1,300 Carers were involved in telling their stories to the committee either through written submissions or public hearings. The committees chairperson, Annette Ellis, said “The committee has heard loud and clear from Carers that they want choices – choices for themselves, for the people they care for and their families.” the overarching theme of the recommendations is the streamlining of Carer services from all levels of government to improve access for Carers to the support they need in the areas of equipment, finances, home upgrades and respite.

Some of the recommendations include:

• Increased respite support “as a matter of urgency”
• Carer payments reviewed, increased and systems streamlined to diminish carer frustration
• More support for working Carers – increased respite opportunities, remove Carer payment disincentives to work, access to more flexible working arrangements
• More recognition of the important role carers play in society
• Training and professional development for Carers
• Tax rebates on disability aids and easier access to equipment and home modifications
• Consideration should be given to self managed respite funding to give the Carer more personalised respite choices
• An expansion of counseling services

To view the report online go to http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/fchy/carers/report.htm and click on ‘preliminary pages’ for a full list of the recommendations. The rest of the 358 page report will also be found there, under individual chapter headings.