An advocacy group is hoping that a move to start paying home support workers mileage and wages might lead to more secure jobs in the sector.
The announcement was made yesterday by Health Minister Tony Ryall along with plans for a review of the industry's structure.
Rural Women New Zealand national president Wendy McGowan said most of the industry operates on a casual basis, and that could start to change with more money being spent in the sector.
"We may be able to put people on more guaranteed hours and as they train and up skill themselves the pay levels will go higher," she said.