Think tank wants all aged care workers to have minimum qualifications

The Centre for Future Work at the Australia Institute warns that reforms due to come into effect from July - including screening requirements to exclude unsuitable workers and a mandatory code of conduct - do not go far enough to ensure quality and safety or recognise workers' skills.

A report Professionalising the Aged Care Workforce says minimum training requirements would lead to higher quality and safer care as well as better career paths for workers to help meet the growing and complex needs of an ageing Australia. It adds the costs would be minimal because two out of three personal care workers already have a Certificate III or higher qualification.

Minimum aged care worker qualifications to Certificate III level and access to ongoing professional development were key recommendations of the 2021 Aged Care Royal Commission.

"This is about long-term sustainability for the aged care workforce," says Policy Director Dr Fiona Macdonald.

"Workers are facing new demands to comply with screening and obligations to meet standards under a new code of conduct. Yet, there is still no formal recognition of workers' skills or system-wide requirements for accredited training.

"Four out of five aged care workers are women and care work has long been undervalued and low paid. Fixing this is vital for people receiving care, workers and our communities.

Dr Macdonald said while the government is moving to screen out unsuitable aged care workers, it is failing to give those working in or considering aged care meaningful professional development or options for career progression.