Navigating the complexities of the aged care award can be challenging for employers in Australia’s aged care sector. With the MA000018 regulations continuing to evolve in 2025, understanding broken shift allowances and sleepover allowance requirements is crucial for compliance and fair employee compensation.
What are Broken Shifts Under the Aged Care Award?
Broken shift allowances apply when an employee’s ordinary hours are interrupted by unpaid breaks exceeding one hour. Under the aged care award, employees working broken shifts are entitled to additional compensation to acknowledge the inconvenience of split working arrangements.
How Do Broken Shifts Work in Aged Care?
In aged care facilities, broken shifts under this award are defined as shifts worked by a casual or permanent part-time employee that includes breaks (other than a meal break) totalling not more than four hours and where the span of hours is not more than 12 hours.
When are Broken Shift Allowances Paid Under Aged Care?
The aged care award requires broken shift allowances when:
- Payment for a broken shift will be at ordinary pay with penalty rates and shift allowances in accordance with Overtime penalty rates and Shiftwork, with shift allowances being determined by the commencing time of the broken shift.
- All work performed beyond the maximum span of 12 hours for a broken shift will be paid at double time.
- An employee must receive a minimum break of 10 hours between broken shifts rostered on successive days.
What is a Sleepover Allowance in Aged Care?
A sleepover allowance compensates aged care workers who are required to stay overnight at facilities to provide emergency care when needed. Under MA000018, this allowance recognises the restriction on personal freedom during overnight stays.
How Much is the Sleepover Allowance Under the Aged Care Award?
According to the aged care award, the sleepover allowance is calculated at 5.2% of the standard rate for each night an employee sleeps over at the facility. This is in addition to free board and lodging provided by the employer.
Why Do Aged Care Workers Receive Sleepover Allowances?
Employees may, in addition to normal rostered shifts, be required to sleepover. A sleepover means sleeping in at night in order to be on call for emergencies. Other reasons may include:
- Have restricted personal freedom
- Must be available for emergency situations
- Cannot leave the premises during their sleepover period
- Provide peace of mind for residents and families
The conditions that apply to each sleepover shift are:
- The span for a sleepover will be not less than eight hours and not more than 10 hours on any one night.
- Employees will be provided with free board and lodging for each night on which they are required to sleepover.
- Employees will be provided with a separate room with a bed and use of staff facilities or client facilities where applicable.
What Are the Rates for Aged Care Award in 2025?
Employers should regularly check the Fair Work Commission’s official MA000018 documentation for current rates. The aged care award rates are updated annually, and staying informed ensures proper payment of broken shift allowances and sleepover allowance entitlements.
Aged Care Award 2025 *add link*
Which Aged Care Employees are Entitled to These Allowances?
All employees covered by the aged care award are entitled to broken shift allowances and sleepover allowance when applicable conditions are met. This includes:
- Personal care workers
- Cleaners
- Cooks
- Lifestyle staff
- Reception/maintenance staff
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FAQs About the Aged Care Award
Q1: What qualifies as a broken shift under the aged care award?
A1: A broken shift under MA000018 occurs when ordinary working hours are interrupted by unpaid breaks exceeding one hour, requiring broken shift allowances.
Q2: How is the sleepover allowance calculated for aged care workers?
A2: The sleepover allowance is 5.2% of the standard rate per night under the aged care award, plus free accommodation and meals.
Q3: Can aged care employers refuse to pay broken shift allowances?
A3: No, broken shift allowances are mandatory under MA000018 when the conditions are met, regardless of employer preferences.
Q4: Do sleepover allowances apply to all overnight aged care work?
A4: Sleepover allowance applies specifically to arrangements where workers sleep at the facility and are available for emergency calls, not regular overnight shifts.
Q5: Where can I find the latest Aged Care Award rates?
A5: Current aged care award rates are available on the Fair Work Commission website, with MA000018 updated annually for minimum wage adjustments.
Read More：
Updated Aged Care Award Pay Guide
