The government have now confirmed that direct care aged care workers will receive a guaranteed increase to base rate wages from 1 July ranging from $3.40 per hour (for Level 1) to $4.12 per hour (for Level 7). Level 4 ECAs will get a $3.71 per hour pay rise. For home carers, the increases will range from $3.44 (Level 1) to $4.52 per hour (Level 5).

If you’re a direct care worker, your pay will go up by this amount regardless of whether you’re on the Aged Care Award, SCHCDS Award or an EBA.

The government expects that existing agreements will be renegotiated or changed to include the new increased pay rates, and employers will be required to talk to HACSU about how they allocate all of the funding they receive for these increases.

Because the calculations are complex, some employers may get extra funding beyond the rates above. If that’s the case then that employer must allocate that extra funding to workers and they will be required to speak to HACSU about what that looks like.

We are continuing to argue for pay rises for non-direct care workers and as frustrating as this, is we will keep fighting for you until all aged care workers get a decent pay rise.

Massive wins like this only happen when workers join HACSU and stand united, passionate and strong.

If you want to add your voice to our case for a pay rise for every aged care worker, please get in touch with us on 1300 880 032 or assist@hacsu.org.au