IR overhaul needed to help aged care provide flexible care: peak

Proposals in Productivity Commission draft report could improve the ‘outdated’ workplace relations system, but aged care providers must be involved in discussions on new framework, says LASA.

Proposed changes to Australia’s workplace relations framework could help aged care organisations provide the flexible care and services that are increasingly required by seniors.

However, the Federal Government must include aged care providers in the design of a revised IR framework, along with other key stakeholders such as unions and policy makers.

Patrick Reid
Patrick Reid

That’s according to Patrick Reid, CEO of Leading Age Services Australia, commenting on the Productivity Commission’s draft report into Australia’s workplace relations framework, which examined current laws, institutions and practices.

There were a number of important recommendations in the report, released last week, which could help in resolving some of the inherent problems with current fair work laws, Mr Reid said.

Ensuring the focus of unfair dismissal proceedings remained on the reason for dismissal by testing the merit of claims prior to instigating proceedings would save time and costs for both employers and employees, he said. “Clear definitions of how the exercise of a workplace right applies in the area of general protections will also benefit everyone.”

PC report
PC’s draft report on workplace relations

He said LASA welcomed any increased guidance and information about individual arrangements, including sample individual flexibility arrangements (IFAs) and guidance on the no disadvantage test, to assist employers and employees to better understand these types of arrangements.

“These are currently under-utilised but provide another option and greater flexibility for both employers and employees operating under modern awards.

“We also welcome the proposed enterprise contract as another option for employers and employees, and alternate ways of reviewing modern awards that save time and taxpayer dollars but still allow interested parties to be involved,” Mr Reid told Australian Ageing Agenda.

Current framework ‘outdated’

While aged care was a growth industry, many providers were currently hamstrung by an out-dated workplace relations system, Mr Reid said.

Providers continued to identify workforce issues including staff recruitment, retention and wage costs as one of their biggest ongoing challenges, he said.

“Most Australians will require age services at some point in life, with many wishing to receive their care at home or with delivery options that require workforce flexibility. This is currently unachievable under Australia’s existing fair work laws.”

Mr Reid said that a revised IR framework needed to prioritise and support the needs of the ageing population. “Exactly what this entails needs to be co designed by the relevant peak bodies for age services, disability and community services, unions, employers and policy makers, and then supported by appropriate legislation,” he said.

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Tags: employers, fair work, industrial-relations, lasa, leading-age-services-australia, patrick-reid, productivity-commission, workplace-relations,

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