The Albanese Government is investing $630 million to deliver fairer pay to over 460,000 health, disability and community services workers following the Fair Work Commission’s findings that these industries have been undervalued.

The Fair Work Commission’s findings recognise that work done by women has been undervalued for too long because of gender-based assumptions.

The Commission’s decisions to award pay rises to this critical workforce are a direct result of the Albanese Labor Government’s reforms to put gender equality at the centre of the Fair Work Act. Our $630 million investment will support charities and not for profit organisations that deliver Government programs to meet these wage increases while continuing to deliver the essential services that millions of Australians rely on every year.

Over 128,000 organisations funded under 92 programs will receive extra funding.

The funding will support providers to implement award-related wage changes while maintaining service continuity and quality.

This investment further delivers on our 2025 election commitment to work positively with the Commission on the Priority Awards Review and backs fairer pay for the workers in women dominated industries who keep our communities healthy and support Australians doing it tough.

Health, disability and community service workers provide essential care and support to Australians at every stage of life. They deserve fair pay that reflects their skills, expertise and the vital contribution they make to our communities.

The funding will also support Government-funded organisations that employ workers in other sectors affected by these award changes. For example, legal assistance workers, housing workers, youth workers, community development workers and First Nations health and community services workers.

With Australia's gender pay gap already at a record low, these reforms are another important step towards helping more women receive fairer pay that reflects their skills and contributions.

It's part of the progress we've made, with Australia now ranked eighth in the world for gender equality, up from 43rd when we came to government.

The Government will continue to invest in fairness and equality for all Australians.

As at 10 October 2026.