EXTRA AGED CARE NURSING UNIVERSITY PLACES
10 May 2005 MINBUD 21/05
An additional 40 aged care specialist university nursing places
commenced in January 2005 and $3.3 million will be allocated over
the next four years to help boost the capacity of Australia’s aged
care workforce. The additional 40 places will increase to 109 by
2008.
In total the Australian Government will fund 440 new commencing
aged care nursing places this year. The total number of new aged
care nursing places will grow to 1,203 by 2008 at an approximate
cost of $36 million over four years.
"Aged care staff provide the care and support that older
Australians in care need and deserve," Ms Bishop said.
"The ageing of our population will require aged care providers to
attract and retain new generations of carers who have the necessary
skills and qualifications to provide care either at home, or in
residential care services.
"These new places are part of more than $150 million the
Australian Government has committed for more education and training
opportunities for the aged care workforce."
The 440 new places were allocated to higher education
institutions across Australia in 2005, following the outcome of a
competitive bidding process announced last year.
"These places will enable around 1,700 additional students to
commence undergraduate nursing with a focus on aged care," Dr Nelson
said.
"By increasing the number of nursing staff available, this
measure demonstrates the Australian Government’s commitment to
ensuring a strong, well trained nursing and care workforce that can
deliver quality aged care now and meet growing needs in the future."
Media Contacts:
Ms Bishop: Rachael Thompson 0417 265 289
Dr Nelson’s Office: Yaron Finkelstein 0414 927 663
Dept of Education, Science & Training: Virginia Cook 0412 971 323
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