United Voice News
Aged Care Reform Must Include Workforce Reform
Monday’s Productivity Commission’s report, Caring for Older Australians, reiterates United Voice’s claims that aged care workers are low paid and that these low wages are the reason for workforce shortages. The report recommends that “it may be more cost effective for providers to invest in higher wages, rather than incur the costs associated with high turnover rates.” Following this point, United Voice, the aged care union, emphasises that any aged care reform must include improvements for the aged care workforce.
Studies show that by 2050, over 500,000 more workers will be needed to take care of Australia’s aging population. Currently, 1 in 4 aged care workers leave the job every year. Workers are leaving the industry at a rapid rate because of increasing responsibility and workloads—and unliveable wages.
“I've seen a lot in the 9 years working as a personal carer. One of my worse experiences was that I found my client had passed away and as no family was available, I had to assist the police, etc. I bath and assist clients, some very frail and some quite large. I also share lots of quick, 10 minute visits, with some very lonely clients, knowing I will be the only person they will see today. It is a tough job, but I love it,” Bev Watkinson, a personal carer in Brisbane and spokesperson for the United Voice’s Fair Share for Aged Care campaign, said.
“But, after nearly a decade of experience, I still only make a little over $19 an hour. I’ve seen experienced carers leave the job for better pay and less responsibility. I even know carers who have to work two jobs just to make ends meet. People we take care need our help to get by—but we can’t even afford to pay our bills.”
The report recognised that in order to sustain the aged care industry, workers must be provided fair and competitive wages. It also noted that the Federal Government must play a main role in setting care prices that will allow providers to pay fair wages.
“The work that aged care workers do is vital. They are the ones who ensure we have true quality care once we reach old age,” Sue Lines, Assistant National Secretary said. “But, it’s hard to keep people in the job. An essential part of the work done is the relationships formed between workers and their clients—this can’t happen if 25% of aged care workers leave every year.”
“We are calling on employers to work with us to ensure that the Federal Government intervenes for wage justice for aged care workers. This report and talking is not enough. Action must be taken.”
