On 10 December 2024, the Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, released the National Carer Strategy 2024-2034. The Strategy delivers a national agenda to support Australia’s unpaid Carers.
The Strategy was designed and created with Carers. It will guide how the Government can improve support for Carers now, and into the future. It is a positive step towards improving awareness of Carers including:
their roles
the impacts of supporting others
availability of Carer supports and services
Carers Australia engaged extensively with Department of Social Services (DSS) and facilitated direct consultation with over 1,600 Carers from diverse backgrounds, including Young Carers, First Nations Carers, LGBTQIA+ Carers, and those in remote areas.
The clear message from these consultations was that Carers need tangible commitments to assist with their financial security, health and wellbeing, and access to Carer supports, including respite.
The Strategy does reflect these priorities, however there is now a need for clear actions and timelines to address them with the degree of urgency required.
The National Carers Network, of which Carers SA is a part of, welcomes the additional 10,000 funded counselling services for Carers in the Strategy as well as the commitments to extend the successful Carer-Inclusive Workplace Initiative and the Young Carer Bursary. However, there is an urgent need for Young Carer Bursary top-up funding so Young Carers are not denied this lifeline in 2025.
The Strategy provides a platform for further development and Carers SA, as part of the National Carers Network, is committed to working collaboratively with Department of Social Services and the Government to enhance its impact.
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