Aged Care Alert – $11.3 billion funding announced for aged care wage increase

The Australian Government is investing $11.3 billion to fund the Fair Work Commission’s decision for a 15 per cent increase to award wages.

Date published:
Type:
Subscriber announcement
Audience:
Health sector

The Australian Government is investing $11.3 billion to fund the Fair Work Commission’s decision for a 15 per cent increase to award wages.

Aged care workers who will benefit from the wage increase are:

  • registered nurses
  • enrolled nurses
  • assistants in nursing
  • personal care workers and home care workers
  • head chefs and cooks
  • recreational activities officers (lifestyle workers).

Aged care providers will receive additional funding through existing funding arrangements and new grant opportunities. Funding for on-costs and leave liabilities will be provided. The Government is working with providers and unions to implement the funding arrangements. Further information will be provided in the Your Aged Care Update newsletter.

The award rate changes will take effect from the employee's first full pay period that starts on or after 30 June 2023.

Read more about the wage rise on the department’s website.

Further details on funding arrangements for each aged care program are available:

Transition Care Program, email TCP@health.gov.au