Tasmania’s first Carer Recognition Legislation consultation gets underway

Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Community Services and Development

To further acknowledge Carers Week 2021, and the estimated 80,000+ unpaid carers in Tasmania, community consultation for Carer Recognition legislation is now open.

As the next step at the forefront of our new Supporting Tasmanian Carers: Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2021-2024 (Supporting Tasmanian Carers), the introduction of Carer Recognition legislation will provide formal acknowledgement of the thousands of carers in our community and promote and value the importance of their care relationships.

The legislation will bring Tasmania into line with other States, and include a set of principles about the significance of care relations and include obligations for organisations that interact with people in care relationships.

I look forward to continuing to work with the Tasmanian Government’s Carers Issues Reference Group and other interested stakeholders, to bring forward this important legislation in late 2022.

Tasmanian Government representatives will travel the State to ensure all interested Tasmanians can have their say on this important piece of legislation, to ensure it best reflects those who care in our communities, with consultation sessions to be held in Launceston, Devonport and Hobart from the 15th to the 18th of November.

I encourage all interested Tasmanians to help make sure this important legislation reflects the experience of Tasmania carers and makes a difference in their lives.

The Carer Recognition Legislation Discussion Paper is available online at https://www.communities.tas.gov.au/csr/policy/Policy_Work/carer_policy_and_action_plan/carer-recognition-legislation-consultation

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