Inquiry into the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Workforce Incentive) Bill 2022 [Provisions]

Summary: Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Workforce Incentive) Bill 2022 Urgent action needed to address labour force shortages in Health Care and Social Assistance sector Proposal to increase Work Bonus limit by $4,000 to encourage older Australians to work more Opt-in exemption scheme suggested for pensioners in Health Care and Social Assistance sector Chronic skills shortage in social care, impacting businesses like My Care Solution Challenges with Age Pension income test discouraging pensioners from working more Case studies highlight issues faced by pensioners in navigating current system Opt-in exemption scheme could provide proof of concept for addressing workforce shortages Proposal to widen scheme to other sectors facing skills shortages Conclusion National Seniors Australia supports the proposed changes to encourage older Australians to work more and fill labour force shortages, but suggests further improvements to the policy to make it more effective and beneficial for both pensioners and businesses.