The cost of fuel is still on the rise, and it’s taken a huge toll on all workers, including home care workers. Although the Albanese government has offered a short-term respite for workers, halving fuel excise for 3 months, there is still the issue of allowance.
Care workers, who use their own vehicles for work, are awarded a 99-cent per kilometre allowance. This covers tasks such as travelling to and from clients and transporting supplies. The allowance is set by the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award and is intended to cover the price of fuel as well as insurance, wear and tear, and maintenance.
The rate was far lower during the early 2020s; however, fuel prices back then were cheaper, too. Now, with the fuel crisis full on, prices have soared, and care workers are unable to keep up. Some are forced to reduce working hours or skip shifts, but the real fear is that the workers will leave the care industry altogether. The crisis is more than just about the price of fuel; this can lead to an aged care crisis as fewer workers are able to provide support at home. In effect, this can increase the number of people seeking support from hospitals.