69592 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Associate Minister of Health

69592 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Associate Minister of Health: Does the Minister agree with Aged Care Association chief executive Tracey Martin that the sector faced shortages in skilled staff which was partly linked to pay parity issues with the public health system as aged care facilities struggled to compete with hospital wages; if so, what, if anything, has she done to address these issues?

Hon Casey Costello: I acknowledge that in the past the Aged Residential Care (ARC) sector has faced workforce shortages, I am advised that currently there are low vacancy rates and low turnover of staff across the ARC sector. Data on Registered Nurse Shortage Section 31 Notifications in Aged Residential Care Facilities shows a significant decline in the last 12 months. The ARC sector has also advised that they are receiving a lot of applications from internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) seeking employment in NZ. The Government is committed to supporting pay equity for all workers, including those in the important aged care sector. However, it is the responsibility of the employers to negotiate employment terms with their employees or their union. The Government has provided, and will continue to provide, support to assist employers and unions with addressing pay equity for workers in the aged care sector by considering any potential funding contributions to settle pay equity claims.