Draft National Care and Support Economy Strategy 2023

The care and support economy - the provision of paid care and support - is one of the fastest growing parts of the Australian economy. There is enormous projected demand for care and support services across aged care, disability support, veterans' care and early childhood education and care (ECEC) sectors. Australian Government spending in these sectors is projected to rise from around $60 billion in 2021-22 to more than $110 billion by 2026-27. But there's a challenge. Each of these sectors faces workforce shortages and other challenges that jeopardise access to these essential services.

This draft strategy outlines a vision for a sustainable and productive care and support economy that delivers quality care and support with decent jobs. This means: (1) person-centred services that recognise those accessing care and support as individuals and deliver quality outcomes; (2) secure, safe jobs with decent wages, conditions and opportunities for career development; and (3) a care and support economy that has functioning markets, sustainable funding and generates productivity gains. Sitting beside the strategy will be a road map and a series of action plans. The action plans will be developed iteratively and will outline practical steps towards the strategy's objectives.

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