Fair Work Commission (FWC) President Adam Hatcher SC has ordered the Health Services Union, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, the Federal Government and other interested parties to provide evidence for a pay rise for around 100,000 people in the aged care workforce.

Only direct care staff received the 15% pay rise on 1 July and aged care providers, including Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis and IRT Group CEO Patrick Reid have gone public on the discontent it is causing in aged care homes. Craig Wearne, CEO of Garden Village Port Macquarie has made a submission to the FWC.

“Garden Village asserts a team approach is used within the sector and all employees provide residents with the highest possible levels of support and connect with residents and clients on a daily basis,” Craig wrote.

“A recent resident engagement survey completed in 2023 included feedback from a resident: “Pay all the workers more. Nurses, catering, cleaners, maintenance and all the people that provide the basics for us all.” This sentiment is supported by the Garden Village community.

“Non direct care staff need to receive a wage increase via their Modern Award that properly reflects the complexity and challenges of the sector, and this wage increase should be fully covered by the Federal Government.”

Read Craig Wearne’s letter in full

President Hatcher has told all interested parties the wages claim has been listed for hearing before an Expert Panel for pay equity in the Care and Community from Monday, 4 December to Friday, 8 December.

In addition, he has listed the more contentious “classification and allowance issues” for hearing from Monday, 11 December, to Friday, 15 December. 

Read President Hatcher’s Directions in full