Labor has backed calls to extend COVID-19 retention payments to all aged care workers, including cleaning, laundry and catering staff.
At present, only care personnel are eligible for a stake in the $235 million bonus scheme, designed to keep aged care homes staffed during the pandemic.
However, peak bodies and worker representatives have joined forces to demand more equitable treatment for those working at the coalface.
Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors, Julie Collins, said in a statement:
“It is simply not fair that some workers who are on the frontline of this fight are not receiving the retention bonus. All aged care workers should benefit from the retention payment for the work they do each and every day.”
