workforce

Three new staffing quality indicators added for residential aged care

The Australian government has announced the introduction of three new staffing quality indicators to the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality…

‘National scandal’: Only 1-in-100 rentals are affordable for essential workers

Barely one-in-100 rentals in Australia are affordable for the average nurse, construction worker, early childhood educator or hospitality worker. Anglicare Australia…

Ageing population and govt reform drive demand for dementia respite care

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed this week that dementia is projected to become the nation's leading cause of…

Both paid and unpaid carers sacrifice their own wellbeing, data shows

Concerning figures have been released regarding the mental, physical and financial wellbeing of the nation's carers. The Palliative Care Australia…

Lighten the load with technology that saves money and retains staff – opinion

Finding and keeping the staff required to deliver the best of care for older Australians is no simple undertaking, as…

Govt still ‘going through’ damning menopause report

Health Minister Mark Butler has declined to say how the government intends to respond to a damning report that found…

The government has a new plan for residential aged care. Here’s what’s changing

Nicole Sutton, University of Technology Sydney and Michael Woods, University of Technology Sydney After months of negotiations between the major…

What to ask after “Are you OK?”

Breaking the stigma around mental illness requires us to make mental health a part of our everyday conversations. Talking about…

Further delays to aged care act, as negotiations pushed to September

Following months of anticipation, new details pertaining to aged care reform have been released. During last weeks parliamentary sitting, the…

More money for dementia-specific respite care

In a direct response to Royal Commission recommendations for the delivery of specialised dementia care, the Australian government has invested…

Melbourne Legionnaires’ outbreak reaches 100 cases, two deaths

Melbourne's Legionnaires’ outbreak has claimed the lives of two Australians. A 90-year-old woman and a man in his 60s have died…

You Are ACE! ACCPA Excellence Awards celebrates aged care employees

The Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) wants every Australian aged care worker to know that You are ACE! Aged…

Rural Australia delivers quality aged care, despite many homes doing it tough

Michael Woods, University of Technology Sydney and Nicole Sutton, University of Technology Sydney Around half of Australian aged care homes…

The right to disconnect is coming to Australia. What does this mean for you?

John L. Hopkins, Swinburne University of Technology This month, changes to the Australian Fair Work Act will give workers the…

Navigating the road ahead: Community transport services provide more than just a ride

Community transport is a vital resource for older Australians, whether it be for the weekly grocery shop or to life-saving…

We have too few aged care workers to care for older Australians. Why? And what can we do about it?

Hal Swerissen, La Trobe University In a country like Australia, we all expect that when we get old, we’ll be…

Smart applications are fast becoming a vital tool in the provision of aged care

From dementia education and virtual companionship to physical activities and entertainment, mobile applications are becoming increasingly present in the provision…

Facing the Future recap + Q&A with keynote speaker Warren Hill

Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) hosted the 'Facing the Future' Conference earlier this month in Adelaide. Their…

$35m for new Cairns TAFE for care and support workers

A $35m investment will be made into a new aged care, disability support and mental health care and support TAFE…

Supply and demand: Nursing shortfall predicted to grow

As Australian nurses grapple with sector wide staff shortages, the Department of Health and Aged Care has revealed that demand…

Union alleges some aged cares reclassifying staff to meet care minutes

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has alleged that some aged care providers may be reclassifying their lifestyle staff…

Dates for care workers’ pay rises set by Fair Work Commission – nurses still waiting

The Australian Fair Work Commission has finalised the decision to determine when 250,000 Australian aged care workers will receive a…

Life expectancy drops for first time in 30 years

The life expectancy of Australians has fallen for the first time since the mid-1990s, a new government report reveals. The…

Have your say: Needs assessment survey open in northern Queensland

The Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is calling for community members, healthcare professionals, politicians, and sector representatives to have…

Collaborative palliative care pilot project empowers aged care staff

Two Victorian aged care providers are changing the way they deliver end of life care. Peninsula Home Hospice and Vasey…