A statement from ACCPA CEO Tom Symondson:
“As aged care providers, our sector is here to support the vulnerable older people in our society. It is critical that we have a fairly paid and valued workforce in order to do this and we want to see aged care workers pay increase to recognise the incredible role they play in supporting older Australians.
“The industrial relations bill introduced into Parliament yesterday is substantial and appears to make fundamental changes to the nature of bargaining between employers and their staff.
“The timeline for consultation on the bill is a major concern for us. While the bill will be referred by the government to a Senate committee for examination, interested parties must make their submissions by the deadline of 11 November. We are concerned that this does not allow enough time given the complexity of the bill and its implications.
“ACCPA is currently undertaking a detailed review of the legislation and plans to consult its members as soon as possible.
“One early concern is the notion that employers can be compelled into bargaining they have not consented to, which threatens to upend the traditional employer-worker relationship which relies on genuine bargaining.
“We are seeking more time to examine the implications of these and other changes for the aged care sector so that our members are fully informed.”
