Care workforce labour market study

The Care Workforce Labour Market Study by Jobs and Skills Australia provides a comprehensive analysis of Australia's care and support workforce, encompassing aged care, disability, veteran, and mental health services. As of February 2021, approximately 460,000 individuals were employed in these sectors, with the workforce growing three times faster than the broader Australian labor market. Notably, 79% of workers are female, around 40% are born overseas, and a significant portion work part-time or hold multiple jobs. The study projects a shortfall of over 200,000 full-time equivalent workers by 2050, driven by increasing demand and limited domestic labor supply. To address this, the report emphasizes the need for enhanced career pathways, improved training, and better job quality to attract and retain workers, especially in regional and remote areas.