Last Friday's decision by the Fair Work Commission to increase the Award wage of frontline aged care workers by 15% is very welcome news, says HammondCare Chief Executive Mike Baird.

“HammondCare is delighted the valuable work of frontline aged care workers, who provide expert and compassionate care every day and night, 24/7, 365 days of the year, has been recognised in this way,” Mr Baird said. 

“The decision comes after a long period of advocating the need for fair pay with various governments and the media.”  
 
He said frontline workers had shown extraordinary commitment to the people they serve through the pandemic, working in difficult conditions, and protecting those in their care who were especially vulnerable. 

The pay increase decision announced on November 4 will also help aged care providers like HammondCare retain and recruit a workforce capable of providing the high-quality care our growing population of older Australians deserve. 
 
“I acknowledge the Federal Government’s commitment to funding in full the cost of this measure. Full funding must also include all on-costs such as long service leave,” he said.
 
But the Fair Work Commission decision is only just the beginning; there is much more work to do. 

Wages will increase by 15% for those providing direct care under the Aged Care and SCHADS Awards and for any nurses working in aged care covered by the Nurses Award.

The interim decision does not preclude further increases being granted either across additional classifications, for administrative and support roles, or to those already granted an increase by this decision. 

Mr Baird said HammondCare would be front and centre of future developments, continuing to fight for a fair outcome for all aged care workers. 
 
“Most significantly this is a timely acknowledgement of the highly valued work frontline care teams do to improve quality of life for those in need,” he said.