Letters to the Editor
The danger of a pay rise for aged care workers
Readers’ letters on the wider consequences of giving aged care workers a pay rise; why fighting climate change may bring us closer to China; the other monopoly to consider; and the correct choice of drink for a gangster.
Key Points
- We are always interested to hear your views on current topics.
- Guidelines here and please send your letter to edletters@afr.com.au.
There is no question that aged care workers deserve a pay rise, and that those who are receiving aged care, who have the financial means, should be required to make a greater contribution for their care as they age.
It is not the role of the taxpayer to provide financial subsidies to preserve an individual’s wealth for the benefit of their children and other beneficiaries.
Australians are living longer and healthier lives, but it’s coming at a cost to subsequent generations. David Rowe
The result of the increase in aged care worker salaries will be felt by many organisations outside the aged care industry – specifically those in the disability and personal care industries – as they will increasingly struggle to attract and retain staff members.
Anyone who can provide services to aged care and disability care, where they are paid more for providing those services in an aged care setting, may naturally gravitate towards that sector.
How is the lack of available workers in the disability sector to be addressed? The government will increase payments for NDIS services so that organisations in that sector can increase the wages of their workers.
Rather than reining in the increasing cost of the NDIS service, the market will require the government to contribute to the increase.
Hopefully, there will not be a decrease in support for potential new NDIS participants to offset this expected labour cost increase.
Michelle Wilson, Spring Hill, Qld
Make climate woes a positively uniting cause
Joseph Negrine is spot on; China will do what China wants to do . The plight of the Uighurs is sad, unjust and deplorable.
It’s nothing new; civilisations have been built on man’s inhumanity to man, including those that make up “the West”. Talking Beijing down on this one is not an option.
Nor is a trade war, a cold war, or an armed conflict. The only way forwards for the whole world is to bow to the science and unite in a common cause.
Climatic breakdown is real, imminent and all-consuming. Already we’ve witnessed its power. The increased frequency and ferocity of floods, fire and drought have exposed our vulnerability.
The world’s leaders must recognise the global plight we’re all in and act accordingly. Solve this and the moral issues solve themselves.
John Mosig, Kew, Vic
What about the other monopoly?
While considering breaking up the monopoly of Coles and Woolworths, what about toll roads?
Malcolm McDonald, Burwood, Vic
Gangsta billionaires much prefer Cristal
How louche to have “lingerie-clad waitresses pour Dom Perignon” in your private club.
As any aspiring gangsta would know, it’s Cristal only in da club.
Chris Roylance, Paddington, Qld
Letters to the Editor
We are always interested to hear your views on current topics. Guidelines here and please send your letter to edletters@afr.com.au
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