"The proposal announced today by the Victorian Government to give casuals sick leave and carer's leave is deeply flawed," Innes Willox Chief Executive of the national employer association Ai Group, said today.
"Casuals receive a 25% casual loading in lieu of sick leave and carer's leave entitlement, and therefore providing a separate entitlement would be 'double-dipping'.
"The proposal is another move away from nationally consistent employment entitlements by the Victorian Government and will cause confusion for employers and employees.
"The Victorian Government intends to fund a trial of the proposed new entitlements but has flagged that Victorian businesses will most likely be required to fund the huge ongoing cost once the trial is over, through a levy. The levy would, in effect, be a tax on employment and would be another deterrent to employers investing in Victoria. This flawed proposal needs to be abandoned.
"COVID should not be used as a cover to drive ideological agendas which raise costs for businesses and employment," Mr Willox said.
Media enquiries: Tony Melville – 0419 190 347
