MEDIA RELEASE: Carers need to see action this federal election

Carers are doing it tougher than most Victorians, and now is the time for the major parties to acknowledge this struggle and do something tangible about it.

On May 3, Australia’s three million carers will head to the polls to select their leaders, and it’s crucial their voice is heard loud and clear during this election and we stand behind Carers Australia’s campaign and Victorians who are carers, as well as those they care for.

Carers Victoria CEO Judith Abbott said, “We know just how mission critical carers are to our nation – and we want to see that reflected in the commitments of all major parties this election”.

“From a reduction in cost-of-living pressures for those carers through to greater recognition by employers and the broader community and more support when carers need it, this election is a chance for those in power to give carers a boost.”

The number of people identifying as carers has grown more rapidly in Victoria than other states and Carers Victoria estimates that before too long over one million Victorians will be unpaid carers.  

Karen McKinnon (51) from Knox is one of those people. She cares full-time for her elderly mother Joan and both are battling the pressures of inflation and expensive in-home services that Joan requires whenever Karen is out of the house.

“I’d love to see some clear recognition from our politicians this campaign of the burden mum and I both carry in place of well-funded support,” said Karen.

“It’s time those in Canberra got on the front foot for carers and committed to a fair deal for us and those we look after.”

Media contact: Tim Roman, Communications Lead 
e: tim.roman@carersvictoria.org.au Ph: 0411 231 797

About carers and Carers Victoria

Across the state, hundreds of thousands are fulfilling such roles helping family members, friends and other Victorians with a range of disabilities, health and other conditions.

They are in a critical social position and deliver economic benefits to the state in excess of $19 billion every year. Yet just under 70% of Victorians report that their caring duties prevent them doing as much paid work as they would like. Only 20% believe their income earning ability is the same as it would be if they were not a carer.

Carers are at significantly higher risk of poorer mental health and wellbeing than the general population. They report social isolation and loneliness at 2–3 times the rates of the general population.

Investing in programs that help the growing number of Victorian carers maintain good mental health and wellbeing needs to be a priority, as does the level of service provision for carers and those they support.

Established in 1992, Carers Victoria is the peak body representing all unpaid carers in Victoria. Through its work, it aims to advance understanding of unpaid carers and improve their access to assistance.

www.carersvictoria.org.au