Workers to benefit
We are funding the Fair Work Commission’s decision on the Aged Care Work Value case of a 15% increase to award wages for:
- registered nurses
- enrolled nurses
- assistants in nursing
- personal care workers and home care workers
- head chefs and cooks
- recreational activities officers (lifestyle workers).
The wage increase applies to workers on the:
- Aged Care Award 2010
- Nurses Award 2020
- Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010.
We also support the Fair Work Commission’s undertaking to consider increases to other aged care sector workers, such as administrative and support staff.
Aged care worker wages guidance
Workers covered by the Fair Work Commission’s decision must receive the full benefit of the Government's funding to implement this decision. This will help the aged care sector attract and retain a skilled workforce.
Providers of residential aged care and Home Care Packages can read the guidance document to help them understand the additional funding. The recording and slides from the wage increase webinar will also help providers understand how to pass on the funding to benefit their workers.
A comprehensive list of frequently asked questions on the wage increase is available in this Q&As document.
Timing
The wage increase came into effect on 30 June 2023.
Funding
We will fund the 15% wage increase including on-costs and leave liabilities.
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 FWC decision of a 15% award wage increase.
This fact sheet explains how the Government funding will apply to the different aged care programs run by local government and council providers.
Learn more about the funding arrangements for the wage rise for:
- Residential aged care
- Home Care Packages Program
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme
- National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program
- Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme
- Transition Care.
Aged Care Wages – Historical Leave Liability Grant Opportunity
The Aged Care Wages – Historical Leave Liability Grant Opportunity (GO6625) closed at 2pm (AEDT) on 31 January 2024
For more information, refer to the Grant Opportunity Guidelines and provider fact sheet.
Provider reporting
Aged Care Wages Attestation Report Q1–Q2 2023–2024
Letter from Minister Anika Wells MP
Read Minister Wells’ letter to providers acknowledging the important work of aged care workers and providing information on the wage increase.
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