National Minimum Wage increase of $13 per week to be staggered
The Fair Work Commission's Minimum Wage decision is very concerning - it is a below CPI increase which essentially amounts to a wage cut in real terms and delays the increases for workers in a number of industries for several months. This will have a negative impact on consumer demand - the last thing you want in an economy that is already in recession. The national decision represents a $13 per week or 1.75% increase, bringing the new Minimum Wage level to $753.80 a week or $19.84 an hour. Unions had called for a 4% increase, or $30 per week, while business groups called for a wage freeze.
WACOSS made a submission to the State Wage Case, which has not yet been handed down.
Smart housing installation boom could make a real difference
WACOSS joined more than 50 organisations, calling on the Federal and State Governments to stimulate the economy with an energy efficient and solar, low-income housing installation boom. The call comes after the Federal Government’s Housing stimulus proposal failed to include measures for people most in need, instead focusing on high income earners undertaking expensive renovation without any related social or environmental benefits. The proposal has been welcomed by Australia's Chief Scientist, Alan Finkel, who said that "saving electricity the best form of energy generation".
Gender Equity Insights show that female leadership can lead to business profitability, but still a way to go
The BCEC 2020 Gender Equity Insights report shows that under female leadership business profitability, performance, and productivity increase; female top-tier managers add 6.6% to market value of ASX companies; and female leadership will help businesses thrive in a post-COVID world
Of some of the key findings, the appointment of a female CEO has driven a 12.9 per cent increase in the chance of outperforming the sector on three or more metrics.
However, it's alarming that:
- Women are least likely to be the Chair of the Board, with only 14.1% of women being Board Chairs;
- Women make up only 17.1% of company CEOs; and
- 29.8% of companies have no female representation on their Board and a similar proportion of companies have no women in their key management teams.
The construction industry has a long way to go, with two-thirds of firms in the construction sector having zero female representation on their Boards.
Impact Investment WA Alliance urges McGowan Government to support the emerging sector amid COVID-19 crisis
As a founding member of the Impact Investment WA Alliance, WACOSS joins the growing chorus of leaders across private and philanthropic sectors calling on the McGowan government for a State Social Enterprise Strategy. Our members in the community services industry are pioneers of social enterprise in WA, having invested in and proven up some of the first examples of employment based social enterprise in the state.
In the light of the COVID economic crisis and the burgeoning negative impact job losses are having on our communities and families, which increasingly depend on the community service providers, it is incumbent on the McGowan government to support the sector in its effort to develop sustainable ways of tackling the unprecedented social disadvantage and vulnerability caused by the impact of the pandemic.
The community services industry supports over 120,000 jobs in WA, contributing over $5 billion to the state's economy each year. Our ability to increase our services to meet demand, and create support, upskilling and employment opportunities for the most vulnerable members of our community depends largely on the willingness of the State to innovate its approach to our members.
The Victorian Government's Social Enterprise and Social Procurement Framework report released in 2018, has shown the potential for such policy innovation. With 1.5 jobs created for those suffering or at risk of disadvantage for every $100,000 dollars spent on social procurement, and a social return on investment of $3.65 for every $1 invested in social enterprise, 'best-practice' policy has been proven. Today we call upon the McGowan government to finally catch up, and support and fund potentially game changing social innovation for economic outcomes in Western Australia. Read more about the Impact Investment WA Alliance and Impact Seed.
Host a McCusker Intern between August-November
The McCusker Centre for Citizenship gives UWA students the opportunity to make a difference in the community by offering 100-hour internships with NFPs, community, and Government organisations. Organisations in the community sector are encouraged to apply to host an intern in Semester 2, which can be completed working-from-home or in the office. For more information contact the Internships Team via [email protected] or call 08 6488 7553 before 5 July.
White Ribbon Australia turns over a new chapter
Communicare has announced the appointment of Brad Chilcott as Executive Director of White Ribbon Australia. Brad is a campaigner for social change and justice and has more than 10 years of experience with leading NGOs. White Ribbon has been relaunched today with renewed focus on community engagement and committing resources, advocacy and activities to bring about meaningful change in the prevention of gendered violence.
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