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Catholic Health Australia’s aged care providers have welcomed the Albanese Government’s historic announcement of $11.3 billion to fully fund the 15 per cent increase to award rates for around 250,000 aged care workers who provide direct care to residents. The government’s announcement follows Catholic Health Australia’s recent pledge that every cent of extra government money for wages will go directly into workers’ pockets. Aged Care Director Jason Kara said fully funding a pay rise for hardworking staff was the right thing to do. “We welcome the Federal Government’s historic investment in our aged care workforce. Improved wages are critical to attracting and retaining staff and delivering quality care to older Australians,” Mr Kara said. “Aged care providers will be incredibly relieved to see this government funding confirmed. With 70 per cent of all aged care homes running at a loss it would have been impossible to shift the cost of the pay rise to providers without negatively impacting care for residents. “Our dedicated and professional staff worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to keep our residents safe, performing their jobs with love and care. I know providers are greatly looking forward to passing on this wage increase so they can reward their teams with more than thanks. “Our aged care sector will require a healthy pipeline of new staff for the foreseeable future, and this pay rise is necessary to attract interest. It also delivers an important message to today’s aged care workers that they are supported and valued.”