CASUALS and other staff employed by councils aren't eligible for the Federal Government's JobKeeper package, but Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Tim Harrison says Ararat casuals shouldn't worry.
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The council employs just under 30 casual staff and Dr Harrison said while the restrictions implemented in response to coronavirus impacted hours, the council was working to retain or redeploy them.
"There have been some casuals that have had their hours cut and some that aren't getting hours at the moment, but we have tried if possible to retain or redeploy people and bring them back," he said.
"We have some seasonal casuals and we have the performing arts centre staff who have been impacted, and one or two in the library. We also have the leisure centre and Gum San. Some do not get a lot of hours with us (in the first place) and may have other sources of income they can draw on.
"For ongoing or contracted workers, we've still got those staff and we've had no stand downs and have no intention to stand them down."
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Dr Harrison said he understood why the federal government had not extended the package to local government.
"I think it's really important that private sector employers are given the maximum opportunity to keep employees and stay strong," he said.
"I think JobKepper has a practical purpose around protecting casual staff in the private sector and applying it to local government is a bit of a stretch.
"We're trying really hard to keep our workforce buoyant at this time. It's difficult for any casual employee - they are always vulnerable during times of downturn and we are really trying hard to keep them with us.
"We're working with the state government to bring in a few additional roles within council. (Government body) Working for Victoria can provide some additional roles in local government."
Working for Victoria is a part of the state government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
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