Aged care pay rise: a step forward, but is it enough to keep our workforce?
Aged care workers just got another pay rise – but is it enough? On 1 October, wages increased for 400,000 aged care employees, yet the sector still struggles to keep and attract staff. Here’s why the fight for fair pay is far from over.
On 1 October, wages rose for direct care workers in residential aged care, some home care workers, and registered and enrolled nurses working in aged care. Around 400,000 aged care workers will see this increase – the latest outcome from the Fair Work Commission’s Aged Care Work Value Case.
It’s a long-overdue acknowledgment of the vital, emotionally demanding, and often underpaid work that aged care professionals do. But let’s not pretend this modest increase fixes the problem.
Recognition is welcome – retention is another story
Yes, this pay rise is recognition. But will it actually keep skilled workers in the sector?
Let’s be honest: many are already leaving. Burnout, staffing shortages, and relentless workloads have been chewing through the workforce for years. A pay bump, while symbolic, won’t hold them if conditions don’t improve alongside wages.
Retention in aged care isn’t just about dollars – it’s about respect, manageable caseloads, training, and a sense of being valued. Without those, even a pay rise feels hollow.
Will it attract the next generation?
The government and the industry say they want to attract more people into aged care. But will this increase do it? When new graduates or career changers compare aged care wages and working conditions to other health sectors, the numbers still don’t stack up.
If we want young, skilled professionals to choose aged care, the sector needs to compete – not trail behind.
A step in the right direction – but the journey’s far from over
You can find the updated rates and pay guides on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website, but this latest adjustment shouldn’t be mistaken for a victory lap. It’s a step – not the finish line.
True reform in aged care means sustainable pay, safe staffing, and career pathways that reward experience and dedication. Until then, we’ll keep asking: Is this enough to keep our best people – and bring in the next generation who’ll care for us all?
