Mirage News, 27 October 2022

The Health Services Union (HSU) welcomes the Albanese Labor Government’s first Federal Budget that delivers for aged care, working women and provides funding for the skills and training that Australia needs for a vibrant care economy.

Budget references to funding the outcome of the HSU’s Aged Care Work Value Case are particularly pleasing and a welcome change from the former Government’s inaction on delivering a real wage increase for low-paid aged care workers. The HSU congratulates the Prime Minister, Treasurer, Minister Butler and Minister Wells for their unwavering commitment to deliver for older Australians, their families and the workers who support them.

As a union that represents female-dominated industries, the HSU was pleased to see Budget measures that boost women’s workforce participation and economic empowerment such as cheaper childcare, expanding paid parental leave and a focus on the care economy.

The HSU welcomes various investments contained in the Budget to address skills shortages across the health and care sectors. These investments reflect the reality that a skilled and available workforce is essential to deliver the high-quality health, aged care and disability services that all Australians expect.

The HSU notes various Budget initiatives to put people back at the centre of the NDIS so the scheme can deliver on its promise to people with a disability, their families and the workers who support them.

Quotes attributable to HSU National Secretary Lloyd Williams

“We are pleased to see the Budget deliver on Labor’s election commitments to deliver the real and meaningful aged care reform recommended by the Royal Commission, including funding the outcome of the HSU’s Aged Care Work Value Case.”

“We are pleased that Minister Wells is progressing aged care reform in a positive direction, including the reference to preferencing direct employment and acknowledging the inextricable link between quality jobs and quality care.”

“Cheaper childcare and improved paid parental leave are game-changing investments that will assist Australian women to fully participate in our national economy and society. The HSU welcomes these long overdue reforms.”

“The HSU and its members are proud supporters of the NDIS and we look forward to continuing to work with Minister Shorten on the forthcoming NDIS Review and ensuring that the scheme delivers on its promise to people with a disability, their families and the workers who support them.”