Australia’s Aged Care Workforce Industry Council (ACWIC) has welcomed the decision of the Fair Work Commission in the aged care Work Value case and has called for further wage increases.
Interim CEO, Sarah McLelland, acknowledged the action as a first step in the decision process for the Commission.
“This interim pay increase of 15% for direct care workers is a positive step, but it’s not enough. We keenly await the next announcement from the FWC to ensure that workers are adequately recognised for the essential work they do,” she said.
“Aged care workers have routinely gone above and beyond, continuing to deliver care through trying circumstances, and their work should be properly valued.
“ACWIC is firmly committed to improving outcomes for aged care workers so that they feel valued and supported to deliver consistently high-quality care to older Australians.
Ms McLelland said support and administration staff must also be included, as they are central to the provision of safe, person-centred care.
“ACWIC facilitated the sector’s consensus statement in 2021 which informed the Commission’s decision. We will continue to work with the sector and government to support the implementation of this vital recommendation from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety,” she said.
“We recognise that increasing wages is not the only solution to attracting and retaining aged care workers. ACWIC has a range of initiatives aimed at addressing this issue, including the development of a best practice program for the aged care sector.
“The best practice program will share best practice and build cultures of continuous improvement. This will enhance attraction and retention of workers to provide the care and support older people want and deserve.”
