Better and fairer wages for aged care workers

Aged care workers are fundamental to delivering the care all Australians expect for older people. An award wage rise recognises the value of aged care workers and the complex work they do.

Workers to benefit

We are continuing to support the Fair Work Commission’s decisions on the Aged Care Work Value Case.

The Fair Work Commission has determined further award wage increases for many aged care workers, ranging between 2.3% and 13.5%. 

From 1 January 2025, these workers will start receiving the increases to their award wage. 

For some workers, award wages will increase in 2 phases, with the second increase occurring on 1 October 2025.

These award wage increases apply to:

  • assistants in nursing 
  • personal care workers 
  • home care workers 
  • recreational activities officers (lifestyle workers)
  • ancillary staff – such as administration staff, drivers, maintenance staff, gardeners, laundry hands, cleaners and food services assistants.

These wage increases apply to workers on the:

  • Aged Care Award 2010
  • Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS Award).

These increases build on the 15% award wage increase provided in 2023 to:

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

    For advice and assistance on the awards and enterprise agreements, workers may contact the Fair Work Ombudsman either by calling 13 13 94 between 8am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday (AEST), or by sending an online enquiry. Information on the award rates, including pay guides and a pay and conditions tool, can be found on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website. We are supporting the award wage increases, including on-costs and the increased cost of historical leave liabilities.  

Funding

Aged care providers will receive additional funding through existing funding arrangements and new grant opportunities.

Privately funded facilities – such as independent living and retirement villages not funded by the Australian Government – will not be eligible to receive funding to meet the Fair Work Commission's decisions on award wage increase.

Learn more about the funding arrangements for the wage rise for:

Aged care worker wages guidance

A guidance document is available to support aged care workers, union representatives and providers as funding arrangements for Phase 1 of Stage 3 of the Aged Care Work Value Case rolls out. 

Providers of residential aged care and Home Care Packages can still access the guidance document to help them understand the additional funding for the Stage 2 decision. 

Provider reporting

Aged care wages attestation report Q1 to Q4 2023–24

A summary of providers’ attestations that they have passed on additional Australian Government funding in support of the Fair Work Commission’s decision to increase minimum award rates for many aged care workers and associated on-costs.

Resources

Contact

Aged care award wage rise contact

Contact us for enquiries about the aged care award wage rise for workers.
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