This report, produced from coverage by 7NEWS Australia, outlines the latest pay rise for aged care workers across the country. From today, the Fair Work Commission’s latest award increase begins flowing to workers in the sector — a boost many say is long overdue for those who care for our seniors.
Table of Contents
- What the pay rise means
- Why this matters
- Background and timeline
- Impact on the sector
- What families and employers should know
- FAQ
- Conclusion
What the pay rise means
The Fair Work Commission has increased the award that covers roughly 400,000 aged care employees nationwide. The change translates into an approximate increase of $60 per week for nurses working in the sector, and about $40 per week for in‑home carers.
Why this matters
Aged care workers provide daily support, clinical care and companionship to older Australians. For many, these increases will meaningfully improve household budgets — particularly for lower-paid care workers who often work part‑time or casual hours.
"Age care workers are wonderful Australians. They look after our seniors. They deserve every cent of this pay rise."
Background and timeline
This is the fourth round of pay increases to take effect since a landmark Fair Work Commission ruling five years ago. Employers and employees in the sector have seen staged increases over that period; an earlier set of rises also came into force on 1 January this year.
Impact on the sector
- Financial relief for hundreds of thousands of workers, helping with cost-of-living pressures.
- Potential improvements in staff retention and recruitment in a sector that has faced workforce shortages.
- Incremental cost implications for aged care providers — both residential and in‑home — which may affect rostering and budgets.
What families and employers should know
Families who rely on aged care services are unlikely to see immediate changes to the care they receive, but the pay rises aim to strengthen the workforce over time. Employers should review payroll systems to ensure the Fair Work Commission’s award rates are applied correctly and that affected staff receive the increased pay from the effective date.
FAQ
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Who benefits from this pay rise?
About 400,000 aged care employees across Australia — including nurses and in‑home care workers covered by the relevant award.
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How much will workers receive?
Approximately $60 extra per week for nurses and $40 per week for in‑home carers, on average, under this increase.
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When did the increases start?
The latest instalment begins from today. This is the fourth staged increase since a Fair Work Commission ruling five years ago; an earlier set of increases took effect on 1 January this year.
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Who decided the increase?
The Fair Work Commission made the award adjustments that determine minimum rates and conditions for the aged care sector.
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Where can I get more information?
Employees and employers should consult the Fair Work Commission’s publications and their employer’s payroll or human resources team for details on application and timing.
Conclusion
This latest pay rise is part of a multi‑year process intended to lift wages for aged care staff and recognise the essential work they do. While the increases are incremental, they represent a continued commitment to improving pay in a sector that supports some of the most vulnerable Australians.
