Read about the Fair Work Ombudsman’s role in supporting workers and businesses in the disability services sector, including guidance on pay rates, workplace rights, and employer obligations to ensure compliance within labour hire supply chains.
Collaboration with Fair Work Ombudsman
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is Australia’s workplace relations regulator. The FWO supports employers and employees by providing information, education and advice on pay rates as well as workplace rights and obligations. It also enforces compliance with the Fair Work Act (Cth) (the Fair Work Act), related legislation, awards and registered agreements. In undertaking its work, the FWO prioritises working with and ensuring compliance across a number of sectors. Find out more on the Work Safe website.
It is important that all workers and businesses in the disability support services sector understand their rights and obligations. Businesses contracting labour hire companies to supply workers must ensure they are aware of the minimum rates and entitlements applicable to the work being performed, and that these minimums are met throughout the supply chain.
Businesses with non-compliant supply chains can be responsible for their contractors or subcontractors not following the law, which is known as accessorial liability. The disability support services sector provides a range of services including residential care, in-home support, short-term accommodation and respite, social and recreational assistance, advocacy and community engagement.
Common workplace issues identified by the FWO within this sector include minimum rates and classifications, weekend and shift penalty rates, overtime and record keeping. To support people to better understand and meet their workplace rights and obligations, the FWO encourages people to visit its website at: Disability support and aged care services - Fair Work Ombudsman.
The FWO’s website has information on:
award coverage – many employees are covered by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award, otherwise known as the SCHADS Award
minimum pay rates and classifications, weekend and shift penalty rates, overtime, allowances, and access to the Pay and conditions tool
