The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to deliver on its election commitment to recognise the immense contribution of Australia’s 2.65 million unpaid carers.
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs has launched an inquiry into the recognition of unpaid carers with a view to reform the Carer Recognition Act 2010 through legislative amendment.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth referred the issue for Inquiry in early June and welcomed its adoption.
“Anyone can become a carer, whether it is planned or unexpected. A whole of government approach is needed to ensure carers are recognised across all of our services and are not falling through the cracks or missing out on access to the vital services they may need, whether that is respite, peer support, counselling or other support services.
“The Carer Recognition Act has not been reviewed since its introduction in 2010 despite calls from the sector for the Government to review and strengthen the Act over the past few years.
“Carers deserve better and the recommendations of this Inquiry will provide the basis for better coordination of carer policy across the Commonwealth.”
The inquiry is limited to the objects of the current Carer Recognition Act 2010 that aims to increase recognition and awareness of the role carers play in providing daily care and support to people with disability, medical conditions, mental illness or who are frail due to age.
The terms of reference for the Inquiry include how to better identify the role of unpaid carers in Australian society and the role of a reformed Act with regard to:
- understanding the value of unpaid care,
- the needs of specific cohorts such as young carers, First Nations carers, LGBTIQA+ carers, or culturally and linguistically diverse carers,
- the meaningful role that flexible workplaces play in unpaid care, and
- the Government’s broad agenda in relation to the care and support economy, the importance of employment participation, and a strong focus on gender equity, and
- any other related matters, noting that the adequacy of payments for carers is out of scope for this inquiry.
Carers Australia has long advocated for an Inquiry so that governments can better understand the value of unpaid care and the needs of specific cohorts.
Alison Brook, CEO of Carers Australia said; “We have been calling on clear leadership for many years and for the Government to address and respond to carer issues, including a review of the Carer Recognition Act 2010. The announcement of this Inquiry is a clear signal that Australia’s 2.65 million unpaid carers voices are important to Government.
“This is a critical step to ensure there are robust legislative and policy frameworks to better address and recognise the diversity and uniqueness of carers, caring relationships and people receiving care in a country that has gone through significant social changes since the introduction of the Act in 2010.”
Minister Rishworth encouraged carers to have their say in the Inquiry over the next two months.
“Unpaid carers already have a lot on their plate, but I would urge them to make a submission to the Inquiry and share their experiences so that their needs can be at the heart of future reforms.
The Committee is seeking submissions from individual carers, advocates and representative organisations until Friday 11 August 2023.
