Peers and Partners
Government Departments
Health Services
State and territory health departments are responsible for overseeing health-related aspects of aged care, including the provision of clinical care services, infection control, and the regulation of healthcare professionals working in aged care facilities. In Queensland, the Department of Health in Queensland provides guidance, resources, and information related to aged care services, including infection control and quality standards.
Aged Care Planning and Funding: State and territory governments may contribute to the planning and funding of aged care services in their jurisdictions. This includes considerations for the allocation of funding to meet local needs.
Home and Community Care Services: State and territory governments often administer home and community care services, such as meal delivery, transportation, and respite care, which complement the federal Home Care Packages program and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
Department of Education, Skills and Employment
Oversees vocational education and training (VET) programs in Australia, which are relevant to the training of personal care workers in aged care. They also administer initiatives and funding aimed at improving skills and workforce training (Local Jobs Program).
Department of Home Affairs
The Department of Home Affairs, which oversees immigration matters in Australia, plays a role in the aged care sector primarily related to the immigration and visa aspects of the aged care workforce. Here are some key areas where the Department of Home Affairs is involved in the aged care sector:
Visa Options for Aged Care Workers: The Department of Home Affairs manages visa categories that are relevant to aged care workers. For example, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, subclass 482, allows approved employers in the aged care sector to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to address workforce shortages. The department sets visa eligibility criteria and processes applications for skilled workers in the sector.
Skilled Migration: Aged care providers facing skill shortages may use skilled migration programs to recruit qualified professionals, including nurses, allied health workers, and others. The department's role includes defining the occupation lists, setting skill assessment requirements, and administering the General Skilled Migration program.
Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) Visa (subclass 400): This visa allows individuals to work in Australia for up to three months in specified circumstances. It can be relevant for international experts, trainers, or professionals brought in for short-term projects, training, or capacity building in the aged care sector.
Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462): These visas can be used by young individuals from eligible countries to work in Australia for a short period, which can include working in aged care facilities or as personal care workers. The department administers these visas.
Student Visas: International students pursuing courses related to aged care, healthcare, nursing, or related fields can obtain student visas to study in Australia. Upon completing their studies, some may transition to other work visas.
National Aged Care Advisory Council
This is an advisory council of context specialists that was appointed by the Minister for Health and Aged Care to provide advice on this sector.
Council of Elders
This is an advisory council of Aboriginal elders that was appointed by the Minister for Health and Aged Care to provide advice from First Nations people on all things related to their health and aged care.
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care designs clinical standards for the aged care sector.
Digital Health Agency
While not a key department in the aged care sector, the Digital Health Agency does hold all Australian My Health Records and innovates in the digital health space.
Department of Employment and Workforce Relations
The role of the Department of Employment and Workforce Relations is to:
Foster a productive and competitive labour market through policies and programs that assist job seekers into work, including secure work, and meet employer and industry needs,
Promote growth in economic productivity and social well-being through access to quality skills and training, and facilitate jobs growth, including secure work, through policies and programs that promote fair, productive and safe workplaces.
The Department also oversees the development and implementation of Local Jobs Plans made through the Local Jobs Program. Local Jobs Program runs to 30 June 2025 in 51 regions throughout Australia. Within Queensland, there are 5 employment regions: Far North Queensland, Townsville, Wide Bay Burnett and Sunshine Coast, Wivenhoe, and Gold Coast. It brings together expertise, resources and access to funding at the local level to focus on reskilling, upskilling and employment pathways for people in each region. Employment Facilitators are dedicated individuals who work with local stakeholders to connect job seekers with training, job opportunities, and other support. As part of their role, Employment Facilitators will chair Local Jobs and Skills Taskforces across 51 regions and work with local stakeholders, including employers, employment services providers and training organisations, to drive the development of a Local Jobs Plan. These Employment Facilitators will also support local stakeholders to create targeted projects that meet the priorities of the plan. Employment Facilitators will work with organisations that apply for funding through the Local Recovery Fund to ensure employment opportunities are maximised.
The Department plays a critical role in all Australians’ working lives, including those in the aged care sector.