Our role in the aged care workforce
We are working to build a valued, skilled and supported aged care workforce.
The Professional FrameWork to build and strengthen the aged care workforce outlines eight priority goals and actions being undertaken.
Priority goals include:
- uplifting pay and conditions
- boosting education and training
- improving culture
- encouraging innovation
- increasing career pathways
- improving workforce planning
- building evidence base, and
- building leadership capability.
Building the workforce
We are building opportunities to expand the care and support workforce. This will allow more skilled workers to deliver safe, consistent, high-quality aged care services.
A wage increase recognises the value of aged care workers and the complex work they do. Attractive jobs and training pathways will encourage more workers to join the aged care sector. This includes more career options for:
- women
- First Nations people
- regional Australians
- culturally and linguistically diverse people.
A reliable, skilled surge workforce will also contribute to continuity of care in regional and rural areas.
Boosting education and training
Our programs boost the education and training of aged care workers.
We are providing opportunities for aged care staff to receive training in:
- palliative care
- dementia care
- infection prevention and control
- culturally safe, inclusive, respectful care.
Nurses and personal care workers can continue professional development and gain qualifications through:
- online training
- recognition of prior learning.
Learn about free training opportunities for aged care workers.
Improving workforce planning and culture
Everyone wants a work environment where they feel respected and supported.
We are helping providers to:
- develop and improve worker skills
- improve work culture
- build leadership capability and innovation
- deliver safe, quality care.
Find out how we are helping providers build and develop a supportive, valued, and productive workforce.
Initiatives and programs
Learn about the various initiatives and programs for the aged care workforce.
Building the evidence base
We provide funding for aged care workforce research. This gives us the evidence we need to improve the health workforce and provide quality care to older people in Australia.
We are also collecting data from aged care workers and providers to capture critical information about the aged care workforce.
Consultation and engagement
We regularly consult the public on matters relating to the aged care workforce. See our consultation hub for consultations related to the aged care workforce.
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