WAGE RISES FOR COMMUNITY CARE EMPLOYEES

Fair Work Australia has approved pay rises of between 19% and 41% plus annual award indexation for workers in the community services industry.  This will increase pay and conditions for aged care staff, community care staff, disability services staff and other community sector jobs.  The change will be phased in over 8 years.

The decision has profound implications for the community care services. The Australian government has committed $2 billion to fund the wage increase in Commonwealth funded services.  State and territory governments have not yet stated whether they will fully fund the increased csots across state funded services.  It is crucial that both the Commonwealth and state and territory governments commit to fully funding this change to ensure client services are not affected.  

Increased costs will impact differently on each organisation.  The impact will be greatest in services that rely on donor funds or in which the cost increase is only partially funded.

People accessing services privately, through compensation funds and through consumer directed care programs will also be affected by this change.  Wage increases will drive increases in service fees right across the industry.  To protect vulnerable people in our community, it is crucial that governments give specific consideration to these groups. For example, cost increases could cause compensation payouts and trusts established for care running out much earlier than anticipated. As a community we must respond and ensure their needs are protected.

Community care staff show incredible dedication to their clients in circumstances that are sometimes emotional and difficult.  We are pleased to see their contribution to our community being acknowledged and look forward to working collaboratively with the government and our industry to find solutions to the challenges these changes will inevitably present.

Industry wide changes to improve employment conditions in the sector are welcome. They will help secure the workforce of the future and better reward existing staff. Workforce projections indicate there are looming community care workforce shortages.  Wage increases will make attract more people into the sector and increase the sustainability of community services .

There is much more to attracting and retaining staff, however, than just wage rates.  It remains crucial that community care services develop workforce models that will increase the attractiveness of the sector. Improved utilisation, greater employment security, and increased income security are each important and are being actively worked on by KinCare and other key industry leaders. We are also exploring ways to make the industry more attractive through improving training options, professional development and career paths in the sector.

Community care is amongst the most people intensive services in Australia.  Our services are delivered face to face in our clients’ homes. As a result, employment costs are by far our largest business cost.  Managing the impact of these cost increases on the business will be challenging.  However, we are confident that by working collaboratively with government we can find solutions that both recognise employees and maintain a strong service sector for older people, people with a disability and carers in Australia. Challenges such as this often stimulate the greatest creativity and innovation.  We look forward to working with government and our community to ensure we continue to achieve great outcomes for our clients.

Read the full decision from Fair Work Australia

About KinCare:

KinCare is a family operated group of companies incorporating KinCare Community Services, KinCare Health Services, Stanhope Healthcare Services, Private Care, National College Australia and TeleResponse Australia.

KinCare specialises in providing support services to older people and people with a disability in their own homes. Established in 1992, KinCare has grown rapidly and is now Australia’s largest family operated in home care and nursing service provider.

KinCare is a trusted provider of Australian Government and State and Territory Government funded services and packages with a strong track record in improving client’s quality of life.

KinCare works closely in partnership with Area Health Networks, Hospital staff, Medical teams, Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres, other service providers, specialist cultural groups and other key stakeholder groups.

KinCare Services

KinCare offers a variety of services including help with housework, assisting with daily personal care needs, providing social support and nursing services through Government subsidised services and packages, and private services.

Packages of care can be tailored to individuals who have low level or complex and high support needs. Services may be as short as 30 minutes or fulltime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; allowing older people and people with a disability to remain at home.

KinCare’s service models are underpinned by a ‘Quality of Life’ philosophy and a holistic approach to care, which addresses the things that matter most to each client.

KinCare also provides staffing solutions to many of Australia 's leading church, charitable and community organisations.

Contact:

Jason Howie, CEO
Therese Adami, General Manager
KinCare
1300 733 510
http://www.kincare.com.au