Australia’s care sector is set for a major transformation with the launch of the Care Economy Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), backed by $35 million in federal funding under the Cooperative Research Centre grants program.
The new CRC, based at La Trobe University, will unite 60 organisations across the country in a $129 million, 10-year partnership aimed at tackling some of the biggest challenges facing the care economy — from aged care and disability support to mental health, early childhood education, family services, and social housing.
With Australia’s care sector under mounting pressure from surging demand and chronic skills shortages, the Care Economy CRC will focus on developing new technologies, data solutions, and workforce innovations to deliver high-quality, sustainable care into the future.
“This funding will help transform care services to improve quality, productivity, and sustainability of care,” said Carmela Sergi, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Care Economy CRC. “It’s about meeting Australians’ expectations for high-quality and contemporary care.”
Located within La Trobe’s Care Economy Research Institute (CERI), the CRC will draw on La Trobe’s leading expertise in health and technology innovation. Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the CRC would build on the university’s major Health Innovation Strategy, which is already boosting Australia’s future health workforce through major investments in research and education.
“By leveraging La Trobe’s pioneering research and that of our partners, we can improve the lives of millions of Australians and position our country as a global leader in care services and innovation,” Professor Farrell said.
Professor Irene Blackberry, Director of CERI and incoming Research Director of the CRC, described the initiative as unparalleled globally.
“No other research centre in the world is focusing on health and social care at this scale of investment.”
Professor Blackberry
The Care Economy CRC is projected to deliver more than $1.4 billion in direct benefits over the next 15 years, supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the care sector and boosting Australia’s global competitiveness in care models, technologies, and workforce development.
A key focus will be the development of a new education and training program, co-designed with industry and care participants, to create new career pathways, enhance digital literacy, and support a thriving, skilled workforce ready to meet the evolving demands of the care economy.
By fostering collaboration across public and private sectors, universities, regulators, peak bodies, and community groups, the Care Economy CRC represents a landmark investment in the future of care — supporting both the people who deliver it and those who rely on it.
