The Aged Care Guild, representing the nine largest private residential care operators is advocating at the Senate enquiry for a compulsory registration as care workers. It would mirror allied health professionals, doctors and nurses, requiring ongoing professional training and profession penalties for poor performance or abuse of position.

Many operators don't agree, stating the cost of professional development will fall on them or be a disincentive for workers joining the sector.

Our opinion is that this initiative is just a matter of time in part driven by the new disruptive digital services that introduce carers directly to clients. The Government will want this to minimise risk and disruptive operators will want it to add to their credibility. To say they comply with government regulations on risk controls will be like gold to them.