
Changes to the Aged Care Industry Awards
Significant Changes to Aged Care Industry Awards Effective 1 January 2025
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has announced important amendments to modern awards affecting the aged care sector, set to commence on 1 January 2025.
Key Changes:
- Increased Minimum Wages: Most workers under the Aged Care Award 2010 and home care workers providing services to aged persons under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 will receive wage increases. The exact increase varies by award and classification. A further increase is scheduled for some direct care workers from 1 October 2025.
- New Classification Structure for Direct Care Workers: A separate 6-level classification system will be introduced, detailing qualifications and experience required at each level. This applies to direct care workers in the Aged Care Award 2010, the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010, and nursing assistants transitioning to these awards.
- Coverage Changes for Nursing Assistants: Nursing assistants providing care to aged persons, previously under the Nurses Award 2020, will now be covered by either the Aged Care Award 2010 or the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010. These employees will also benefit from the wage increases.
Implementation Timeline:
- 1 January 2025: Initial wage increases, and classification structure changes take effect.
- 1 October 2025: Additional wage increases for certain direct care workers.
Employer Action Items:
- Review Award Coverage: Determine which award applies to your employees, especially nursing assistants transitioning from the Nurses Award 2020.
- Update Payroll Systems: Adjust to reflect new wage rates and classification structures.
- Inform and Train Staff: Ensure HR and payroll teams understand the changes and communicate them to affected employees.
Link to Fair work for further information: https://www.fwc.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media/news/important-changes-modern-awards-covering-aged-care-industry