Boosting Care Sector Jobs for Indigenous Australians

Joint Media Release

Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme

The Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians

The Morrison Government has launched A Life Changing Life, a new campaign to encourage Indigenous Australians to start a career in the care and support sector.

The sector, which includes aged care, disability and veterans’ support is one of the fastest-growing in Australia.

Minister for Indigenous Australians the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP said it was important to highlight the breadth of opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the sector.

“Caring for mob is a part of our culture – it’s who we are. It makes sense we support Indigenous Australians to consider a future in the sector, so they can deliver the culturally appropriate services our vulnerable people need,” Minister Wyatt said.

“What many people might not know is that this is a sector full of job opportunities, and meaningful careers.

“In many cases, these are jobs you can do without leaving your community and can learn on the job, to start a life-changing career.”

The national A Life Changing Life campaign is a key early deliverable of the National Disability Insurance Scheme National Workforce Plan 2021-2025.

Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the A Life Changing Life campaign shines a light on the rewarding, varied and sustainable job opportunities in the sector, with many jobs available across communities.

“For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people looking for a life-changing life through a rewarding job or career, the care and support sector is now hiring. Jobs are available in cities, towns and communities right across Australia,” Minister Reynolds said.

“In the coming years, to accommodate for the maturity of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, along with Australia’s ageing population, the care and support workforce will grow by around 140,000 workers. Tens of thousands of jobs are available in regional and remote areas.”

The campaign features real-life workers, on the job, supporting the people they work with.

A Life Changing Life highlights the job and career opportunities available in the care and support sector across the country, including regional and remote communities.

The campaign will also help to boost the Government’s commitment to ensure safer, quality care for senior Australians under the $17.7 billion aged care reform package. The focus here is on supporting the aged care workforce through specialist training, financial support and mentorships.

The campaign is part of Australia’s Care and Support Workforce Package announced in the 2020-21 Budget to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the care and support sector, including aged care, disability and veterans’ support.

For more information about the care and support sector, and to learn about meaningful work that makes a difference for mob, visit careandsupportjobs.gov.au/resources/indigenous.

For more information and to access campaign resources, visit careandsupportjobs.gov.au