Curtin Heritage first to secure fast-tracked entry overseas staff

A leading aged care provider in Western Australia has become the first to sign the labour agreement to fast-track the entry of overseas workers.

Perth-based Curtin Heritage Living signed the agreement with the United Workers Union (UWU) to offer 570 staff a rapid entry and permanent residency pathway over five years.

Earlier this month, the immigration department introduced the simplified temporary visa for providers to sponsor nursing assistants, carers and support workers from abroad.

The move is part of the federal government's broader $36bn spend to help the sector meet new requirements, including around-the-clock nursing from July 1.

Curtin Heritage Living managing director David Cox welcomed the agreement and called it a 'win for its workforce and the entire industry.'

"This agreement is a positive step toward addressing a critical shortage of skilled workers and will hopefully offer some relief to other aged care service providers," Mr Cox said.

"Those eligible will benefit from access to secure employment opportunities in Australia, helping them to build a stable future for themselves and their families.

"At the same time, we will benefit from a diverse and skilled workforce, which will help to ensure our residents receive the highest quality care possible."

UWU's aged care national director Carolyn Smith welcomed the move but warned that Australia still needed to fix its current workplace problems.

"This is an important step towards addressing the chronic shortage of skilled workers while providing those eligible the opportunity to secure permanent residency in Australia," Ms Smith said.

"But it's crucial to prevent new workers from experiencing the same workplace issues of low pay and excessive workload as those currently faced by existing workers."

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said the agreement was 'a big part about valuing our workforce' and would provide overseas staff with enhanced workplace protections.

"This labour agreement proves that collaboration between unions, business and governments is fundamental to addressing key skills shortages in the short term," Mr Giles said.

New legislation mandating aged care homes to have 24/7 nurses installed and staff to deliver 200 care minutes per resident per day has put pressure on providers to hire enough workers.

The government estimated the sector would need nearly 140,000 care workers and close to 12,000 nurses by the end of the next financial year. 

In 2024-25, the industry is projected to require an additional 40,000 care workers and nurses.

It's estimated one-third of the aged care workforce is born overseas.

To maintain a steady flow of immigration, Mr Giles introduced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) where applications will be processed with priority by the immigration department.

The policy also offers incentives for employers, including an expedited pathway to permanent residency, and provides access to union support.

The decision was prompted by Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil's warning that the nation's 'broken' immigration system was jeopardising its role in the global competition for skilled migrants.

Aged Care Minister Anika Wells said she hoped the agreement would streamline the employment and visa process for overseas workers.

"Older people in Australia need a skilled, diverse and valued workforce so they can receive safe, high-quality care," she said.

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