“It’s a significant issue. It’s a difficult issue. It’s an issue that’s been caused by the fact that we have large numbers of people who are contracting COVID,” he told reporters on Monday.
But Mr Morrison said the ADF could not fill all the gaps. The sector estimates as many as 140,000 shifts are going unfilled each week.
“You want qualified people providing care,” he said.
Teams of 50,which will include a registered nurse,medical technicians and personnel to help with general duties and administration,will be deployed in Queensland,NSW,Victoria and South Australia from February 9.
Defence Minister Peter Dutton said it was a “significant intervention” by the ADF. Up to 200 personnel in each state and territory could eventually be available to help facilities battling COVID-19 issues.
“Up to 1700 of our personnel will provide assistance at our aged care facilities and in particular at those that are most in need,” he said.