“Thank you for your letter dated 18 October 2024 to the Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, concerning the findings from the Carer Wellbeing Survey. Minister Rishworth has asked me to respond to you on her behalf.

The Australian Government values Carers Australia’s commitment to advocating for carers and for bringing the latest findings from this important annual survey to our attention. I note your summary of both the positive findings and the challenges faced by carers, including financial stress, impacts on psychological wellbeing and loneliness.

I also note the Survey findings on the additional disadvantages faced by LGBTQIA+ carers, First Nations carers, young carers and former carers trying to rebuild their lives. As you know, the Government is currently finalising the National Carer Strategy. The input already provided by Carers Australia over the past several months has been instrumental in informing the Strategy’s development, and the Government is grateful for your organisation’s efforts on this and other work supporting carers.

We remain committed to ensuring that the voices of carers are not only heard but also valued in these processes. I again thank you for your letter.

Yours sincerely

Kate Thwaites MP”