Back in November 2022, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) ordered a 15% interim increase in minimum wages for aged care workers.

This applied to the Aged Care Award 2010, as well as to direct care workers providing services to the aged under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS Award) and the Nurses Award 2020.

On 21 February, the FWC issued 3 key decisions:

• That the increase should be introduced from 30 June 2023
• That the 15% should be applied in full from this date (in contrast to the phased, 2-year approach previously slated by the Government)
• An expansion of the category of workers that the uplift will apply to, adding Head Chefs/ Cooks and Recreational Activities Officers/ Lifestyle Officers, under the Aged Care Award

Looking ahead, the FWC will consider whether the increase should be pushed beyond 15%, and whether it will be extended to workers not already covered by the recent decisions (including support staff members).

Purpose will ensure that the impacts are factored into budgeting for our clients, where relevant.