Today, on National Aged Care Employee Day, Australia’s peak multicultural organisation – the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) – acknowledges and thanks all aged care workers, especially those from migrant & multicultural backgrounds for their dedication and service.
The 2016 Census indicated that 37 per cent of those employed in aged and disability sectors were born overseas while those in personal care accounted for half of the number of workers.
FECCA chair, Mary Patetsos, emphasised the critical role multicultural workers fulfil in keeping older people safe during this COVID-19 pandemic.
“Aged Care workers must be valued and appreciated for the critical work they do, as they have done during this pandemic, and their wage and conditions must improve quickly,” she said.
“Aged care workers from migrant & multicultural background play a critical role in looking after older people who do not speak English. These workers are critical to ensuring the language, cultural, and religious needs of older people are met as they age.”
“We must acknowledge that many Aged care workers are on temporary visas, including international students and nurses, of which the overwhelming majority are women,” Ms Patetsos added.
“We must support our care workers by ensuring they have adequate pay, training, secure jobs, pathway to permanent residency, and systems that will effectively address discrimination and racism. If we really love and care for our elderly, Australia should value those who care for them as well. On behalf of our community, we thank all Aged Care workers on this National Aged Care Employee Day.”
For media inquiries contact 0401 125 370 or media@fecca.org.au
