Federal Government supports aged care workers

Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride has praised her government’s record on its unprecedented support for aged care workers.

McBride, who is Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health and Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, said since coming to office the Albanese Government had shown it valued aged care workers.

“We have delivered a record 15 per cent pay increase for 250,000 of the lowest paid aged care workers across Australia,” she said.

“The biggest ever pay rise for aged care workers has benefited workers across the Coast and reflects the intent of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s final report to improve remuneration for aged care staff.

“Registered nurses, enrolled nurses, assistants in nursing, personal care workers, head chefs and cooks, recreational activities officers (lifestyle workers) and home care workers will see an historic increase to their award wages.”

In March, the Work Values Case saw the Fair Work Commission deliver a significant pay rise of up to 28 per cent, with an average increase of 23 per cent across the sector.

McBride said the Government was now working with the sector to develop and legislate a new Aged Care Act.  

She recently met with aged care workers in Canberra to recognise their advocacy and thank them for the tireless work they do to support older people on the Central Coast.

“As a pharmacist who worked at Wyong Hospital for almost a decade, I know how important the work of aged care workers is, and for too long it has been under-valued,” she said.

“On the Central Coast we have an ageing population.

“It’s important that we have a strong aged care sector that people can rely on, and key to that is decent pay and conditions for workers.

“I’m proud to be part of a government that is delivering significant wage rises and better conditions for aged care workers.

“Creating a better sector for workers, residents, and their families.”

Health Services Union (HSU) secretary Gerard Hayes and union members were at the forefront of the campaign for better wages and conditions in the aged care sector.

“Aged care workers are the lifeblood of the care economy and for too long the hundreds of thousands of women of this sector have been overlooked,” Hayes said.

“These wage increases recognise the proper value of aged care work and will be an important factor in attracting and retaining this critical workforce.

“The Federal Government was prepared to stand up for aged care workers, understanding the central role that the workforce plays in delivering dignified, respectful care to older Australians.

“This is a great outcome for everyone – for workers, older Australians and their families.”