Acknowledging Wide Bay’s aged care employees

Saturday, August 7 2021, marks Aged Care Employee Day, with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien paying tribute to the extraordinary contribution of aged care employees across Wide Bay.

“I have met with many aged care service providers and workers from Wide Bay, I’ve seen the compassion, respect and care they show towards our older Australians and I continue to be impressed by their professionalism and dedication,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Wide Bay’s aged care professionals deliver care that is of world-class standard, and employees at every level work tirelessly to ensure the safety and quality of care of Wide Bay’s senior and vulnerable residents.

“Their dedication and hard work deserves to be recognised, so I thank them for their efforts, and encourage everyone in Wide Bay to show their gratitude as well.”

Aged care employees include nurses, personal care workers, allied health professionals, cooks, cleaners, and administrators, working in both home and residential care.

Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the aged care workforce was particularly important to Australia’s ongoing response to COVID-19.

“This is the second Aged Care Employee Day since the pandemic hit and we know all too well the significant impact it has had, particularly in Victoria and New South Wales,” he said.

“As we respond to the latest outbreak in Greater Sydney and South East Queensland, the commitment and professionalism of aged care employees remains vital to the safety of those most vulnerable to this terrible disease. 

“Many aged care workers have taken on additional training and worked harder than ever to protect senior Australians, as well as providing support for families who have suffered loss.”

Aged care employees are essential to the Morrison Government’s historic $17.7 billion aged care package, which responds to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

Pillar Four of the Government’s response is to continue growing and upskilling the aged care workforce.

“As the powerhouse of our reform agenda, aged care workers are critical partners,” Minister Colbeck said. 

“There is much to achieve in that partnership over the next five years, but today is a day for Australians everywhere to thank aged care workers for their hard work and unlimited compassion.”