National Seniors welcomes pay increase for Aged Care workers as great first step
An interim order from the Fair Work Commission has given a 15% increase in pay to hard working aged care staff.
The interim order for a 15% boost in salary covers all direct care workers.
This is the result of ongoing work by unions and advocates. It comes after the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommended the pay, conditions and training of aged care workers be improved.
Chief Advocate Ian Henschke said, “Improving pay is critical to attracting and retaining staff."
“The Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) recently estimated there were65,000 workers leaving aged care each year.”
“We need to do whatever it takes to boost the number of people working in this vital sector."
“The safety of older Australians receiving care depends on a quality workforce with sufficient workers to meet the goals to improve the hours of care. This interim decision to award a 15 per cent increase is a good first step on the road to fixing staffing problems.”
“We hope this is the first of many actions to provide care workers with the pay they deserve.”
“For too long their wonderful caring work has been undervalued. At last, it's getting some long- awaited recognition.”
