Australian aged-care nurses to receive $8,000 pay increase as fuel excise cut ends

Aged-care nurses in Australia are set to receive a substantial pay increase of $8,000, marking the fifth adjustment to award wages this year following a Fair Work Commission decision. This boost, effective from August 1, will significantly enhance the annual earnings for professionals in the sector.

The government announced that registered nurses at the most common pay level will see their annual salaries increase by over $36,000 this year. Similarly, enrolled nurses at the common pay point will experience a wage increase of nearly $32,000 per year. Aged care minister Sam Rae highlighted the importance of this measure, stating, "Better pay for nurses means better care for older Australians." He added that the "record boost to wages is making it easier for aged care homes to attract and retain nurses, ensuring older people can access higher-quality, more consistent care."

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Better pay for nurses means better care for older Australians – our record boost to wages is making it easier for aged care homes to attract and retain nurses, ensuring older people can access higher-quality, more consistent care.

This wage increase comes in response to internal departmental documents obtained by AAP, which indicate Australia will require an additional 35,000 aged-care workers in the current financial year. This projected need is driven by an aging population and the increasing demand for support services.

In related news, petrol prices are expected to rise as the government's 16-cent fuel excise discount is set to end at midnight. This will add 16 cents per litre to wholesale prices, potentially pushing the cost of petrol above $2 per litre and diesel above $2.40 per litre. Energy minister Chris Bowen confirmed the government's decision not to extend the temporary cost-of-living relief measure.

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Obviously we always monitor the situation and take steps as necessary, but our policy decision is clear.