CHA PRESSES FOR WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS AT AGED CARE ROUNDTABLE

Catholic not-for-profit aged care providers have welcomed the opportunity to raise issues directly with the Albanese Government at a roundtable held on Wednesday in Canberra.

Aged Care Minister Anika Wells invited key sector representatives to a meeting today to talk about the key issues plaguing the aged care sector, chief among them the workforce crisis.

Catholic Health Australia, the peak advocacy body representing around 12 per cent of providers, was present.

CHA’s Chief Executive Pat Garcia thanked the Minister for the roundtable which signals yet again that the Albanese Government is serious about redressing issues in aged care.

“The Minister is to be commended in giving the aged care sector an opportunity to speak to government and each other, on this important issue.

“The roundtable was a great opportunity to examine the workforce crisis. With nearly 50,000 jobs unfilled in the aged care sector, the government, supported by the sector, needs to move fast.”

“The roundtable highlighted many areas of consensus. Better remuneration and conditions for the workforce, with better career pathways, was agreed by all parties.

“The sector was also vocal on removing barriers for bringing workers into Australia (with clear pathways to permanent residency) to fill critical gaps. This would necessarily involve the creation of a care worker category on the skilled migration list.”