Unions Urge Government-Funded Fuel Vouchers for Home Care Workers
The United Workers Union is demanding government-funded fuel vouchers for home care workers, who could lose up to $160 per week due to escalating petrol prices. This financial strain threatens the delivery of essential services to older Australians, with the union warning of "immediate danger" if no intervention occurs.
Impact on Aged Care Services
Catalina Gonzalez, aged care director at the United Workers Union, emphasized that without urgent government action, in-home aged care services are at risk. Rising fuel costs may prevent workers from visiting all their clients, leading to missed medications, meals, wound care, and daily check-ins. This could increase the risk of falls, neglect, and isolation for vulnerable older individuals relying on home care.
A poll of 540 home care workers revealed they travel an average of 260 kilometers weekly, with potential out-of-pocket expenses reaching $160. Some workers are considering reducing their driving, cutting services, or leaving the sector altogether, exacerbating the crisis in aged care.
Broader Industry Concerns
The fuel crisis is not limited to aged care. Industries such as agriculture, construction, and waste management are also sounding alarms. The National Farmers' Federation highlighted shortages of diesel and fertiliser, urging the government to secure more supplies from North or South America to support crop planting decisions before Anzac Day.
In construction, rising costs of oil-derived products like piping and plastics, along with diesel-intensive processes, have led to forecasts of fewer new homes. Master Builders Australia predicts only 995,894 new homes over the National Housing Accord period, down from previous estimates, with potential job losses and reduced apprentice hires.
Calls for Government Intervention
Various sectors are proposing solutions, including fuel vouchers, jobkeeper-style wage subsidies, and business support packages. Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia, called for flexibility in contracts and government monitoring to retain apprentices and mitigate cost increases. Simon Croft of the Housing Industry Association advocated for locking in apprenticeship programs and ensuring temporary input cost hikes are justified.
The waste management sector has requested prioritization for petrol access to maintain rubbish pick-ups, with CEO Gayle Sloan suggesting potential jobkeeper-style programs to keep companies and workers stable during the crisis.
Resistance and Future Outlook
Despite these calls, federal and state governments have resisted wide-ranging reforms, citing the early stages of the supply shock and geopolitical uncertainties like conflicts in the Middle East. However, as fuel prices continue to rise, pressure mounts for intervention to prevent widespread economic disruption and safeguard essential services across multiple industries.
