The Push for Increased Pay for Aged Care Nurses in Australia

Following the implementation of the salary increase intended for the Australian Aged Care Nurses workforce, expectations for the sector are promising. As Australia’s federal government commits to providing a budget of 11.3 billion dollars for aged care, workers in the industry are set to receive around 10,000 AUD extra annually starting in July. 

The budget is their highest record, enabling them to fund salary increases for the 250,000 aged care workers in both home care and residential facilities. The government hopes the raise helps retain what’s currently available in their workforce and meet their goal of drawing some 10-25 thousand potential workers. 

Although initially, the government intended to split the 15% increase for over two years, Unions and the Coalition opposition criticized the notion. Regardless, last February, the Fair Work Commission ruled that the salary raise be delivered in one go come July.

The Aged Care Nurse in Australia

The aged care nurses are those who specialize in caring for the elderly population in Australia, who are no longer able to care for themselves. Typically, geriatric care nurses work in hospitals, nursing homes, or through private home care services. Moreover, their jobs require them to perform various duties when tending to their patients or residents. 

Given the aging population, expectations for the job demand should increase to keep up. However, with their current income, there are concerns that the sector will remain understaffed for the years to come. Unions and other stakeholders have been constantly calling to raise the rate of aged care workers. 

Aged Care Nurse Average Wage

Currently, aged care workers’ salaries vary significantly depending on their background or experience and, in some cases, the facility where they work. Registered nurses can average around 32 to 40 AUD per hour and may reach up to 65,000 to 70,000 AUD annually. On the other hand, aged care workers without a degree or diploma can expect to earn around 19 to 27 AUD per hour. 

The 15% Pay Rise 

Last November 2022, the Fair Work Commission announced its interim decision to grant aged care workers a 15% wage increase. Direct care workers working in aged care are the foremost benefactor of the rise. Eligible employees include:

1. Aged Care Award – Personal care workers and lifestyle/recreation activities officers

2. Nurses Award – Nurse assistants, registered nurses, enrolled nurses, and nurse practitioners working in aged care

3. SCHADS Award – Home care workers in aged care

4. It also applies to senior food services employees in the aged care sector (levels 4-7)

What it Means for the Sector

For most, being properly and fairly compensated for their work plays a significant role in remaining to work for their jobs. Not to mention, it also influences and attracts potential workers. For years, the aged care sector has been at the bottom of the barrel in the healthcare sector regarding their wages. But the recent implementation of the ruling opens opportunities to bring in much-needed staff to support more facilities. 

In that regard, prospects for the sector are favorable, and the wage raise is only part of their first steps to provide a much better future for aged care nurses. With certainty, efforts from various unions and the government to make reforms for the sector will continue to acknowledge, prioritize, and value the aged care sector. 

Summing-up

After committing to the 15% wage increase, the Australian government hopes that the raise for the aged care sector will attract more workers and strengthen its workforce. In addition, this investment in the sector highlights and recognizes the importance of aged care workers. With how things stand, if you plan to pursue being a registered nurse in Australia—and in the aged care sector especially—now is your best time to do so!

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