Greg's been getting paid $2.50 an hour for two years. At his workplace, it’s legal
www.abc.net.au
The disability royal commission is examining the experiences of people who have worked in Australian disability enterprises, as advocates raise concerns about low wages.

Mr Tucker's employer has told him that next week, his wage will rise to $8.13 an hour.

He told the royal commission he deserved more.

But because Mr Tucker, who lives with intellectual disability, is working at an Australian disability enterprise (ADE), being paid that little is legal.

  • GothWhitlam [he/him]
    ·
    3 years ago

    Working in the disability sector in Australia, this shit has been known about for years. Deeply fucking frustrating but almost unchangeable (ex colleagues in the DHHS used to pull their hair out over it as government wouldn't listen).

    If I hear the "it gives them a sense of purpose and dignity" argument on more time I might just fucking snap.

    • forcequit [she/her]
      ·
      3 years ago

      I heard about it second-hand only last week, was appalled when I found out. From the same mob that bring you "the best form of welfare is a job".

      The pay seems about the same, I wonder if the ADE kickbacks are as juicy as they are for JSP/WFtD

  • Frank [he/him, he/him]
    ·
    3 years ago

    Yeah.

    Being disabled sucks all by itself, then the state starts heaping extra bullshit up on your shoulders.

  • Bloobish [comrade/them]
    ·
    3 years ago

    Another fucking rage inducing story was how Goodwill sought out disabled employees due to a similar loophole in the US as well. Also in South Korea you have disabled individuals fucking enslaved on god damned salt fields and the government doesn't bat an eye.