Curtin Heritage secures historic Aged Care Labour Agreement

Curtin Heritage, a Not-For-Profit aged care provider in Western Australia, has received an overwhelming response to the recently launched Aged Care Industry Labour Agreements program.

As the first provider to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Government and unions, Curtin Heritage is offering migrant staff the opportunity to apply for a fast-tracked pathway to permanent residency.

David Cox, the Managing Director of Curtin Heritage Living, told The Weekly Source their primary focus under the program is to provide permanent residency options for their existing employees who are currently on temporary visas.

With approximately half of their 330 staff members on temporary visas, the company has already seen one employee granted permanent residency, and 30 more are in the pipeline, with approvals expected in the immediate future.

While securing permanent residency for existing staff remains a priority, Curtin Heritage is also leveraging the program to recruit new employees. In fact, the company has already received 300 applications from hopeful workers since the program’s launch.

The initiative represents the first signed Aged Care Labour Agreement delivered by the Albanese Government, following the introduction of a new tripartite approach aimed at boosting the aged care workforce.

As part of the agreement, Curtin Heritage Living, located in Perth, has become the first aged care provider in Australia to secure the new labour agreement. The MOU, signed with the United Workers’ Union, will cover up to 570 workers over a span of five years.

To address critical skills shortages in the sector, Curtin Heritage Living will benefit from priority visa processing and a two-year pathway to permanent residency, which will serve as incentives for prospective workers. By collaborating with their relevant unions, aged care providers entering into an MOU can enhance recruitment and retention within their workforce.

In addition to a $36 billion aged care budget, which includes $11.3 billion for a historic 15 per cent increase to the award wage, the Albanese Government is committed to building a skilled, diverse and valued aged care workforce.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles, emphasised the importance of collaboration between unions, businesses, and governments in addressing short-term skills shortages. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling skills shortages in the care sector.

Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells, highlighted the need for a skilled and diverse workforce to ensure older Australians receive safe and high-quality care. She expressed confidence that the labour agreement will streamline employment and visa processes for overseas workers, while the government’s significant budget allocation will help restore dignity to older people, in line with the recommendations of the Royal Commission.

Cox added that the Labour Agreement is a win for Curtin Heritage Living, our valued workforce, and our entire industry. With eligible individuals are now able to access a pathway to the benefits of secure employment opportunities in Australia, allowing them to build a stable future for themselves and their families.

“As providers of care to older people, Curtin Heritage Living and our industry peers will be able to benefit from a diverse and skilled workforce, supporting us to deliver the best possible care to the people in our homes,”  Cox said.

Ritchelle Drilon

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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.

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