The Australian federal government is preparing to distribute bonus payments to aged care workers as the sector grapples with Omicron, a move that has renewed calls from the opposition and health care workers to increase the minimum wage in the sector. “The government is providing a further AU$209 million to support the aged care workforce to continue to care for older Australians through the pandemic,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison will tell the National Press Club on Feb. 1, according to extracts of his speech seen by SBS News. The prime minister will say the commitment will build on $393 million in support already provided to 234,000 aged care workers, which was spread out over three payments. The latest scheme will give employees $400 payments each, with a second $400 payment in May. Those eligible include staff providing care, food, and cleaning services in government-subsidised facilities, as well as those under …