Unions Urge Government-Funded Fuel Vouchers for Home Care Workers
The United Workers Union has issued a stark call for government-funded fuel vouchers to assist home care workers, who are grappling with soaring petrol prices that could leave them out of pocket by up to $160 per week. This financial strain threatens the delivery of essential services to older Australians, with the union warning that many are in "immediate danger" due to potential disruptions in care visits.
Impact on Aged Care Services
According to Catalina Gonzalez, the UWU aged care director, rising fuel costs are putting in-home aged care services at severe risk. Without urgent government intervention, older Australians may miss out on critical care, including medications, meals, wound care, and daily check-ins. The union conducted a poll of 540 home care workers, revealing that they travel an average of 260km weekly. Many workers expressed concerns that they might have to limit their driving, reduce services, or even exit the sector altogether if the situation persists.
Gonzalez emphasized, "Every missed visit increases the risk of falls, missed personal care, and dangerous isolation for older Australians relying on home care." The proposed fuel vouchers aim to ensure workers can afford to travel, thereby maintaining dignity and safety for vulnerable individuals.
Broader Industry Concerns
The fuel crisis is not limited to the care sector; it is also affecting agriculture, construction, and waste management industries. The National Farmers' Federation has highlighted shortages of diesel and fertiliser, urging the government to secure more supplies from North or South America. Hamish McIntyre, NFF president, noted that farmers face critical decisions about crop planting before Anzac Day, stressing the need for lateral thinking from policymakers.
In the construction industry, rising costs of oil-derived products like piping and plastics, along with diesel-intensive processes, have led to forecasts of a downturn in new home builds. Master Builders Australia predicts only 995,894 new homes over the next five years, down from previous estimates, with job losses and reduced apprentice hirings already reported. Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders, called for flexibility in contracts and government support to retain apprentices and mitigate cost increases.
Calls for Government Intervention
Various industry groups are advocating for measures such as a JobKeeper-style wage subsidy to prevent layoffs and ensure business stability. Simon Croft of the Housing Industry Association urged the government to lock in the Key Apprenticeship Program, which provides up to $10,000 per trainee, for the next three years. He also suggested business support packages and ACCC oversight to manage temporary cost increases.
The waste management sector has similarly raised alarms, with Gayle Sloan, CEO of the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association, emphasizing the need to prioritise petrol access and consider financial stability programs for workers and companies. Despite the early stages of the supply shock and geopolitical uncertainties, federal and state governments have yet to announce comprehensive reforms, leaving many industries in a precarious position.
As the crisis unfolds, the collective call from unions and industry bodies underscores the urgent need for targeted government action to safeguard essential services and economic stability across multiple sectors.
