Ageing population and key workers in health and community services: the role of housing affordability in three areas of Melbourne

Many local governments in Victoria have difficulty in attracting home and community care (HACC) staff. Generally understood in local government as a skills shortage, we thought it warranted examination in relation to housing affordability. We surmised that as they are low income workers, declining housing affordability in inner and middle suburbs of Melbourne would influence where HACC staff worked. AHURI (2006) research found that care and aid workers were experiencing housing affordability problems but recommended against occupational-based housing strategies. We decided to investigate the ageing of the population issue, the implications for the supply of 'key workers' in aged care, and the role of housing affordability in that supply. To do this we utilised the health and community services occupation category of the 2006 Census (excluding child care) for three Melbourne metropolitan local governments: inner-city Boroondara and the suburban fringe councils of Casey and Melton. We also examined ABS data for population trends and the Victorian Department of Human Service 2009 Rental Report.