The following has been copied from (2007) records of the NSW State Parliament: http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LC20070925031
The Hon. LYNDA VOLTZ [3.09 p.m.]: In Australia 2.3 million people are part-time or casual workers, one of the highest rates amongst the industrialised countries in the world. More than one in four Australian workers are now in casual employment. Casualisation is an increasingly problematic trend in the workplace. Casual jobs attract an hourly rate of pay but offer very few other rights and benefits, such as the right to notice, the right to severance pay and most forms of paid leave. Casualisation in the workplace has been further fuelled by the introduction of the Federal Government's industrial relations laws by way of lifting award restrictions and broadening employer power. This reform as a means for flexibility has encouraged instances of increasing casualisation in individual workplaces, thus reinforcing the increasing uncertainty and instability within the labour market
The speech suggests that casualisation of the Australian workforce was exacerbated by the former Liberal Governments industrial relations policies.
So, 4 years later and with different masters things should have changed.
They haven’t and there’s a continuing trend toward part time and casual work.
Why?
Because the casualisation of the workforce has nothing to do with Work Choices nor is it a result of Fair Work Australia. The truth is that finding and offering such employment is in the financial interests of employment service provides both in Job Services Australia and within Disability Employment Services.
I have repeatedly spoken about the systematic distortions created by the measurement system used to evaluate employment service providers - the Star Ratings.
The funding bodys Star Ratings reward simple numerical placements: 2 beats 1, even when the 2 are only 8 hours of employment and the 1 is 38 hours employment. In this case full time work means a person leaves welfare behind and the 2 part time positions both continue to require full payment. Nevertheless in the Star Ratings 2 beats 1 and every provider knows it.
This fact has created a system in which it is in the interests of programs like NOVA to only seek part time work, to divide up full time positions to offer multiple subsidies and even to mine schools, pulling out students for a days paid work.
The measurement system used is a disaster for the long term interests of people who have a idsability
The Star Ratings are out today and NOVA scores a consistent 3 out of 5 (that suggests we’re middle muddle) What the Star Ratings won’t tell you is that all NOVA staff are required to achieve at least 15 hours of employment each week before a placement counts for internal recognition.
Since the introduction of “Star Ratings” an industry has been built to rort them. I am collecting examples for later publication but in the meantime this is where you can find a copy of the most recent results here: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Employment/Programs/DES/PerfFramework/Pages/DESStarRatings.aspx They tell you nothing much, they fail to recognize deliberate distortions and tip a wink at any process that delivers greater overall numbers no matter how morally bankrupt.
Will this process reduce the total cost of welfare for people with a disability? – Nope.
Will the process lead to increased full time participation? – Nope.
Will the process continue? – Absolutely!
If only it wasn’t important.
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