“The Government needs to act immediately” - RMIT expert available for comment on addressing skills shortages and pay in the care sector

Rachel Wassink, Director Social Care and Health, College of Vocational Education (0477 670 966 or rachel.wassink@rmit.edu.au)

Topics: Jobs Summit, healthcare, aged care, nurses, care economy

“The healthcare sector is struggling with significant issues. In particular, the aged care sector is struggling from staff shortages, unqualified staff and poor workplace standards, and this is not surprising given the lack of government funding for current staff and training.”   

“We are seeing more and more skilled workers such as aged care workers and nurses burnt out from COVID, long hours and low remuneration.” 

"The Victorian Government’s recent announcement to cover the university fees for nurses and midwives is concerning as it doesn’t actually create more graduates as all nursing programs have enrolment caps, including the bachelor and diploma programs.”

“This initiative doesn’t address the underlying reason why nurses are leaving the profession or why potential students are not choosing the profession.”

 “Additionally, the Diploma of Nursing program and the Cert III Individual Support are already listed as Free TAFE courses to try and address the staff shortages in these areas. These programs get people into the workforce quicker to address key areas of shortages.” 

"There is a desperate need for minimum qualifications to ensure the quality of care all Australians is improved and poor behaviour by services and staff can be called out and monitored.” 

“The Government needs to act immediately on improving training and the quality of care our rapidly growing population are receiving.”

“A once-off payment isn’t going to entice people to pursue careers in care or satisfy current carers. The Government needs to guarantee a suitable wage increase for this sector to promote care as a career of choice and reward the hard work of existing staff.” 

“Ongoing collaboration between government, aged care providers and education providers needs to happen to upskill and uplift this essential skilled workforce to ensure all Australians have access to essential care they all have a right to.”  

“The care of all Australians should concern everyone, and we must address the issue at every level to improve working conditions and pay in the care economy to attract more people to pursue careers in the industry.”

Rachel Wassink is the Director, Social Care and Health at RMIT University. Rachel is a Registered Nurse and after working in nursing education for many years is passionate about aged care and nurse education.

General media enquiries: RMIT Communications, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au