17 May 2023
The Budget will provide $11.3 billion over four years to fund the Fair Work Commission's interim 15% pay rise decision earlier this year, to take effect from 1 July.
As part of the boost, for example:
- a registered nurse on a level 2.3 award wage will receive an additional $10k a year;
- a level 4 personal care worker under the Aged Care Award, or a level 3.1 home care worker under the SCHADS Award, will earn an additional $7.3k; and
- a level 4 head chef/cook under the Aged Care Award will also be paid an additional $7.3k.
The "record" investment is a "historic and deserved pay rise for a workforce undervalued for far too long", Aged Care Minister Anika Wells said last week.
"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."