Government promises to fund pay rise for aged care workers

I am astonished that the Govt are prepared to fund an increase in pay for Aged Care workers. Not because they don’t deserve it, more about where the money is coming from. This could cost them, consequently taxpayers, around $1.5billion annually. In addition, this will not cover private providers, who would be forced to increase the pay to staff of any new Fairwork decision, and would of course, pass these costs on to their residents and families, people who may be already struggling financially. How are the Govt suddenly able to fund this, when so many other ideas / suggestions to help ease cost of living pressures, such as fuel levy reductions, they say they are unable to fund due to budget restraints? The Aged Care Minister also stated that the sector was underpaid, due to high level of female workforce? Not sure how she can substantiate this, when it is the Fair Work Commission who set awards. An industry being heavily female dominated would not impact award rates. So, is this a form of reverse discrimination on the part of the Aged Care Minister? #agedcare