Final Action Plan Strengthens Support For ACT Carers

The ACT Government is reinforcing its commitment to carers through the release of the Final Action Plan of the ACT Carers Strategy 2018-2028.

Minister for Community Services Caitlin Tough said carers make an enormous contribution to the ACT community by providing unpaid care and assistance to family members, friends and neighbours.

“There are approximately 58,000 carers in the ACT and they play a vital role in the lives of many Canberrans, helping people maintain their independence, wellbeing and connection to the community,” Minister Tough said.

“While their contribution is invaluable, caring responsibilities can also have significant impacts on carers’ own health, wellbeing, employment, education and participation in community life.

“That is why the ACT Government, in partnership with Carers ACT, remains focused on ensuring carers receive the recognition and support they need to thrive.”

The Final Action Plan 2026-2028 centres on four priority areas to deliver the vision of the ACT Carers Strategy and improve outcomes for carers: improving access to services and supports for carers; strengthening recognition of carers and raising community awareness; supporting young carers; and enhancing data, coordination and system capability.

“We are committed to delivering further important initiatives with Carers ACT under this final action plan, like investigating options for a purpose-built carer wellbeing and respite hub, exploring the feasibility of a carers recognition card for easier service recognition, improving access to information through an updated Carer Handbook for foster and kinship carers and looking at a mentoring program that supports young carers to continue their education and find meaningful employment,” Minister Tough said.

More broadly, the ACT Government also continues to deliver a range of initiatives, in line with the principles of the Carers Strategy, including:

• the ACT Women’s Return to Work Program, where women and gender diverse people, including carers, are supported to re-enter employment, education and training;
• the ongoing development and promotion of the Foster and Kinship Carers Resource Hub, which provides foster and kinship carers with a central and accessible source of information, resources and support; and
• work to progress the Education Directorate’s Carer Recognition and Support Implementation Plan, which identifies and provides support for young carers across ACT public schools.”

“Carers give so much to the community and this government will continue to ensure carers in the ACT are recognised, celebrated and always have access to the support they need, now and into the future,” Minister Tough said.