New draft strategy for valuing carers opened for consultation

Australia has three million unpaid carers, and there needs to be a better way of recognising and valuing their work.

So says the Federal Government, which has launched its consultation into how unpaid carers can be more empowered in their work.

Using this week – National Carers Week – as the launchpad, a public consultation has been opened on the government’s draft National Care Strategy.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the strategy delivers on Labor’s election commitment to set the direction and course for positive change for carers.

“Carers play an integral role in the nation’s health and social care systems, often making significant personal sacrifices, forgoing careers, social lives, and educational opportunities to care for loved ones,” Ms Rishworth said.

“The National Carer Strategy is designed for anyone in an unpaid caring role and it’s our aim to drive meaningful change for this important group of selfless Australians.

“We want to hear from people right across Australia about their thoughts on best supporting unpaid carers.

“Carers play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life and independence of those they care for, and make critical but often unrecognised contributions to the nation’s economy, health and social care systems.”

The Gillard Government began work in this space in 2011, but there has been no Commonwealth carers’ strategy since 2015.

The new strategy seeks to support better decision-making on policies that affect carers and explains where the government wants to prioritise its efforts.

Ms Rishworth said making sure carers feel like they are recognised, that they have a voice, and that they can continue to pursue their own ambitions and passions while they care for their loved ones is the aim of the new strategy.

The draft has been guided by the National Carer Strategy Advisory Committee and informed by public consultations in all states and territories in metropolitan, regional, and remote locations, as well as online and through a public submission process.

Through this process, carers have stated that they need to continue their caring roles while participating fully in society themselves.

“With ingenuity and resilience, carers keep Australia going,” Australian carers said in their united ‘Statement from Australia’s Carers’.

“For us to keep going, we must be recognised and supported as individuals with our own needs, who attend to the needs of others.”

Ms Rishworth said that point alone highlights the shortfalls in the caring system that has especially let down young carers who feel like they have to conceal their care work out of embarrassment.

Lifelong carers who worry about who will look after their loved ones as they themselves age are another cohort needing attention.

The Federal Budget has allocated $3.8 million to develop the National Carer Strategy.

Unpaid carers in Australia comprise family members, friends, or community members providing essential care to individuals within existing relationships.

The Department of Social Services quotes ABS data that found 3 million Australians support those with disabilities, mental health, medical and age-related conditions.

“Their role is integral to sustaining the viability of the care and support economy,” the department says.

“The government understands the economic implications of unpaid caregiving, particularly potential lost productivity and workforce participation among caregivers.

“While the government provides some support for caregivers through existing initiatives, these benefits may not adequately compensate for the full value of caregiving labour.

“Supporting caregivers is essential for safeguarding the health and wellbeing of both caregivers and care recipients.”

Public consultation on the draft strategy is now open until next month.