HammondCare Chief Executive Mike Baird has warmly welcomed the Albanese Government’s announcement that it will deliver a record 15 per cent pay increase for aged care workers across Australia from July 1.

Mr Baird said every dollar that flows from the $11 billion commitment over five years that goes to HammondCare will go towards increasing the wages of frontline aged care staff.

He said he was delighted on behalf of the 250,000 personal care workers, Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses, chefs, recreational activity workers and others in the aged care sector who will benefit.

“Anyone that’s had someone in aged care knows the impact that our aged care workers have. Each day and night they change lives,” Mr Baird said.

“To me, what this announcement is about is our country saying to our age care workers that their work matters,”

“It is very much deserved recognition for their commitment to helping vulnerable people in need.”

HammondCare has been advocating publicly for better pay for frontline aged care workers as the beginning of a process of acknowledging the contribution they make to the lives of so many Australians.

Mr Baird said the increase will be a big help for providers like HammondCare to recruit and retain staff to help the independent charity provide the highest level of care to its residents and clients.

“While we do need to see all the detail, we are incredibly appreciative that the Federal Government has committed to the increase awarded by the Fair Work Commission and delivered on it. It is truly welcomed,” he said.