AUSTRALIA | The Australian Government has sought views on the design of a national registration scheme to support personal care workers.
The Albanese Government is seeking views on the design of a national registration scheme to support personal care workers employed in aged care, including new training and mandatory minimum qualification requirements.
The scheme will support the growth of a strengthened and skilled aged care workforce, where personal care workers are better valued for the important role they perform, and with greater professional development opportunities and improved conditions.
It will also play an important role in ensuring aged care is a safe place with appropriate protections for older people.
Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells said the Albanese Government was committed to build a skilled aged care workforce to deliver high-quality care for older people, and more development opportunities for workers.
“Noting the significant cross-over in service provision between aged care, disability support and veterans’ care, it is also important to consider how a national scheme could be harmonised across the care and support economy,” said Wells.
“I invite you to have your say on the design of a national registration scheme, including training and mandatory minimum qualification requirements, to support personal care workers employed in aged care.”
Older people, their friends and family, supporters, advocates, care and support providers and workers, and training organisations and providers are invited to have their say by completing a short survey or providing a written submission by email.
The online portal for feedback stated that the government has committed to implementing a national worker registration scheme in aged care, with new training and skills required, for personal care workers employed in aged care, and that this consultation will help the department understand stakeholders’ current preferences on the implementation of a scheme.
This consultation builds on the Albanese Government’s introduction of a Code of Conduct for Aged Care, which commenced 1 December 2022. Compliance with the code ensures safe, respectful and quality care for older people
The consultation is open from 18 February to 17 April 2025.
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