The Andrews Labor Government is working with the vital social and community services sector to promote secure jobs and build the workforce which delivers critical services to Victorians who need them most.

Minister for Child Protection and Family Services Lizzie Blandthorn and Treasurer Tim Pallas today announced the Community Services Fair Jobs Code – a set of standards that will assist community organisations with providing secure workplaces.

The code was finalised in consultation with the Victorian Council of Social Service, the Australian Services Union and other sector representatives, and recognises the strong, committed community services sector, its workers and the essential services they provide to the wellbeing of Victorians.

The Labor Government also announced an increase in annual indexed funding that will benefit about 800 community service organisations (CSOs) working in areas including child protection, family violence, homelessness and community-based drug treatment and mental health services.

The new indexation rate will increase the Government’s investment in community services by an additional $259 million over the next four years.

This is one of the most significant indexation changes for community services organisations in the country – ensuring that they have funding security into the future.

CSOs subject to the code will be required to meet the following standards:

• Comply with all applicable employment, industrial relations and workplace health and safety obligations.
• Promote secure employment and job security.
• Foster cooperative and constructive relationships with employees and unions.
• Foster workplace equity and diversity.

The code will apply to organisations that receive direct funding of more than $2 million a year from the Victorian Government to provide community services and will come into effect in August 2024 and August 2025 for statutory services.

Over the next 12 months the Government will communicate with relevant CSOs to help them build an understanding of the code and its obligations.