Hundreds of frontline workers will march through Sydney streets on Sunday 31 May, calling on the State Government to provide greater protection for those working with families hardest hit by the global financial crisis.

Australian Services Union NSW Secretary Sally McManus said frontline community workers are struggling to keep up with increasing demands as the financial crisis hits NSW families hard and called on the State Government to address the issue in the upcoming budget.

Ms McManus said NSW social and community service workers are paid up to $20,000 per annum less than those in the NSW public sector and up to 35 per cent less than workers doing the same jobs in Queensland.

“Social and community service workers are on the frontline fighting the impacts of the recession and the global financial crisis with not enough support,” Ms McManus said.

“The Queensland Government has moved to ensure its community workers are given equal pay with the public sector – it’s about time NSW stepped up to the plate.

Ms McManus said at a minimum, government support should come in the form of pay parity with the public sector and other states and increased resources for community programs dealing with struggling families.

“At a time when the people of NSW are relying more than ever on professional support services, it’s only reasonable that those workers have adequate resources to cope with the increased demand.

“The Government wants already cash strapped community organisations and charities to take over essential jobs currently being done by the government such as child protection. Unless they provide for more money in the budget, they will be asking community workers to do it 30 per cent cheaper. This is unacceptable and will lead to worse outcomes for children and young people at risk.

“The government is pumping billions into the economy, a tiny fraction of this to support the workers dealing with the crisis everyday is more than justified. This must be addressed in the upcoming budget.