Discover how Australia’s aged care reforms and the New Aged Care Act 2025 are creating thousands of enrolled nurse jobs in regional areas. Visa sponsorship, higher wages, and relocation incentives available now.
Introduction
Australia faces a severe aged care workforce shortage — over 110,000 additional workers needed by 2035. The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety exposed serious gaps in care. The government responded with sweeping aged care reforms, including the New Aged Care Act 2025 and a new funding model (AN-ACC). These changes directly boost demand for Enrolled Nurses (ENs), especially in regional and rural areas where vacancies remain hardest to fill. For ENs — both local and overseas — regional Australia now offers stable careers, visa pathways, and attractive incentives.
The Aged Care Reforms Driving Demand for Enrolled Nurses
The Australian government introduced the most significant aged care changes in decades. From July 2025, the Single Assessment System and Support at Home program replace outdated systems. Residential aged care providers must meet stricter staffing rules and higher STAR ratings under the new Aged Care Quality Standards.
The AN-ACC funding model ties payments to resident needs, which increases budgets for facilities that hire more clinical staff. Enrolled Nurses — particularly Medication Endorsed Enrolled Nurses (MEEN) — sit at the centre of this shift. Facilities in regional Australia struggle most with recruitment, so they actively target ENs with visa sponsorship and relocation packages.
Why Regional Australia Offers the Best Opportunities for ENs
Regional and rural aged care providers face chronic staffing shortages. The government lists Enrolled Nurse (ANZSCO 411411) on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List and makes it eligible for employer-sponsored 482 visas and regional 491 visas. Many regional facilities are approved sponsors and routinely offer visa sponsorship for enrolled nurses.
Additional incentives sweeten the deal:
– Regional nurse relocation bonuses up to $10,000–$15,000
– Salary packaging benefits worth $9,000–$15,900 tax-free per year
– Remote area nursing allowances in very remote locations
– Paid training and career progression to Registered Nurse
States such as Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, and South Australia report the highest demand. Multi-Purpose Services (MPS) in rural towns and larger regional centres like Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Toowoomba, and Bunbury hire ENs continuously.
Salary Increases and Career Growth in Regional Aged Care
The Fair Work Commission delivered historic wage rises for aged care workers in 2023–2025. Enrolled Nurses now start from $65,000–$78,000 annually in regional facilities, with Medication Endorsed ENs earning $5,000–$8,000 more. Penalty rates, allowances, and salary packaging push take-home pay even higher.
Many providers fund Certificate IV Ageing Support pathways or EN traineeships for newcomers. Experienced ENs progress quickly to team leader roles or bridge to Registered Nurse with employer support.
Conclusion
Aged care reforms have transformed regional Australia into a prime destination for Enrolled Nurses. Secure jobs, visa sponsorship, higher wages, and genuine lifestyle benefits await qualified ENs willing to work outside major cities. Start exploring regional aged care provider jobs today — the demand has never been stronger.
