Fuel Crisis Puts Older Australians in 'Immediate Danger' as Care Workers Struggle
Surging fuel costs in Australia are hitting care workers, tradespeople and transport drivers hard, making it difficult to reach elderly patients and clients. Unions and farmers are calling for government intervention, with some urging a wage assistance program similar to the JobKeeper scheme. Agriculture, construction and waste industries are also at risk from the price surge.
Unions and farmers call for government intervention as agriculture, construction and waste industries also at risk from higher pricesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastCare workers, tradespeople and transport drivers are being hit hard by ballooning fuel costs, with some industry groups urging the government to roll out assistance packages or even a jobkeeper-style wage assistance program to help businesses avoid laying off staff.Reports of small mining businesses scaling back operations and some construction companies deciding against hiring more apprentices have prompted suggestions the government should step in to help, with the Master Builders Association already forecasting a downturn in the number of homes that will be built this year. Continue reading...