An expert says a recent wage rise for aged care workers is unlikely to influence the way society values the female-dominated industry.Providing perks like subsidised housing and sabbaticals has been suggested as another way to help raise the status of care workers.
The aged care sector is among a slew of industries that primarily employ women — from childcare to nursing to teaching — that have historically been underpaid in Australia.But Joseph Carpini, a senior lecturer at the University of WA's business school, said a pay rise alone was unlikely to change the way aged care work was perceived.
He said changing perceptions would require a "comprehensive approach" looking at everything from entitlements, working arrangements and flexibility, to the entire way the industry functioned. " involves elements — genuine care and an ongoing relationship — that can't really be given a market value."