Frontier Services welcomes major reforms to the aged care system, announced by the Federal Government today, including measures which support the vulnerable and extra funding for the workforce.

NT Regional Manager Sharon Davis said the $3.7 billion package includes measures to ensure those who are most vulnerable receive the services they need. This is especially important to those who live in remote communities.

Specifically, Ms Davis welcomed the Government’s plans to establish a single gateway for all aged care services, aimed at making it easier for older people and their families to access and navigate services.

She said the planned $1.2 billion investment in the aged care workforce over the next five years was an important step in alleviating the extraordinary pressure on staffing levels and recruitment, particularly in remote Australia.

The Government will use the extra funds to attract, retain and train aged care workers and ensure they receive competitive wages through the Workforce Compact agreement.

“I look forward to being able to pay staff the wages they are worth,” said Ms Davis.

Ms Davis especially welcomed the expressed commitment to continue to support rural and remote Australians, Indigenous people and those who are socially disadvantaged.

“We look forward to working with the Government to ensure that seniors from rural and remote Australia have the care and services available when they need them.”

Frontier Services is the largest provider of aged and community care in remote Australia.