This paper presents the case for an aged care worker registration and accreditation scheme. In accordance with the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (Aged Care Royal Commission) the proposed scheme includes a requirement for attainment of a Certificate III qualification and engagement in ongoing training or continuing professional development (CPD).

A national care worker registration and accreditation (or occupational licensing) scheme with a minimum qualification and CPD requirements is necessary to ensure workers are adequately equipped to do their jobs and meet their obligations under existing aged care regulation. A national scheme will provide the basis for building the required capability for quality care. It can ensure ongoing learning and specialisation for responding effectively to the diversity and growing complexity of care needs across all aged care services.

This report summarises the costs and benefits and concludes that the potential for multiple ongoing and longer-term social and economic benefits strongly supports implementation of a new registration and accreditation scheme.