15% wage increase for aged care sector

The Fair Work Commission (the Commission) has made a decision to increase minimum wages by 15% for some employees working in aged care.

This increase applies to eligible employees covered by the:

• Aged Care Award
• Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry (SCHADS) Award
• Nurses Award.

It takes effect from the start of the employee’s first full pay period on or after 30 June 2023.

Who the increase applies to

The increase applies to direct care employees working in aged care.

Direct care employees are those who work in caring roles in the following award classifications:

• Aged Care Award: personal care workers (PCWs) and recreation/lifestyle activities officers
• Nurses Award: nursing assistants, enrolled nurses, registered nurses, nurse practitioners working in aged care
• SCHADS Award: home care workers working in aged care.

The 15% increase also applies to the most senior food services employee (levels 4-7):

• covered by the Aged Care Award
• working at a particular aged care facility or site.

Who the increase doesn’t apply to

The 15% increase doesn’t include other employees in the aged care sector. This includes:

• support and administrative employees
• chefs and cooks covered by the Aged Care Award who aren’t the most senior food services employee at a particular aged care facility or site.