Productivity Commission supports more independent aged care contractors

The Productivity Commission has released a new report supporting the increased use of independent contractors in aged care. In its Aged Care Employment study report, the Commission found that, though independent contractors and agency workers experience higher rates of pay and job satisfaction, and can be important to fill temporary gaps or a need for specialists, they make up less than 4% of care workers, allied health professionals, and nurses in the aged care sector.

“There is a role for platforms that connect independent contractors directly with home care consumers, particularly in the delivery of lower-risk care services for older Australians who want and are able to exercise choice and control. “Many older Australians value the flexibility this model provides them in terms of making decisions about their home care,” said Commissioner Martin Stokie.

Peter Scutt (pictured), CEO of online community aged care platform Mable – which recently announced plans to enable super contributions for its workers – has welcomed the report, saying it shows the positive effects of embracing “diverse models” of care.

“Independent Support Workers on Mable are an essential new workforce. Approximately 50 per cent of the Support Workers on Mable are new to the sector, and a significant proportion said if it weren’t for Mable, they would not otherwise work in the industry. “Embracing mixed models and technology-enabled solutions, which are already proving effective, must be considered in the future of the aged care system,” he said.

The report is available online.