Delivering For Aged Care Workers

Since coming to office, the Albanese Labor Government has shown that it values aged care workers.
We have delivered a record 15 percent pay increase for 250,000 of the lowest paid aged care workers across Australia.

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 historic ‘Work Values Case’ saw the Fair Work Commission deliver a significant pay rise of up to 28%, with an average increase of 23% across the sector.

The Albanese Labor Government is now working with the sector to develop and legislate a new Aged Care Act.

At the forefront of the campaign for better wages and conditions in aged care has been the Health Service Union (HSU) and their dedicated members.

Assistant Minister Emma McBride met with aged care workers in Canberra to recognise their advocacy. But also, to 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 undervalued.

“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.”