2015-12-01
Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert has secured senate support for an inquiry that will investigate the future of Australia’s aged care sector workforce as our population ages.
“Time and again the aged care community have told me that the future of the aged care workforce faces significant challenges.
“Already we know that the sector is struggling to attract and retain aged care workers, with particular challenges in regional towns and remote communities.
“It is time for this nationwide inquiry so that we can best assess impacts of sector growth, changes in how care is delivered and increasing competition for workers.
“We must look at how Governments at all levels can strategically approach the aged care sector so that it grows alongside an ageing population. Government policies must reflect aged care requirements that keep in mind any impacts to sector growth.
“We know anecdotally that there are struggles around inclusivity, particularly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse groups and the LGBTI community.
“The inquiry will investigate how best to harness a culturally competent aged care sector that encourages quality aged care delivery, skill development and a positive working environment.
“This industry and its workers need to be the best they can be as Australia’s population grows older. This sector needs all the support it can get”.
Motion reads:
NOTICE OF MOTION
We give notice that on the next day of sitting I shall move that –
The following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 June 2015:
The future of Australia’s aged care sector workforce, with particular reference to:
- The current composition of the aged care workforce
- Future aged care workforce requirements, including the impacts of sector growth, changes in how care is delivered, and increasing competition for workers
- The interaction of aged care workforce needs with employment by the broader community services sector, including workforce needs in disability, health and other areas, and increased employment as the National Disability Insurance Scheme rolls out
- Challenges in attracting and retaining aged care workers
- Factors impacting aged care workers including remuneration, working environment, staffing ratios, education and training, skills development and career paths
- The role and regulation of registered training organisations including work placements, and the quality and consistency of qualifications awarded
- Government policies at the state, territory and Commonwealth level which have a significant impact on the aged care workforce
- Relevant parallels or strategies in an international context
- The role of government in providing a coordinated strategic approach for the sector
- Challenges of creating a culturally competent and inclusive aged care workforce to cater for the different care needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse groups and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex people
- The particular aged care workforce challenges in regional towns and remote communities
- Impact of the Government’s cuts to the Aged Care Workforce Fund.
- Any other related matters