Even with 15% pay rise, aged care staff are still earning less than their public hospital colleagues

Even after the 15% pay rise, entry level Registered Nurses working in aged care on the Award will still be earning 17% less than their public hospital counterparts. Data provided by the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation (ANMF) shows that entry level RNs will be earning $31.03 an hour after the pay rise, compared with $36.38 per hour for RNs working in public hospitals – a 17% difference. They’ll also be earning less than aged care workers on the average Agreement, who are earning $31.92 per hour – 14% more than aged care workers on the Award after the 15% pay rise. Each classification of aged care worker, AIN, PCW, and EN, all earn less than their public hospital colleagues after the 15% increase. It’s no surprise then that the Health Services Union told The SOURCE today that unions will be pushing the Fair Work Commission to deliver the full 25% pay rise, which was the original application back in 2021. They also want the increase to be applied to all aged care workers, including non-direct care staff such as cleaners, maintenance staff, and admin staff. With the sector facing a shortfall of up to 35,000 workers every year, further pay increases might be necessary to lure workers away from hospitals and the disability sector.