Workers eligible for $10,000 salary bump in federal budget revealed
Treasure Jim Chalmers has revealed the frontline workers who will receive a hefty pay rise in the federal budget to help with the cost of living pressures and improve equal pay for women.
Some frontline workers will see a pay rise of $10,000 a year under the historic changes.
It is part of the biggest pay rise to date for aged care workers that will distribute pay rises to 250,000 people working on the frontline to care for older Australians.
Those eligible include nurses who could receive an extra $200 a week, enrolled nurses, assistants in nursing, personal care workers, head chefs and cooks, recreational activities officers (lifestyle workers) and home care workers.
Under the changes, the following will secure a significant pay rise for working in aged care.
- A registered nurse on a level 2.3 aware wage will receive an additional $196.08 a week (more than $10,000 a year)
- An enrolled nurse on a level 2 award age will receive an additional $145.54 a week (more than $7500 a year)
- An assistant in nursing on a level 3 award wage will receive an additional $136.68 a week (more than $7100 a year)
- A personal care worker on a level 4 (aged care award) or a home care worker on a level 3.1 (SCHADS award) will receive an additional $141.10 a week (more than $7300 a year)
- A recreational activity officer on a level 3 (aged care award) will receive an additional $139.54 a week (more than $7200 a year)
- A head chef/cook on a level 4 (aged care award) will receive an additional $141.12 a week (more than $7300 a year)
- A staff member with a Certificate III qualification will see a change from $940 per week to $1,082
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said it was hoped the investment would help the industry retain staff and lure new employees to the sector.
“Every worker deserves a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work and that’s what this will deliver for thousands in aged care across the country,’’ he said.
“For too long, those working in aged care have been asked to work harder for longer without enough reward but with this Budget, that changes.
“This investment recognises the incredible contribution that aged care workers make to our economy and community and will help to create a bigger incentive for young Australians looking for a rewarding career to pick aged care in the future.”
Anika Wells, Minister for Aged Care, said the increase in pay reflected that aged care was physically and emotionally demanding work.
The 15 per cent pay rise means that a staff member with a Certificate III qualification moves from earning only $940 per week to $1,082.
“This record $11.3 billion investment is a historic and deserved pay rise for a workforce undervalued for far too long,’’ she said.
“Fair wages play a major role in attracting and retaining workers to provide around the clock care for some of Australia’s most vulnerable people.
Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler said the pay rise would make history.
The wage increase is designed to help women and families struggling with the cost of living crisis and ensure that quality aged care workers are less inclined to consider leaving the sector over pay concerns.
“Our commitment is long overdue recognition of the skilled work our aged care workers deliver day in, day out,’’ he said.
Other workers in the budget are expected to include older Australians who are seeking employment and they will receive pay rises if they are over 60 but not yet eligible for the aged pension.
The Albanese Government are also expected to boost payments for single parents after former Prime Minister Julia Gillard introduced changes to force parents - particularly women - to return to work earlier.
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