Fiona Macdonald
Acting Director, Centre for Future Work

Did the ex-PC boss miss the recent Aged Care Royal Commission? In an article in this morning’s Financial Review, Ryan Stokes  appears to be calling for “flexibility” of staff ratios in aged care and other care and support services. 

This is a recipe for poorer quality and safety, and neglect and abuse of vulnerable adults and children.

There is plenty of evidence underpinning the introduction and strengthening of  staff ratios in aged care and other services, such as early childhood education and care.

Capital investment, decent wages, staff training, and career paths that increase capability and reduce turnover can increase productivity in these sectors.

Playing around with minimum care requirements may cut  labour costs but the only benefit is likely to be increased profits – we know this from the 1000s of pages of evidence heard by the Royal Commission.