industry & reform welfare recipients can use their concession cards and other social security benefits for 24 weeks instead of the current 12 weeks .
The new measures will be introduced from July 1 next year and it is expected that it will benefit 138,000 welfare recipients at a cost of $ 42.8 million in its first three years .
Aged and Community Care Providers Association ( ACCPA ) chief Tom Symondson welcomed the paper and supported older Australians returning to the workforce .
“ Many older Australians are perfectly placed to work in the aged care sector . They have the compassion , life experience and empathy to care for our most vulnerable ,” Mr Symondson said .
“ It makes sense that older Australians who still want to work should be encouraged .
“ Age should not be a barrier to people continuing to work and contribute to the care economy .”
The proposed changes that are likely to generate the most controversy are expected to be around the salary threshold for a new highlypaid permanent skilled visa , changes to workplace mobility rules for sponsored visa holders and the unions ’ role in forming labour agreements in the low-paid workers stream ; for example , in the aged-care sector .
At the time of the paper ’ s release , the unemployment rate sits at a record-low level of 3.7 per cent , with more than 430,000 job vacancies .
However , the rate is expected to rise in the upcoming months as the economy
“
Many older Australians are perfectly placed to work in the aged care sector . They have the compassion , life experience and empathy to care for our most vulnerable
continues to slow down and vacant positions will lose their urgency .
Further adding to the federal government ’ s concerns are the millions of Australians who want to work but continue to face barriers to
participation . Individuals with disabilities , those from minority groups , individuals with caregiving responsibilities , or those with limited skills have traditionally faced more significant challenges finding work .
The white paper was a product of around 12 months of work since the government ’ s Jobs and Skills Summit , held in September of last year . ■
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