NSW government knocks back Inner West Council demerger proposal – as it happened

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• Aged care workers to get 23% average pay boost as union heralds move as one of the best outcomes' ever achieved
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Important [that] age care providers ... are not profiteering', Health Services Union president says

Speaking to ABC News Breakfast, Gerard Hayes was asked whether the 25% increase would be financially challenging for some providers.

The government has put a lot of money into aged care, particularly the 15%. That was worth about $15bn. The government is doing the right thing. If the government is prepared to continue to support, it is important for aged care providers to make sure they are not profiteering out of aged care and elderly Australians don't become a commodity, as opposed for us caring for them.

We have run a very good case and we are quietly confident. We have been able to articulate the issues for women in aged care - the average superannuation balance is about $18,000 and it is not sustainable and if we can get to that 25%, that will go a long way to attract and retain workers and prevent a lot of women working their way into poverty and retirement.