The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO), the independent statutory agency responsible for promoting compliant workplace relations, has inspected and/or undertaken interviews with staff and management of 20 residential aged care providers, home care operators, and digital platforms that provide home care workers.
In 2023-24, the FWO recovered more than $40.5 million for over 22,000 underpaid aged care workers in residential aged care.
“The aged care sector employs a high number of vulnerable workers, particularly migrant workers, who are at risk of exploitation, and these inspections are making sure their workplace rights are being met," said FWO Ombudsman Anna Booth.
“Hardworking aged-care workers must be paid all that they are owed under their awards, agreements and the Fair Work Act’s National Employment Standards."
The unnamed providers have been chosen as they have a history of non-compliance with the Fair Work Act, or if the FWO has received anonymous reports from staff about them, if they employ visa holders.
The complaints include underpayment of base pay, non-payment of overtime and penalty rates, non-payment of allowances, and non-payment of entitlements upon leaving their employment.
The FWO has also established an Aged Care Services Reference Group to help the sector improve compliance with workplace laws. The Group includes Ageing Australia, the peak body for aged care employers, and unions representing care workers: the Health Services Union, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, and the United Workers Union.
