Potential Job Cuts Loom at Aged Care Commission Amid Coalition Election Plans

Job Cuts at Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission

Recent warnings from the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) indicate that if the Coalition wins the upcoming election, hundreds of jobs may be lost at the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC). This agency is crucial for investigating allegations of mistreatment in aged care facilities.

Impact of Coalition's Public Service Reduction Plan

Peter Dutton, the opposition leader, has proposed cutting 41,000 public service jobs over five years through a strategy of “natural attrition”. This approach would involve not renewing contracts of non-ongoing staff, which could lead to a 26.5% reduction in the ACQSC's workforce, according to the CPSU's modelling.

Current Staffing Levels

Since the 2022 election, the ACQSC has expanded its workforce by hiring over 500 public servants to manage a backlog of complaints. The average staffing level is projected to rise from 1,598 to 1,918 in the next financial year, a move the current government claims will enhance the safety and wellbeing of older Australians.

Concerns Over Hiring Freeze

The CPSU warns that a hiring freeze necessary to meet Dutton's job reduction goals would severely impact the ACQSC, where many employees hold non-ongoing contracts. The commission's attrition rate for 2024 is estimated at 6.0%, and a freeze could mean losing 508 jobs by the 2025-26 period.

Commission's Response

While the CPSU's figures are based on government data, the ACQSC has not commented on the union's conclusions. The commission clarified that its roles do not include direct service delivery but do involve responding to public inquiries and auditing facilities.

Importance of the Aged Care Commission

Melissa Donnelly, CPSU's national secretary, emphasizes that reducing staffing at the ACQSC would undermine its ability to ensure safe and accountable aged care. She describes the proposed cuts as chaotic and poorly planned, highlighting the potential for uneven reductions that could affect essential frontline services.

Future Projections and Challenges

The commission's workforce is essential in addressing over 10,000 complaints annually and conducting thorough audits of aged care facilities. As the Coalition assesses its job reduction strategy, significant questions remain about which departments will be affected and how these cuts will influence service delivery.

Political Reactions

Anthony Albanese has critiqued the plan, stating that cutting 41,000 public servants would severely impact service delivery. The Coalition's shadow minister for government efficiency, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, has acknowledged uncertainty regarding which departments would face job cuts, indicating the need for further evaluation.