In the ACT, more than 58,000 unpaid carers dedicate their lives to looking after family members, friends and neighbours who need care. Photo: File.
As we head into the 2024 ACT Election, it’s crucial to shine a light on a group that often goes unnoticed yet holds up so much of our community – our local carers.
In the ACT, more than 58,000 unpaid carers dedicate their lives to looking after family members, friends and neighbours who need care due to illness, disability or aging.
To be clear, we are not talking about those paid to provide care. We are not talking about disability or aged care workers or mental health workers or nurses or support workers. We are talking about mothers, fathers, children, siblings, kin, friends and others who provide a range of supports that fill in the gaps of the service systems, that are available 24/7, that come at no financial cost.
These individuals often put their life on hold to care for others. And while their unpaid work is rewarding and should be recognised, it comes at a cost. It’s a cost to their health, wellbeing and financial security. Carers experience higher rates of mental ill-health, physical exhaustion and social isolation. Yet, for too long, our carers have been invisible in the eyes of the systems they interact with daily.
At Carers ACT, we’re on a mission to change that. We believe caring should not lead to lifelong impacts on health, wellbeing or finances. That’s why we’re calling on candidates for the upcoming election in the ACT to commit to eight key policy initiatives that will ensure carers are recognised, valued and supported.
One of our primary asks is for the introduction of a Carer Recognition Card. This card would not only provide formal acknowledgment of the caring role but also offer carers a sense of security and belonging in the community.
Imagine being able to walk into a medical appointment, or even engage with emergency services, and have your carer status validated, immediately. This simple step would make a world of difference.
We are also advocating for improved access to respite services. Caring is a 24/7 role. Without proper respite, the health and wellbeing of carers can deteriorate. We need a dedicated carer wellbeing and respite centre – purpose-built to provide carers with the support and break they need to recharge.
We are asking for land to develop this centre. We also need funding for carer-directed wellbeing packages that empower carers to choose the types of support and activities that best help them maintain their health and wellbeing.
We must also do more to support our young carers. Many young people in our community balance school and work with significant caring responsibilities. We’re asking the government to fund a mentoring program for young carers, helping them stay engaged in education and employment while building lifelong financial security. These young people deserve the same opportunities as their peers, without the added burden of managing a caring role on their own.
Bereavement counselling is another key element of our ask. When carers exit their caring role, particularly after the loss of a loved one, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. This unique form of grief deserves specific support, and we are calling for funding to provide counselling services for carers in these situations.
Our final asks focus on the critical area of mental health. Carers often provide essential mental health support for their loved ones, yet they are rarely recognised as part of the care team. We’re calling for a full review of the ACT Mental Health Act to ensure carers are included in decisions affecting the care of their loved ones. Additionally, we are pushing for the establishment of an integrated mental health care, navigation and respite centre to provide streamlined access to services for carers and those for whom they care.
Finally, we need a commitment from the government to allocate 20 per cent of the mental health budget to prevention and early intervention, which will benefit carers and the broader community.
This election, we have an opportunity to make meaningful change for carers. These election asks are not extravagant; they are essential steps to ensure carers are seen, heard and supported in our community.
In 2018, the government fully endorsed the carer-led ACT Carers Strategy. Five years on, we continue to ask for the resourcing needed to achieve the aims. We can’t let a new government continue to say they care about carers without providing the resourcing needed to achieve the outcomes of the strategy.
I call on every candidate in the upcoming ACT election to commit to these proposals and work towards a Canberra that cares for its carers. To our community, I urge you to stand with us. Together, we can build a future where carers are truly recognised, valued and supported – because when we care for carers, we care for everyone.
Lisa Kelly is the CEO of Carers ACT.
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