National carer initiatives

National Carer Recognition Act (2010)

The National Carer Recognition Bill passed through both houses of Parliament to be enacted as legislation on 28 October 2010.

The Act aims to formally acknowledge the valuable contribution that carers make to Australian society. It defines what is a carer and sets up reporting and consultation arrangements for certain public service agencies. The 'Statement of Australia’s Carers' sets out ten principles to guide how public service agencies and their funding providers should treat and consider carers.

It is part of a broader National Carer Recognition Framework that commits the Government to the establishment of national goals relating to carers, a National Carer Strategy, and three year action plans to improve policy and service delivery so that they better support caring families.

The National Carer Strategy

A discussion paper to inform the development of a National Carer Strategy was released at the launch of National Carers Week in Canberra. It outlines the Australian Government's commitment to deliver greater recognition for carers.

The Government sought the views of caring families on how to achieve better recognition for carers, ensure that your role as partners in care is acknowledged and respected, create opportunities for paid work and education, improve carer health and wellbeing and provide better access to information and support.

The closing date for submissions was 4 January 2010. Contact the National Carer Strategy on 1800 057 616 or by email to nationalcarerstrategy@health.gov.au if you have any questions.

Carers Victoria believes that recognition is long overdue but it needs to be backed up with proper financial, practical and emotional supports. Read our submission to find out more.

A National Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers

Senator Jan McLucas has been appointed the new Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers.

Senator McLucas will work to deliver the Government's election commitments for people with disability and their families and carers. She will work with the states and territories to deliver services and reforms under the National Disability Agreement, to implement the National Disability Strategy and to develop a National Carer Strategy.