The 2023-24 Federal Budget continues to deliver on the range of recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety in 2021. A number of other measures announced in this budget also contribute to the improving standard of care available for older Australians.

The centrepiece to 2023-24 Federal Budget will have implications for aged care organisations from a Human Resources (HR) and an Employee Relations (ER) perspective. To implement these improvements organisations must develop, attract and retain skilled professionals, ensuring quality care for our ageing population.

Strengthening of the Workforce and Wage Support

This budget commits to fund the largest ever increase to award wages for aged care workers to the tune of 15%, equating to $11.3 billion over the next four years starting from July 2023. Additional measures to support a skilled workforce in the aged care sector, emphasise fair remuneration for dedicated professionals. Additionally, scholarships will be available to help educate and train aged care workers, encouraging skill development and career advancement to retain quality staff.

Empower Nurse Practitioners

Organisations also need to consider empowering Nurse Practitioners, giving them expanded responsibilities, enabling them to provide comprehensive care and contributing to addressing the evolving needs of residents in aged care facilities. This will mean reviewing position descriptions and KPI’s.

Health System Implementation

To streamline care delivery, HR professionals will need to implement the MyHealth Record and MyMedicare systems, helping enhance the doctor-patient relationship, promoting seamless communication and facilitating consultations.

Policies and Preventative Measures

Tackling emerging health concerns, such as vaping and e-cigarettes, will be a priority for aged care organisations. Proactive measures need to be introduced to promote the well-being of individuals within aged care facilities and the wider community.

The 2023-24 Federal Budget demonstrates the government's commitment to the health, aged care, and disability sectors, mainly supporting the workforce and enhancing care delivery. These initiatives will create opportunities for HR professionals within the aged care industry to develop and implement strategies that attract and retain talented individuals, ensuring high-quality care for our ageing population.

If you want to understand how this impacts your organisation and how to implement policies and procedures to comply with these new guidelines, connect with our team.