Many aged care workers across Australia are receiving a long overdue boost to their pay packets, following the success of the Health Services Union's landmark aged care work value case.
From Wednesday October 1, a personal care worker will earn $34.60 an hour.
This is the final stage of wage increases stemming from the aged care work value case, which was lodged by the Health Services Union in the Fair Work Commission in November 2020.
Since the increases began in 2023, a personal care worker's pay is now up from $23.20 an hour – an extra $433 per week.
HSU National Secretary Lloyd Williams said it was a cause for celebration and reminder of the work still to be done.
"This is a huge win for aged care workers. Our members fought and won this case – and today they are rightly seeing the rewards of their efforts," he said.
"But we cannot ignore the fact that many other aged care workers – in administration, cleaning, laundry, food services, gardening and maintenance – have been left behind.
"These workers are just as essential to delivering care, and the HSU will keep fighting to make sure their pay reflects the value they bring."
While the pay rise provides welcome relief, Mr Williams said aged care remains in urgent need of reform.
"Aged care workers are still battling daily challenges. From a lack of proper training support, to acute short-staffing, outsourcing of critical services, restructuring of key roles, and serious health and safety risks," he said.
"These issues undermine workers and the people they care for.
"Across the country, HSU members are now setting new goals to fix the sector.
"We want an aged care system where workers can deliver the quality care older Australians deserve, with fair pay, safe conditions, and the respect they have earned."
