Supported Wage Scheme (SWS)
The Supported Wage System (SWS) was introduced in 1994 to improve employment opportunities for people with disability by providing an industrial system that enables the legal payment of a productivity based, or pro-rata wage.
SWS is a process that allows employers to pay a pro-rata wage that matches an independently assessed productivity rate. Most Australians who have disability and participate in the open workforce do so at full rates of pay. However, there are some people who are unable to find or keep a job at full wage rates due to the effect of disability on their workplace productivity.
The Australian Government contracts a panel of independent supported wage assessors to conduct productivity assessments for employers who wish to employ people with disability under the SWS provisions. There is no cost to employers for the assessment.
Eligibility
A person is eligible to participate in SWS if:
- the job under consideration is covered by an industrial instrument or legislative provision which permits employment for pro-rata wages under SWS; and
- the person is an Australian citizen or is a person resident in Australia whose continued presence is not subject to a time limit imposed by Commonwealth law (e.g.: a temporary visa); and
- the person is at least 15 years of age; and
- the person has no outstanding workers compensation claim against the current employer; and
- as determined by Centrelink, the person meets the impairment criteria for receipt of the Disability Support Pension (DSP).
A Summary of the Supported Wage System process
- The employer or the Disability Employment Network (DEN) consultant complete and lodge the application form on the JobAccess website.
- The DEEWR Supported Wage Management Unit (SWMU) officer confirms the applicant’s eligibility.
- The SWMU approves the application on-line and the applicant is advised.
- The employee commences the trial period on at least the minimum weekly wage of $66.00 (current as at 1 October 2007).
- The SWMU assigns the assessment to a SWS Service provider.
- The wage assessment is conducted and agreed by all parties.
- The productivity rating is reviewed annually thereafter.
For more information
Access the JobAccess website at www.jobaccess.gov.au or phone the SWMU in your state (free call 1800 065 123) for information.