The Australian Government announced on 13 October that it will provide $630 million in additional funding to help organisations it funds meet wage increases for health, disability and community-service workers.
The government says the investment relates to Fair Work Commission decisions addressing the historical undervaluation of work in female-dominated care sectors. It estimates that more than 460,000 workers are covered by the changes.
According to the joint ministerial announcement, more than 128,000 organisations funded through 92 government programs will receive extra support. The money is intended to help charities and not-for-profit providers meet award-related wage costs without reducing essential services.
The announcement also identifies workers in legal assistance, housing, youth services and First Nations health and community services among those in government-funded organisations that may be affected by the award changes.
The $630 million is funding for eligible providers to support the pay decisions; it is not a flat payment to every individual worker. Details of a person's wage change depend on the relevant award and employment circumstances.
Source: Australian Government joint ministerial media release, 13 October 2026.
Image disclosure: This is an AI-generated editorial illustration with fictional people, not a photograph of real care workers or the announcement.
