Australian Disability Enterprises are businesses (all currently non-profit organisations) that provide employment for people with disability who generally require support to remain in paid employment.
When an employee begins a new job, the employer grades them based on their skills, experience and qualifications. The employee is paid the percentage of the relevant hourly rate for their grade. This is based on their assessed capacity, using an approved wage assessment tool.
Prior to 1 January 2010 Disability Enterprises were covered by one of the following:
- the Pay Scale derived from the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union Supported Employment Services Award 2005 (the LHMU pay scale),
- the Special Business Services Pay Scale (the SBS pay scale), or
- the Cooma Challenge Limited Business Services (State) Award (and its derived pay scale).
Disability Enterprises and their employees previously covered by the LHMU pay scale or the SBS pay scale are likely to be covered by the Supported Employment Services Award 2010 [MA000103]. From 1 July 2010 employers and employees covered by this modern award will begin phasing to the modern award rates.
Any employees previously covered by the LHMU pay scale or the SBS pay scale who is not covered by the Supported Employment Services Modern Award or any other modern award will continue on their pre-modern award rates.
Employees previously covered by the Cooma Challenge Limited Business Services (State) Award, will continue to be covered by that enterprise award. Enterprise Awards are not replaced by modern awards.