The National Aged Care Director for the United Workers Union has said that the aged care sector has sought relief in Anthony Albanese’s budget response after being in crisis for several years, with workers threatening strike action last week.

In last night’s budget reply speech, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese pledged a $2.5 billion aged care package to overhaul the sector entirely. 

The package includes higher wages for workers, better food, safer living conditions for residents, and a registered nurse on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Carolyn Smith from the United Workers Union told Scott Emerson on 4BC Drive that workers were relieved to hear Anthony Albanese’s budget reply speech after the past few years.

“They just find it heartbreaking that they’re doing a job because they really care for older Australians, but they just don’t have time to care – most days they’re rushing people and most days there just name no a lot to people,” she said.

“Workers find that incredibly heartbreaking, it’s a huge emotional toll on them, and you imagine doing that sort of hard physical and emotional work and doing it for $23 an hour. It’s no wonder that aged care workers are leaving the sector in droves.”

Press PLAY to hear the National Aged Care Director of UWU on the opposition’s budget reply speech.