January 2025 marks a historic milestone for Australia’s aged care sector, with long-awaited award wage increases for 340,000 residential and home care workers now in effect. This initiative, supported by the government’s $3.8 billion investment over four years and building on an $11.3 billion commitment in 2023, ensures fair pay for personal care workers, nurses, and essential support staff.
Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells, highlighted additional measures such as funding for career pathways in nursing, a 10% boost for CHSP meals providers, and $157.8 million for COVID-19 outbreak management. Together, these reforms represent the largest improvement to aged care in 30 years, benefitting over 500,000 older Australians annually.
Read more: New Year, New Era for Aged Care