What is said to be the world’s largest Cooperative Research Centre intended to transform the care sector in Australia, is scheduled to begin in July with La Trobe University.
The Care Economy CRC will bring together a range of stakeholders, including private and public companies, partner universities, councils of social service, regulators, government agencies, SMEs and NFPs, community groups, consumer peak bodies and other relevant organisations.
The Care Economy comprises services that deliver care in various ways to people of all ages and abilities including aged care, disability services, family services, social housing, childcare, mental health and more.
The $129 million, 10-year partnership of 60 organisations across Australia will collaborate on care technology, data solutions and workforce innovation to address challenges such as increased demand and skills shortages. By supporting innovation and workforce efficiencies, the CRC will position Australia as a global leader in exportable care services, models, training and technologies.
A key focus will be on a new education and training program, co-created with industry and care participants.
A converging of sectors
Care Economy CRC CEO, Carmela Sergi, said the CRC will develop new technologies and workforce solutions to meet Australians’ expectations for high-quality and contemporary care into the future. “This funding will help transform care services to improve quality, productivity and sustainability of care,” she said.
La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the Care Economy CRC represented a unique opportunity to transform the care sector in Australia by tapping into La Trobe’s world-leading expertise in both health innovation and technology.
“Leveraging La Trobe’s pioneering research and technology along with that of our research and industry partners, can improve the lives of millions of Australians and position our country as a global leader in care services and innovation,” he said.
Director of La Trobe Care Economy Research Institute (CERI) and research director of Care Economy CRC, Professor Irene Blackberry, said no other research centre in the world is focusing on health and social care at this scale of investment and it will play a pivotal role in advancing Australia’s care system.
“By fostering collaboration and innovation, we can ensure that Australians receive the highest quality care, and our care workforce is well-equipped to meet future challenges,” she said.
The Care Economy CRC is projected to deliver more than $1.4 billion in direct benefits over the next 15 years.
The Care Economy is the largest single employer in Australia with over 1.8 million people currently working in the sector and the fastest growing industry.
Photo: (L-R) Dr Loren Sher, Director of Victorian Virtual ED; Professor Irene Blackberry, Research Director, Care Economy CRC; Carmela Sergi, CEO Care Economy CRC; Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney; La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell; Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic; and Jason Watterson, Senior Lecturer (Nursing).
For details visit: https://www.careeconomycrc.com.au/