Community Employers WA (CEWA) represents employers in the non-government, not-for-profit community services sector in Western Australia and has launched an online petition on behalf of staff to improve salaries and wages.

The petition, which will be presented to the Western Australian Government, calls for “the Government of Western Australia to increase its funding by 30 per cent to non government, not for profit community services organisations in Western Australia, to increase the capacity of these organisations to pay fair and just wages to their staff and continue to deliver essential community services”.

Not-for-profit staff are currently paid 30 per cent less than their colleagues in other sectors. After reaching the top level in the public service, the same base grade social worker will receive $29,210, or 57 per cent, more than their equivalent in the community sector.

“We are asking for staff, colleagues, family, friends and anyone who is involved in, or passionate about, the community services sector, to sign this petition” said CEWA Executive Director, James Lawton.

“The more signatures we get, the stronger will be the message that the not-for-profit community services sector in Western Australia is vital, and should be considered a priority by this Government” said Lawton.