Cut to regional migration will impact aged care services
Aged care sector warns of regional workforce risks
- Migration cuts: The Government has reduced skilled migration for regional areas
- Workforce shortages: Regional aged care providers warn staffing pressures could worsen
- Service risks: Operators say some homes may need to limit admissions or reduce services
- Visa reform push: Ageing Australia wants a dedicated aged care migration pathway
Federal Government has quietly cut the skilled migration program for regional areas, where aged care operators struggle to meet mandatory staffing targets.
“We are worried that any cuts to skilled migration will impact our ability to recruit enough workers to care for the surging number of older Australians, particularly in rural and regional markets,” said Tom Symondson, CEO of the provider peak body, Ageing Australia.
More than half of residential aged care workers are born overseas, and regional providers are facing significant workforce shortages.
With operators required to meet mandatory RN and care minute targets, any reduction in skilled migration “risks worsening existing problems”, Tom said.
“Without enough workers regional providers may be forced to reduce services, limit admissions or even reconsider their viability," Tom said.
“We have a solid contingent of fantastic overseas workers filling a variety of roles across our group," said Chris Mamarelis, CEO Whiddon, which operates more than a dozen aged care homes in regional NSW and QLD.
“While the immediate impact [of the change] may be limited for us, we’re very mindful of the broader workforce dynamics at play.
“There’s substantial evidence suggesting that our sector will face a significant workforce challenge in the years ahead.”
Tom said, migration is "an essential part of a balanced workforce strategy". Ageing Australia has called for a dedicated Essential Skills Visa pathway for aged care and community care workers, a moved backed by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA). Features would include streamlined sponsorship and faster processing for regional providers experiencing critical workforce shortages.
Ageing Australia would also like to see a temporary removal of Labour Market Testing requirements for key aged care occupations under the skilled visa program, and improved skills recognition to help qualified workers enter the workforce more quickly.
They would also like additional investment in local workforces to help rural and remote operators comply with mandatory targets, earn-while-you-learn pathways, regional training, and accommodation for staff.
