As many members are aware, there are several dodgy providers out there that charge participants NDIS rates but only pay their workers as home carers. This is known as the home care wage theft loophole.
The NDIS charge out rates are based on workers being employed at Level 2.3 under the Social and Community Services stream in the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHCDS Award). However, by employing workers as ‘home carers’ as opposed to ‘disability support workers’ the dodgy employers pocket a whopping $9 an hour directly stolen from workers’ pockets.
It’s a rort, it’s a scam and we are determined to end it!
We’ve lodged an application in the Fair Work Commission for all workers who provide disability support to clients under the NDIS to be paid as social and community services (SACS) employees irrespective of where that work is performed.
We’ve also called on the Federal Government and NDIA to tighten funding guidelines and require providers to demonstrate that they have complied with the SACS equal remuneration order rates before receiving payments.
We’ve hired a barrister to run our case so you can rest assured it’s in the best possible hands. Disappointingly, at least one of the local dodgies has already sought to oppose our application, wanting to keep their grubby mitts on money that is rightfully yours.
We’ll keep you updated as the case proceeds.