The Australian Government has announced a new Industry Labour Agreement to streamline the recruitment of qualified overseas direct care workers for the aged care sector.

Alongside the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, the Department of Home Affairs has developed a number of visa concessions under the Industry Labour Agreement, including an expedited two-year pathway to permanent residency.

Employers can apply for an Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement immediately, with access to the agreement provided to employers who have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant industry union. Nominations and visa applications lodged under the new labour agreement will be processed as a matter of priority.