The government has responded to a finding by the Fair Work Commission that the work of people employed in the critical care economy has been undervalued.
More than 460,000 health, disability and community services workers will receive fairer pay following a $630 million federal commitment for award-related wage changes.
This week, the federal government announced that more than 128,000 charities and not-for-profit organisations that deliver a range of 92 essential public service programs will receive a wage increase.
Health Minister Mark Butler said workers in the health, disability, and community sectors deserved to be paid fairly for their work helping Australians in times of need.
This funding would not only life award wages for this group but also ensure continuity of quality services, he added.