised to seek independent professional advice regarding the application of the pay tables and the ERO.

NDS and ACOSS are not an industrial bodies and this information is provided for your consideration only.

*The pay tables have been prepared for general information purposes only. No readers should act in complete reliance or fail to act on the basis of the pay rates provided. Although every attempt has been made to verify the accuracy of the financial information, NDS, ACOSS and Jobs Australia exclude any liability for any loss or damage occasioned by any corporation, organisation, employer or person acting or failing to act as a result of any matter contained in the information provided in the pay tables.

Download:  

22 November 2012
NSW Government Media Release 22 November 2012:  NSW boosts community sector workers' pay

NCOSS congratulates the NSW Government on its announcement today regarding its contribution to meet the Equal Pay Case Decision.  We look forward to further discussions with the Government regarding implementation of this funding.

12 November 2012
Family & Community Services have an update regarding the ERO and supplementation by the NSW Government. This update is available here:

The update states that "The NSW Government is now finalising its approach to supplementation on current funding arrangements to meet its share of the wage increases. The Department is liaising with community sector leaders on the supplementation management approach to ensure that the process is straightforward and does not create an administrative burden for providers. Direct advice on the supplementation process will be provided to all NGOs funded by the Department in advance of the 1 December 2012 start date for the Order."

NCOSS will continue to urge the NSW and Commonwealth Governments to provide details of the decisions and processes they are putting in place regarding supplementation to NGOs so that they have some certainty and clarity before the 1st December.

15 October 2012
ACOSS has provided an update on equal pay funding and the information program, as we approach the first instalment of supplementation funding on equal pay.  

• Download:  ACOSS Equal Pay Bulletin, October 2012

3 October 2012
This update provides information about what both the Commonwealth and NSW Governments are doing to meet their commitments to pay their fair share of supplementation to meet the costs of the Equal Remuneration Order (ERO) for NGOs.

1. Commonwealth direct funded programs

The Commonwealth Government has established a website with details of their approach to funding supplementation to meet the ERO. Last week the Commonwealth Government provided further details of the percentages that will be used to calculate supplementation funding for each program covered. Letters of Offer to NGOs are expected to be sent in November. Further details are on the FaHCSIA website.

2. Programs funded through Commonwealth – State Agreements

NCOSS understands that further discussions will be held between the Commonwealth and NSW Governments in the near future regarding how this will be approached. We will bring you more details as they are known.

3. NSW Government direct funded programs

NCOSS attended a meeting on 3 October 2012 with a number of sector peaks and NSW Government agencies where the Government outlined its approach to how it would meet its fair share of the costs of the ERO. The Government has engaged Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) to provide a report and modelling based on a small sample of NGOs to better understand the underlying wages base in different programs as well as the likely cost impact of the ERO. This will assist Government in deciding the level of supplementation required for different programs. The Government has also indicated that it is seeking a simple process to vary all of its funding agreements to ensure that supplementation is used to meet the costs of the ERO. The Government have indicated that they will meet again with NCOSS and the other peaks when the PwC work is complete in the next week or so to further discuss implications and to get further feedback about the process.

NCOSS will provide updates as further information becomes available.  

Additional Equal Remuneration Order and SCHADS Modern Award Information Updates Sydney and the Central Coast

5 September 2012
We are pleased to announce a further two Equal Remuneration Order and SCHADS Modern Award Information forums in Sydney and the Central Coast. NDS, NCOSS and Jobs Australia are co-hosting the forums which aim to provide an update on the changes within the industrial landscape occurring during 2012. A key focus of the forums will be on the outcome from the National Equal Pay Case and how the changes will affect both organisations and individuals.

• Tuesday 9 October: Gosford - 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm
• Wednesday 10 October: Sydney CBD - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm

To attend, please register here

Venue information will be provided following registration. There are limited spaces available so please register early.
Contact Information Jay Richardson, IR & Workforce Development Project Manager, National Disability Services, Ph. 02 9256 3107, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Comparison of SACS (NSW) and the SCHCADS Modern Award

23 August 2012
ACOSS, NDS and Jobs Australia have been funded to provide information and education nationally to the sector about the transition to pay equity and the modern award as part of the National SACS Education and Information Program. A table comparing the NSW SACS Award with the SCHCADS Award has been prepared.

Download:    Comparison of SACS (NSW) and the SCHCADS Modern Award

Industrial Relations Information Sessions

Updated 22 August 2012
A further round of Industrial Relations Information Sessions for both employers and employees in the disability and community sectors about the changes to the industrial landscape will be held in 2012. 

The sessions will provide additional information to the "Get the Facts: Equal Pay and SACS" forums held in March and April.

NDS, ACOSS, Jobs Australia and the ASU have been working in collaboration to produce two programs with complementary material – one for Employers (team leaders, managers, HR professionals, CEOs, etc.) and one for Employees (see below for registration details).

Employer Sessions:

The Employer sessions will include information on the outcome from the Equal Remuneration Order (ERO), how the ERO interacts with transitional arrangements for the modern award, and how the changes will affect both organisations and individuals.

If you are interested in attending an Employer session (this may include attending on behalf of an organisation that employees staff under the SACS Modern Award) on one of the dates listed below you are requested to register through the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QLM98SB 

• Thursday 23 August: Liverpool - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm
• Thursday 23 August: Liverpool - 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm
• Tuesday 28 August: Maitland - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm
• Tuesday 28 August: Maitland - 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm
• Wednesday 29 August: Wollongong - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm
• Wednesday 29 August: Wollongong - 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm
• Thursday 30 August: Parramatta - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm
• Thursday 30 August: Parramatta - 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm
• Tuesday 11 September: Wagga Wagga - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm
• Wednesday 12 September: Orange - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm
• Thursday 13 September: Tamworth - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm
• Monday 17 September: Ballina - 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm
• Tuesday 18 September: Port Macquarie - 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm

Employee Sessions:

The Employee sessions will provide information about the changes to rates of pay and other implications of the changes on individual employees employed under the SACS Modern Award. Employee sessions will assist employees to understand the complexities of classifications, the Modern Award and how to calculate your Equal Pay wage increases from 1 December this year. If you would like to register to attend an employee session on one of the following dates you are requested to register through the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/EqualPayEIPNSWACT

If you find it difficult to get to the specific employer or employee program designed for you, you may attend the alternative program, however please be aware that the content and delivery may differ; it is beneficial to attend with others from the sector with similar challenges and queries.

The program is funded by the Australian Government and you and/or your organisation is not required to be a member of NDS, ACOSS, Jobs Australia or the ASU to attend these sessions.

Contact Information: Jay Richardson, IR & Workforce Development Project Manager, National Disability Services, Ph. 02 9256 3107, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

FAHCSIA Information on Commonwealth funding

12 July 2012
The Commonwealth has launched a new section of the FaHCSIA website dedicated to information about the Federal Government's approach to paying its share of the outcome of the Equal Remuneration Case.

Website: http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/fair-pay-for-social-and-community-services-workers

NGOs are encouraged to subscribe to updates from the FaHCSIA site by following this link: Updates

Note: FAHCSIA refreshed these links on 12 July 2012.

FWA decision handed down

22 June 2012
Fair Work Australia has today handed down its decision relating to the form of the Equal Remuneration Order. This decision in essence accepts the draft order put forward by the ASU and the Commonwealth and will ensure that employees in NSW covered by the SACs Award or NAPSA (“transitional instruments”) will have access to equal pay adjustments in 9 equal instalments starting from December 2012.

The decision and order can be found on the Fair Work Australia website

 FWA decision pending

22 June 2012
The process of transition to equal pay has yet to be decided by Fair Work Australia (FWA). NSW SACS Award and SACS NAPSA rates of pay are generally higher than those for other States and Territories. The NSW SACS Award and the SACS NAPSA are considered transitional instruments under the Fair Work Act. The ASU and the Commonwealth Government proposed a draft Equal Remuneration Order (ERO) to give effect to the Equal Pay Decision. This involves nine equal instalments over the period December 2012 to December 2020 and includes transitional instruments. Several employer groups and the NSW Government have argued that the ERO should only apply to the SCHCADS Modern Award rates of pay. This would effectively result in NSW SACS workers needing to wait for the SCHCADS rates of pay to catch up with the NSW rates before any equal pay increases would apply. FWA has reserved its decision on this matter.

For more information: Fair Work Australia on the Equal Remuneration Case  

Transition to the SCHCADS Award

During the recent Equal Pay and SACS forums held throughout NSW, a number of questions about the process of translating positions to the SCHCADS modern Award classification structure and the Equal Pay decision were raised by participants. The most common questions have been collated into a Tip Sheet which has been produced to keep the sector informed at this critical time.

Download: Get the Facts: Equal Pay & SACS’ Reclassification Tip Sheet (May 2012)

With effect from 1st July 2012, the job roles of all SACS employees covered by the SCHADS Modern Award must be classified under the modern award. NDS, ASU, Jobs Australia and NCOSS are working in collaboration to assist employers and employees in the smooth translation from a 6 level classification structure to an 8 level classification structure across NSW. To assist employers and employees with this process NDS, NCOSS and the ASU agreed to a FIVE step process that allows for employers and employees to cooperatively move to the SCHADS Award Classifications.

Download: Guide for Employers and Employees in the Appeals process for classifications under the Modern Award (May 2012)

Download: Reclassification Appeal Application Form (May 2012)

Please note that NCOSS is not an industrial organisation and is therefore unable to provide specific industrial relations information and advice. This material is provided as part of our commitment to ensuring general information that is useful and necessary for the community services sector is widely available. If further information or advice is required after considering this information, please speak directly to your industrial advisor body.

13 February 2012
On 1 July 2012, the new SCHCADS (SACS Modern Award) will come into full operation. This means that the new 8 level classification structure that replaces the current 6 level structure of the NSW SACS Award will have to be fully implemented from that date.

As a result all Social, Community and Disability workers in NSW will need to be reclassified under the SCHCADS (SACS Modern Award). NCOSS, the Australian Services Union (ASU) and National Disability Service (NDS) will be working together to ensure that this occurs in a smooth and orderly way and that there is a consistent industry approach to the issues that will arise as we move to reclassify 25,000 employees. NCOSS has prepared a Briefing Paper which outlines a process for reclassification.

Download:  NCOSS Briefing Paper Moving the SCHCADS Modern Award

1 February 2012
NCOSS welcomes the decision today by Fair Work Australia in the Equal Pay Case for community sector workers. The decision will see increases in pay for workers who work with some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people in our communities.

This is a significant decision in what has been a long process and recognises the value of the work done by the sector. Fair wages will allow for these services to continue being viable and effective. The NSW Government has said they will fund their fair share of the outcome from the case. We now need to sit down with the Government and other funders to make sure this happens and give organisations and their staff certainty. Full funding will allow organisations in the sector to provide fair and equal pay for workers and also develop and support quality services for the people and communities that rely on them.

Equal Remuneration Case - Funding

16 January 2012
NSW Minister of Family and Community Services, Pru Goward MP has confirmed in correspondence with NCOSS that “the NSW Government would pay its share of the funding of any outcome from these proceedings”.

22 December 2011
Fair Work Australia (FWA) granted an application by the Australian Services Union (ASU) to delay the transition to the new classification structure of the Modern Award. The transition had previously been postponed to February 2012 and now will not occur until 1 July 2012. The ASU has subsequently advised its membership that it will use this period (the first six months of 2012) to assist them to undertake re-classification of their positions from the old SACS Award to the Modern Award so that they are ‘equal pay ready’ by 1 July 2012.
Download: Fair Work Australia’s Decision

6 December 2011
The NSW Government lodged its submission to Fair Work Australia responding to FWA’s request for further information which formed part of the Equal Remuneration Decision in May 2011. The submission raises a number of concerns which include: the likely budget impact; the financial modelling on which the Commonwealth’s calculations rely as well as its commitment to funding; and the need for both levels of government (but particularly the Commonwealth) to commit to sector workforce development initiatives that support the equitable objectives of the Equal Remuneration Case.
Download: NSW State Government’s submission to FWA

17 November 2011
The Australian Services Union and Federal Government lodged a joint submission on remedy to Fair Work Australia that re-affirms the Federal Government’s previously stated commitment to funding its share of any Equal Remuneration Order (ERO). In addition, the parties have responded to requests for further information by FWA which were included in its landmark decision of May 2011. Key matters clarified in these responses include establishing a formula for calculating the extent to which community work has been under-valued because of gender; recommending that FWA make the Order on the basis of pay rates equivalent to those awarded in the 2009 Queensland Equal Remuneration Case (paid as a percentage on top of the rates in the Modern Award); and detailing a process for implementing the ERO when it is made. That implementation process involves: a delay to the transition to the Modern Award classifications and pay scales from 1 February 2012 to 1 July 2012; payment on 1 July 2012 of the FWA’s Annual Wage Review; phasing in of the new rates of pay beginning on 1 December 2012 and continuing in tranches over six years.
Download: ASU and Federal Government’s Joint Submission to FWA  

10 November 2011
NCOSS welcomes the announcement by Prime Minister, The Hon Julia Gillard, MP to commit $2billion over six years to fund equal pay for workers who work with some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people in our communities.

The Federal Government and unions have agreed to make a joint submission in the Community Services Sector equal pay case which could see community sector workers get significant pay rises.

By committing to fund their fair share, the Federal Government has recognised the importance of the sector and its workforce in delivering support and services to those who need it. This is a significant development in what has been a long process. Now we need the NSW Government to commit to funding their fair share and to allocate money to do this. This would allow organisations in the sector to provide fair and equal pay for workers while ensuring that adequate funding is delivered in a way which develops and supports quality services for the people and communities that rely on them. 

Fair Work Australia is still receiving submissions from States and Territories and hearings of the case continue on 7-8 December 2011. A number of employer bodies represented in the case are more supportive but some are still opposed. A decision is expected in late December.

14 June 2011
On 16 May, Fair Work Australia issued an initial decision in the equal remuneration case for social and community sector and disability workers. The decision found that workers in our sector do receive unequal remuneration compared to equal or comparable work undertaken in state or local government; and that the pay disparity is largely due to the predominantly female workforce in the community sector. FWA called for further evidence and added a new round of hearing dates in early August.

Meanwhile, we still have no firm commitment to fund pay equity from the Commonwealth or NSW Governments. This is of great concern, not least because both the Commonwealth and NSW Governments are such significant funders of community services through contracts and other funding relationships. The Commonwealth Government also allocates funds to the states who then also administer funding to the sector. ACOSS and NCOSS have also been calling for a commitment on industry support for those organisations receiving little or no government funding, but who are part of the great value of the community sector and will be affected by the case just the same.

We must maintain the pressure for commitments to fully fund equal pay in the community sector. In particular, we are seeking a firm commitment for full funding from the Commonwealth and NSW Governments.

We need to hear the voices of employers who support equal pay and support the campaign for funding to cover higher wages costs in the community sector. And we need to hear those voices before the Commonwealth makes its final submission to Fair Work Australia on 30 June.

As part of this campaign for fair and proper funding we are asking all social and community services to write to their Federal MP and follow this up with a phone call to their electorate and parliamentary offices.

ACOSS has drafted a template letter that you can adapt, as well as talking points for the follow up phone calls. We will repeat this with State MPs in a few weeks time.

Australians agree: It's time to support equal pay for community sector workers  

Commonwealth's submission to Fair Work Australia 

Sector Statement of Support for Equal Pay

28 July 2010
ACOSS is co-ordinating the signing of a sector statement supporting equal pay for workers in the sector and calling for governments to commit to full funding for any increases awarded as a result of the Equal Remuneration Case currently being heard by Fair Work Australia.

NCOSS and many NGOs have already signed the statement and we would urge those organisations who haven’t already done so to add their name to the call for fair pay and full funding.

Does your organisation support equal pay for social and community sector workers? If so, then sign the sector statement on funding for higher wages. We are signing up organisations (not individuals) to this statement to show that employers support equal pay in our sector. If your organisation is not yet a signatory, please raise this issue with your employer or CEO.  

Information