Statement attributable to United Workers Union Aged Care director Carolyn Smith:

“Today’s announcement of two financial bonuses for aged care workers is a welcome relief for the people who have cared for our older Australians during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

“In particular, the union is pleased that the bonus has been extended to include all aged care workers, including catering and cleaning staff, as well as care workers.

“The aged care industry is at absolute breaking point, and I am not sure these bonuses will fix the systemic issues in the industry

“Aged care workers are struggling with low pay, understaffing and the poor rollout of COVID-19 response by Scott Morrison. The fact that workers are still not receiving regular RATs and adequate PPE is indicative of the Federal Government’s failure in this area.

“Although we do welcome Scott Morrison’s admission that aged care wages need to be substantially improved, something we have been saying for a long time now.”

ENDS

The United Workers Union represents a variety of aged care workers across Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia to find out more go to unitedworkers.org.au

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