Blue Care has handed back 210 licenses to the Commonwealth because they are not viable in the current circumstances, according to Blue Care Executive Director Stephen Muggleton.
There are a couple of reasons for the decision, he said. Firstly we probably couldnt build before their expiry dates given the other work we have underway. Secondly, we cant afford to expose Blue Care to any more losses given the lack of capital funds and inadequate operating funding. Many providers have independently made exactly the same decision as us because the sector is not viable. Funding and regulatory reform is well overdue.
Blue Care has also announced it is raising wages for non-salaried clerical administrative staff in Queensland by 18 per cent over three and a half years. Stephen Muggleton said the agreement ensured Blue Care remained an industry leader in regards to pay and conditions for its staff. To demonstrate our commitment to rewarding staff, we have backdated to September the first increase of 3 per cent. This will be paid before Christmas so staff do not have to wait for the agreement to be ratified. The second 2 per cent increase will be paid in January. The new agreement provides annual pay increases of 4 5 per cent as well as increases in allowances for uniforms, laundry and other allowances. New long service leave arrangements start from January 1, 2009, and a classification review will take place next year. Blue Care has also recently committed to similar wage increases and work conditions for nursing, personal care, hospitality and maintenance staff.
