The Morrison Government today recognises the extraordinary contribution of aged care employees across Australia.

Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, and member for Mallee, Anne Webster, said August 7 marked Aged Care Employee Day – an important opportunity to say thanks to more than 360,000 workers across the sector.

“Our aged care employees at every level work tirelessly to ensure the safety and quality of care of senior and vulnerable Australians,” Minister Colbeck said.

“These are people who never discriminate and always put the care and wellbeing of others at the forefront.

“It is the kind of dedication that deserves recognition.

“To all those employees we say thank you for providing the respect, care and dignity senior Australians deserve.”

Aged care employees include nurses, personal care workers, allied health professionals, cooks, cleaners, and administrators, working in both home and residential care.

Dr Webster said the efforts of these workers across Mallee did not go unnoticed.

“Senior and vulnerable residents across Mallee have benefited directly from the support of our local care workforce who have showcased tireless dedication in what has been an extremely difficult time,” Dr Webster said.

“We know some days are tougher than others. To those workers across Mallee we say thank you.”

Minister Colbeck said the aged care workforce was particularly important to Australia’s ongoing response to COVID-19.

“This is the second Aged Care Employee Day since the pandemic hit and we know all too well the significant impact it has had, particularly in Victoria and New South Wales,” he said.

“As we respond to the latest outbreak in Greater Sydney and South East Queensland, the commitment and professionalism of aged care employees remains vital to the safety of those most vulnerable to this terrible disease.

“Many aged care workers have taken on additional training and worked harder than ever to protect senior Australians, as well as providing support for families who have suffered loss.”

Aged care employees are essential to the Morrison Government’s historic $17.7 billion aged care package, which responds to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

Pillar Four of the Government’s response is to continue growing and upskilling the aged care workforce.

“As the powerhouse of our reform agenda, aged care workers are critical partners,” Minister Colbeck said.

“There is much to achieve in that partnership over the next five years, but today is a day for Australians everywhere to thank aged care workers for their hard work and unlimited compassion.”