The 1st of July was D-day for the aged care sector as a number of major changes came into play, including a wage increase for workers.
Taking to Twitter for a video address, Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells said the 1 July signified “a massive milestone” for the industry. “The Albanese government is restoring dignity to older people, just as the royal commission asked us to do.”
From 1 July, more than 250,000 aged care workers will receive a 15 per cent increase on their award wage.
The pay deal – the outcome of the Fair Work Commission’s work value case – shows the government “truly values aged care nurses and care workers,” said federal assistant secretary of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Lori-Anne Sharp.
She added: “The government has assured the ANMF that it is funding a pay increase for all eligible workers in aged care, to recognise the incredibly important work nurses and care workers do each and every day caring for older people across the country.”
Ms Sharp said the 1 July changes provided hope that meaningful and long-awaited change had begun. “We hope that aged care workers have a little more spring in their step as they see these results roll out.”
Meanwhile, the ANMF will continue to work with government to develop clear guidelines for the process of passing on the funding in full as wage increases, said Ms Sharp.
“We will also continue to work with the government on accountability and transparency for the taxpayer funding dedicated to wage increases to ensure it is used solely for its intended purpose – long overdue and very well-deserved wages increases for aged care workers.”
Other aged care reforms that came into effect on 1 July include:
- the establishment of the Aged Care Volunteer Scheme
- establishment of the Office of Inspector General of Aged Care.
While commending the government for their commitment to fixing aged care thus far, Ms Sharp said there is still much more to be done. “This is a critical first step in acknowledging the true worth of aged care workers who have been undervalued for their complex work. These reforms will help retain and recruit nurses and carers to the sector and ultimately ensure that older Australians get the quality care they deserve. The rebuilding of the aged care sector is just beginning.”
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