14 AugELAA CEO update 15 August 2019
Get the latest from ELAA’s CEO about research into EYM sustainability; the Victorian Portable Long Service Leave Scheme; support during the Victorian kindergarten expansion program; and ELAA’s Employee Management and Development kit.
ELAA’s advocacy to government to support the viability of the not-for-profit early years sector continues to be one of our key priorities . With DET funding, a project has been initiated with Deloitte to better understand the cost drivers affecting Early Years Management (EYM) services. Four EYMs are currently anonymously participating in this data gathering process, with a second phase of work to commence in October 2019 on the benefits of the EYM model. ELAA will keep members up to date through regular updates in e-news.
In other news, the new Portable Long Service Leave scheme will be implemented in Victoria from 1 January, 2020. ELAA is urging members to start preparing for implementation, as there will be both administrative and financial implications for employers linked to the new scheme. Three tests will be applied in determining an employee’s eligibility to enter the scheme:
- an employer test – whether the organisation meets the definition for inclusion
- a worker test – whether the employee works for an eligible employer
- a work test – the type of work an employee undertakes.
More detail on the legislation and regulations can be found by clicking here. In short, any Victorian not-for-profit service provided by an entity that is a licensed children’s service under the Children’s Services Act 1996 or an approved provider under the Education and Care Services National Law (Victoria) (except an entity that is also a registered school within the meaning of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006) is included under the employer test. ELAA is currently seeking more information from the Portable Long Service Leave scheme on what types of roles are included in the scheme. This will likely involve the establishment of an implementation working group to channel member input on implementation issues back to the scheme. In the meantime, employers are encouraged to keep up-to-date by visiting the Portable Long Service Leave Authority scheme website – which currently features state-wide ‘pop up’ information sessions – and also to register for inclusion in the scheme if they think they might be eligible.
With the lead up to the Victorian kindergarten expansion program launch from 1 January, 2020, ELAA is also busy designing a range of resources to support members throughout the implementation process. One of our key advocacy messages relates to the need to recruit, develop and retain 6,000 new teachers and educators into the sector.
Finally, during 2019, ELAA will be updating and re-launching its much loved Employee Management and Development kit, with a series of training sessions across the State to follow. Stay tuned!
Sincerely
David Worland
CEO – ELAA
