TLC hopes to recruit 70 nurses and PCWs by 1 July as it signs MOU with unions on path to Labour Agreement

TLC Healthcare has signed a Victorian Workforce Migration Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with unions to support two Labour Agreement applications, which have been submitted to the Department of Home Affairs with the aim of recruiting internationally qualified nurses and personal support workers from overseas. The MOU, which is the first of its kind to be signed in Victoria, has been signed with both the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) and the Health Services Union (HSU). The MOU ensures:

• The recruitment of international nurses and personal support workers is to address local workforce shortages.
• All staff are employed under the same existing EBA terms and conditions.
• Staff can be trained and/or upskilled through TLC’s Registered Training Organisation, TLC Learning.
• Employees will have access to information about benefits and workplace rights, through induction programs with the ANMF and HWU.
• Employees hired must commit to providing care to the elderly.
• There will be no detriment to local workforce conditions and opportunities.

Lou Pascuzzi, CEO of the diversified private aged care provider TLC Healthcare, said, “I commend the ANMF and HWU for being so incredibly progressive.” TLC hopes to engage an initial 70 qualified international nurses and personal support workers by 1 July 2023, and intends to recruit “hundreds” in future intakes. Victorian Secretary of the ANMF, Lisa Fitzpatrick, said the MOU "will help to address the current severe shortfalls and retention issues in the aged care sector.” The Labor Government introduced the new Labour Industry Agreements last month, offering migrants working in aged care a fast-tracked two-year pathway to permanent residency. To access the agreements, employers have to enter a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant industry union, the ANMF, the HSU, or the United Workers Union. Applications will receive expedited processing by the Department of Home Affairs.