Australia’s carers have been formally recognised for their contribution to society with the passing of the Carer Recognition Bill through the Australian Parliament on 28 October 2010.
The Act recognised in legislation “the contribution by the mums and dads, the grandparents, the sons and daughters, the brothers and sisters, partners and neighbours who every day get on with the job of caring.” according to Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers Senator Jan McLucas.
Carers Australia CEO Joan Hughes said that the Act was a “significant step forward in ensuring Carers have the same opportunities to enjoy optimum health and wellbeing and social and economic participation as do other Australians.”
Australian Government agencies are now required to consider the Statement for Australia’s Carers (which can be found in te link to the Bill below) when developing human resource policies that significantly affect their employees’ caring roles. In addition, agencies with policies and programs directed to carers or the people they care for, now also need to consult with carers and report annually on action undertaken. As well, organisations funded by the Australian Government to support carers, or the people they care for, need to adopt the Statement’s principles in their interaction with carers
The Carer Recognition Bill 2010.
Towards a National Carer Strategy
The development of a National Strategy for Carers, alongside the Carer Recognition Act 2010, is central to the Australian Government’s response to the 2009 Who Cares? report on the inquiry into better support for carers.
Consultations with carers and service providers have taken place across Australia in response to a discussion paper.
For a copy of the paper, go to www.health.gov.au.