The Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) welcomes today’s Federal Government’s Aged Care Workforce Compact announcement, which is part of the Living Longer, Living Better Aged Care Reform package.
As part of the Living Longer, Living Better reform, $1.2 billion will be made available through Addressing the Workforce Pressures initiative to assist in attracting and retaining workers in aged care.
From 1 July 2013 aged care workers employed by providers who meet the terms and conditions of the Aged Care Workforce Compact will receive better pay and conditions through an associated Workforce Supplement.
“There has been chronic under-investment in aged care for many years and this package will help staunch the crisis in the sector, which faces a shortage of 105,000 aged care workers in this decade alone” said HACSU State Secretary Chris Brown.
Mr Brown said “Aged care workers across Tasmania had campaigned for reform and their hard work would help the sector continue its vital role.”
“Aged care workers are some of the most dedicated people you’ll find in any industry, 90% of whom are women over 45 who work part time.” Mr Brown said.
“Despite the low pay they turn up every day to care for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. We should all take our hats off to them.”
“Aged care workers recognised urgent action was needed to reform the sector and it is largely through their efforts that this package has now become a reality.”
“Aged Care employers, unions and consumers have been united in calling on the Federal Government to make aged care reform a priority and give our aged care workers the recognition they deserve.”
“It is now up to employers to sign up to the compact to give our aged care workers the recognition they deserve” Mr Brown said.
“Aged Care Providers know they will not be able to retain or attract enough quality aged care workers to provide proper care into the future when current wages mean aged care workers can barely even keep their heads above water”
HACSU State Secretary Chris Brown
