“Several providers” have contacted PwC Australia after the Commonwealth Department of Health engaged the multinational professional services network to provide workforce advice in a $5.9 million deal.

Like its Government-funded Business Advisory Service, the Workforce Advisory Service is free of charge to the provider if the application is chosen to proceed, and on PwC’s terms of business for the services.

Ryan Hopping, PwC Australia’s Senior Manager, Assurance, said, "the program focuses on assisting aged care providers understand their workforce, how to attract and retain staff, make the most of learning and development, and effectively manage performance."

The advice could also extend to recommendations for widening the search for new workers – a major challenge for the sector.

Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Minister, Senator Richard Colbeck, in launching the Workforce Advisory Service on Monday, said it will support aged care providers in attracting, retaining and skilling their workforce.

“It will help aged care workers to acquire qualifications and training which will enhance their skills and knowledge and improve their career opportunities. It will support providers to implement workforce planning into business-as-usual,” Mr Colbeck said in a statement.