2024 Budget: Government Allocates Funds for Aged Care Worker Salary Boost
In the 2024 federal budget, $2.2 billion has been allocated for the aged care sector, with a boost to aged care workers’ salaries being one of the key announcements.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced that aged care workers in Australia will receive a pay increase as part of the government’s commitment to funding the Fair Work Commission’s decision to increase the award wage for direct and indirect aged care workers.
Additionally, funding is being allocated to attract nurses and other workers into the aged care industry, aiming to increase staffing numbers in this predominantly female-dominated industry of carer work.
The Women’s Budget Statement highlights the historical undervaluation of paid care work, traditionally performed by female family members for free. Despite some increase in male workers in recent years, women still predominantly provide care services.
Furthermore, the budget includes investments in critical areas such as providing additional home care packages, boosting the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, supporting digital systems, and improving the My Aged Care Contact Centre.
Key initiatives also include allocating up to $3 billion for cheaper medicines, freezing PBS script prices for five years, and implementing recommendations from the Aged Care Royal Commission to improve the quality and safety of aged care services in Australia.
The Royal Commission highlighted concerns such as lack of staff and training, neglect cases, and the increasing pressure on the aged care system due to the aging demographic in Australia.
Overall, the government’s focus on aged care in the budget reflects efforts to address challenges and improve the quality of care for seniors in Australia.
