Last year’s final report from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety included a plan to revamp the aged care system, including higher wages and a new national registration program for all personal care workers who would be required to have a minimum level of training.
The federal government has promised a cash infusion to try to keep aged care employees, but some have scoffed at the idea, claiming that what workers really need is a long-term salary increase.
And, according to unions and industry groups, things have only gotten worse since that report was released, with the epidemic compounding financing and workforce concerns.
It comes at a good time because the Fair Work Commission is currently debating a case brought forward by unions, which is seeking a significant wage hike for residential and home care employees.
So, to get you up to speed, let’s take a look at what’s going on and what each major political party is saying.
Who is advocating for a raise in pay?
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation and the Health Services Union have filed a complaint with the Fair Work Commission (FWC).
The Fair Work Commission is an independent wage arbitrator that establishes minimum pay rates for various industries.
