Govt launches new policy to attract more overseas staff

Aged care providers can now apply for simplified temporary visas to sponsor overseas direct care workers.

The move, announced last Friday, is expected to streamline the hiring process and supply the sector with more overseas workers.

The aged care sector is estimated to have a shortfall of nearly 140,000 workers by 2024-25.

Under the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement, employers no longer need to negotiate company-specific labour agreements for each aged care provider. 

"Australia can address workforce shortages for crucial jobs in our society while also protecting workers and promoting good jobs," Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said.

"This process speaks to the broader goals of the Albanese Government's approach to migration and visas, facilitating important social and economic outcomes for all Australians."

The new agreement will allow employers to sponsor skilled workers in direct care occupations, such as nursing and personal care assistants, on a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482).

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

Mr Giles said employers could already apply for the agreement, which would be processed with priority by the Immigration Department. 

"The agreement is designed to balance the opportunities migration can facilitate to build a workforce while recognising the challenges workers face on temporary sponsored visas," he said.

"This has only been possible due to the work undertaken over the past 10 months to clear the visa backlogs and reset Australia’s approach to visa policy."

Last week, Home Affairs Minister, Clare O'Neil, branded Australia's migration system' crazily complex', calling for urgent reform to the 'outdated' skill lists and employer sponsorship programs.

Aged care unions suggested last April the government establish a specific visa for skilled migrants to attract overseas staff.

Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) chief, Tom Symondson, said he was pleased the government stood up for the aged care workforce.

"This will be a key driver of successful aged care reform," Mr Symondson said.

It's estimated the sector needs nearly 11,800 registered nurses and over 13,000 care workers by the next financial year to adhere to the incoming reforms.

Aged Care Minister Anika Wells said the agreement helped to deliver a skilled and diverse workforce to Australia's aged care sector. 

"We want every older person in Australia to have access to aged care that is high quality, safe and meets the needs of older people as their needs change," Ms Wells said.

"We are continuing to build a skilled aged care workforce which from 1 July will receive a historic 15 per cent pay rise to the award wage."

The labour agreement's announcement coincided with the federal government's decision to fully fund the 15 per cent pay rise for aged care workers in tomorrow's budget.

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