Carers Australia will appear before the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs at a public hearing on Tuesday, 17 October 2023 as part of the inquiry into the recognition of unpaid carers. The Committee is examining the challenges faced by unpaid carers and options for reforming the Carer Recognition Act 2010.
Chair of the Committee, Ms Peta Murphy MP, said ‘National Carers Week is a time to recognise and celebrate Australia’s 2.65 million unpaid carers who provide care to our most vulnerable. Carers often take on caring roles with very little outside assistance. They are heroes in our communities, and we are grateful for all they do.’
Carers Australia argue that the Carer Recognition Act 2010 has not had a significant impact on the recognition of carers because the Act is not enforceable, there are insufficient measures to ensure compliance, and there is a lack of awareness and understanding of the Act by carers, the public, public servants, agencies and associated providers.
Ms Murphy said, ‘the Committee looks forward to hearing from Carers Australia about how carers can be better recognised, respected, supported and have their rights protected.’
Public hearing details
Date: Tuesday, 17 October 2023
Time: 4:30pm to 5:30pm AEDT
Location: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra
The hearing will be live streamed (audio only) on the APH website: www.aph.gov.au/live.
Further information about the inquiry, including published submissions, hearing dates and transcripts, are available on the inquiry webpage.
