Federal Budget 2025: Key Updates for Healthcare Professionals
Our SustainHealth Recruitment team have all been recently briefed about the recent federal budget announcement, which brings significant funding increases and policy changes set to benefit nurses, midwives, and aged care workers across Australia.
Salary Increase for Aged Care Workers
A key highlight from the budget is the $2.6 billion allocation towards pay raises for aged care nurses, to improve compensation for these vital healthcare roles. This is part of an ongoing initiative following a historical evaluation of work value in the sector, which now sees aged care nurses receiving increases in their salaries, making these positions more attractive and sustainable. Our Aged Care team would be happy to take your call to discuss our current vacancies or advise you of the qualified candidates we have available for your roles. You can reach out Sharleen at sharleen@sustainhr.com.au for opportunities.
Enhancements to Medicare and Healthcare Accessibility
The budget also dedicates $8.5 billion to strengthen Medicare, enhancing access and reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients. This includes expanding GP bulk-billing and the introduction of new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, significantly impacting how medical care is delivered across the country. Additionally, the reduction in costs for PBS-listed medicines will ensure more Australians can afford necessary treatments. These measures should start to reduce the increased pressures and costs on primary healthcare/ GP services throughout Australia and delivery of services to patients. If you would like to hear how we can support your recruitment needs in this space or receive a copy of our primary healthcare roles, please contact our team:
Angel Vojvoda – NSW & TAS
0415 319 515
Guido De Vito – NSW & ACT
0415 066 418
Liam Felloni – QLD
0424 105 072
Danica Villalobos – VIC
0415 093 805
Ciara Ryan – WA/NT
0415 145 035
Mental Health Services Funding
The budget includes a $46 million investment to continue mental health services across the country. This will support early intervention, youth-focused programs, and expanded access to community-based mental health care. If you’re a mental health nurse, clinician, or allied health worker looking for your next opportunity, please contact us at Danica@sustainhr.com.au.
Focused Investment in Women’s Health
$573 million will go towards advancing women’s health, including funding for new contraceptives and expanded support for menopause and IVF treatments. These measures aim to alleviate the healthcare costs for women, addressing specific needs that have been historically underfunded. We can support your needs with both showcasing our women’s health roles or finding you qualified, experienced staff in this space, contact our manager Amanda at Amanda@sustainhr.com.au.
Education and Professional Development Initiatives
The budget also provides for the future of healthcare by investing in education and workforce development. This includes significant funding for scholarships that enable nurses and midwives to pursue advanced qualifications and a notable reduction in HECS-HELP debts, lightening the financial load for emerging healthcare professionals. This means more healthcare professionals entering our sector, we will be there for your services, speaking to these newly qualified professionals and helping them navigate the jobs market and introducing them to your health service, contact our manager Sharleen at Sharleen@sustainhr.com.au to learn more.
Support for Living Costs and Homeownership
Addressing the cost-of-living, the budget introduces measures such as enhanced childcare subsidies and energy bill rebates, along with housing initiatives like the expanded Help to Buy scheme. These efforts are designed to provide direct relief to healthcare workers, supporting their overall well-being and financial stability.
As these new budget measures begin to take effect, SustainHealth Recruitment remains dedicated to supporting our candidates and clients in navigating these changes, ensuring that the healthcare sector continues to thrive and deliver high-quality care.
We note that there is an upcoming election and that this budget may be amended. Our team will keep a close eye on the market and government changes, to ensure that we remain agile and support your needs as a client and find the best opportunities for you if you are one of our loyal candidates.
If you are looking for your next nursing and midwifery or aged care role, please reach out to us at info@sustainhr.com.au or 02 8274 4677.