UnitingCare Australia welcomes the major commitment from the Australian Labor Party to fully fund a wage increase for aged care workers and support a sustainable, world class aged care system.

UnitingCare Australia National Director Claerwen Little said that aged care workers do some of the most important work and deserve the community’s recognition.

“We’ve been calling for all major parties to fully commit to fund the outcome of the Fair Work Commission case and we welcome the Labor Party’s commitment to better wages. We’ve costed the wage increase at approximately $4 billion per year and is just one component of what’s required for a sustainable, viable sector.

“UnitingCare Australia also welcomes additional measures for accountability and transparency. Our services are committed to delivering the highest quality care and have always had the rights of older people at the heart of what we do.

“But we remain deeply concerned about recruiting and retaining an ongoing workforce. Urgent action is needed now to ensure providers can deliver on these crucial reforms.

“We know that aged care is a vote changer and a top five issue for nearly one third of Australians, according to the latest research.

“So this election we call on all major parties to commit to fully funding a wage increase for aged care workers – and commit to a sustainable sector which fully supports our older Australians not just now but into the future.

“This election it’s time to care about aged care.”