Industry News

More than half of aged care residents are on antidepressants, finds Australian study A study by ROSA found 6 in 10 Australian aged care residents are taking antidepressants, rising from 46.1% in 2006 to 58.5% in 2019. Factors include increased mental health focus due to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The study highlights the importance of non-drug treatments and the need for further investigation into antidepressant use in aged care. ROSA is calling for improved mental health care delivery and encouraging open discussions between residents, families, and healthcare providers.

WA nurses’ union forms new party as health looms large over 2025 election

• Nurses and Midwives WA, backed by the Australian Nursing Federation, will run as candidates in the 2025 state election with a focus on improving the health system in Western Australia.
• This comes after the Liberal Party promises to cancel plans for a new maternity hospital in Murdoch and instead prioritize the QEII site in Nedlands.
• The new political party aims to represent not only nurses and midwives but also carers and all West Australians in parliament.
• It plans to utilize recent incidents such as an alleged rape at Perth Children's Hospital and the controversial relocation of the new women's and babies' hospital in its campaign against Premier Roger Cook and Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson.

99 complete Aged Care training and are prepared to depart for Australia soon

·         Ninety-nine trainees have completed their Aged Care training at Alphacrucis University College Fiji Campus, graduating with beaming smiles.

·         This program combines academic and practical training, ensuring the trainees are well-prepared for their entry into the aged care industry.

·         The Australian government's Aged Care Expansion program supports this initiative, which is carried out in partnership with Bolton Clarke, Australia's largest not-for-profit aged care provider.

·         These trainees are now ready to embark on their journey to Australia.

Pay boost for aged care workers

• The Albanese government has announced funding to meet a Fair Work Commission ruling that a 15% wage hike for aged care workers needs to take effect in one installment from July.
• The government had initially argued for the increase to be spaced out over two years due to fiscal challenges.
• The pay rise is in response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
• The funding boost aims to address workforce pressures, attract young Australians to the sector, and ensure nurses are available around the clock.
• However, transparency is needed to ensure the money goes directly to workers.