They want the government to agree to fund their organizations to enable them to deliver a pay rise that they say is long overdue. Because employers in the sector are largely government-funded, they are reliant on this before they can offer a pay rise. Speakers at the Sydney rally were critical of the Carr government's ongoing refusal to increase funding, while throwing millions at the growing Sydney 2000 shortfall. The government has been well aware of our award claim for over two years, but are still not prepared to commit to funding whatever the Industrial Relations Commission decided is a fair outcome having heard the arguments from both side. The Community Sector covers non-profit community services for the aged, homeless, people with disabilities, young people, women and families in need.
Most services rely entirely on government funding in order to operate.
The New South Wales Labor Council is supporting the Teachers Federation in its campaign to reverse a 10 per cent cut to the TAFE budget and job cuts and to safe-guard the quality of TAFE education. These cuts are expected to lead to a loss of 730 full-time jobs. Student enrolments are expected to rise dramatically for this year by 171,000. The additional work caused by these enrolments will create massive problems for administrative staff in TAFE colleges. Such an attack on New South Wales TAFE, the premier Vocational Education and Training provider in Australia cannot be tolerated.