The aged care sector has faced large structural workforce shortages for many years. This report calls for more action to be taken to address Australia’s shortage of aged care workers. It proposes that the solution to the shortage is multifaceted. Australia must build a sustainable domestic pipeline of aged care workers as a priority. 

Key findings

• 400,000 additional workers needed in aged care by 2050
• One in six personal care workers are on temporary visas
• 2.5 million people over 65 will need care by 2050.

Recommendations

1. The Federal Government should introduce an essential skills visa for aged care occupations below the wage thresholds.
2. Labour market testing should be abolished for the three occupations covered by the agreement, as they face critical shortage.
3. The Government should consider waiving or reducing the Skilling Australia Fund levy for employers sponsoring a worker on an essential skills visa.
4. The Government should consider making employers’ sponsorship costs payable pro-rata, rather than upfront.
5. The Government should provide nationally consistent annual data on the aged care workforce, to better support workforce planning.