21 February 2022
The ANMF (SA Branch) is pleased to advise that the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission has this week determined that the 15 per cent increase to the current award rate for aged care workers will take effect from June 30 this year.
This decision follows years of advocacy from the ANMF and our members including aged care nurses and personal care workers.
The Full Bench in earlier proceedings concluded that the evidence established that the existing minimum wage rates in the Aged Care Award, the Nurses Award and the SCHADS Award (the Awards) do not properly compensate workers engaged in the provision of direct care to aged persons, in either residential facilities or in-home settings, for the value of the work performed.
“The ANMF has long advocated for a substantial wage increase and will continue to campaign for reforms in the aged care sector,’’ ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM said.
“A thorough review of the decision will be undertaken and we will update members on the outcome as the decision unfolds.
“This is a significant win for our members in the aged care sector who deserve to be recognised for the dedicated and crucial work they do in safeguarding the wellbeing of vulnerable elderly members of the community,’’ Ms Dabars said.
“The Albanese Government says it is committed to funding any increase determined by the Fair Work Commission.
“The ANMF and other unions have been seeking a 25 per cent pay rise for aged care workers through the Commission.
“We will continue to push the case for a 25 per cent pay increase to the current award rate.’’