Media Release

Aged care wage rise decision crucial for elderly Australians

March 15, 2024 by Fiona Macdonald

HSC Assistant Secretary Lauren Hutchins (left), and HSC Secretary Gerard Hayes are seen as union members and age care workers react following the conclusions of the Health Services Union wage review at the Health Services Union in Sydney, Friday, March 15, 2024. Aged care workers have been seeking a 25 per cent wage rise in the long running work value case. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi) NO ARCHIVING

The Australia Institute says wage rises for aged care workers will improve the lives of elderly Australians after a crucial Fair Work Commission decision.

The Commission today announced rises between 2 and 13.5 per cent for aged care workers from July 2024.

“Today’s decision is crucial to supporting safe and quality care for elderly Australians, and the sustainability of the aged care workforce,” said Dr Fiona Macdonald, Policy Director at the Australia Institute’s Centre for Future Work.

“For too long, aged care work has been undervalued and low paid. The Fair Work Commission’s decision to award additional pay rises, on top of an interim 15 per cent wage rise, is vital to fixing this.

“The introduction of a new classification structure will also provide the basis for the ongoing recognition and valuation of aged care work.

“It’s essential the federal government commits to fully funding the additional increases of up to 13.5 per cent from the start of the next financial year.”

“The exclusion of indirect care workers from today’s decision is a lost opportunity to support the lowest paid workers.”