Media Release

No long-term unpaid leave for carers of older people

22 September 2023 – 169.68 KB

Carers Australia is frustrated by the Productivity Commission’s reluctance to prioritise the needs of carers in recommendations arising from its Carer Leave Inquiry. As the Peak Body for Australia’s 2.65 million unpaid carers, we argued throughout the Commission’s Inquiry for carers of older people to be entitled to long-term carer leave. This would allow carers to take an extended time off work to adjust to a new intensive caring situation, all while keeping their position in the workplace. The Commission is not supporting this recommendation.

Media Release

Don’t Leave Unpaid Carers Behind

24 August 2023 – 166.99 KB

Carers Australia is calling on the government to act now to ensure Australia's carers are not left behind. The call is in response to the Intergenerational Report released today which predicts Australia's care economy will nearly double in the next 40 years.

Media Release

$6M GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR AUSTRALIA’S YOUTH

4 July 2023 – 43.73 KB

Australia’s most vulnerable are grappling with cost of living pressures that are affecting families and the country’s young people. As families seek to minimise costs, more young people are taking up a carer role for friends and family. The $6 million Commonwealth Government grant provides added financial aid and support young people to continue their educational journey while they provide unpaid care to family and friends.

Media Release

Recognition of unpaid carers finally in the spotlight

15 June 2023 – 139.28 KB

Carers Australia applauds the announcement of an Inquiry into the recognition of unpaid carers by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs.

Media Release

Federal Budget 2023: There is no ‘stronger foundation’ without carers

10 May 2023 – 176.54 KB

Carers Australia welcomes the Federal Budget focus on healthcare and cost-of-living relief but urges the Australian Government not to lose sight of the needs of Australia’s unpaid carers.

Media Release

Welcome additional support for young carers undertaking study

24 April 2023 – 181.46 KB

Carers Australia welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement of nearly $10 million of increased funding to support young carers to continue their education. Auspiced by Carers Australia, the Young Carer Bursary Program offers financial assistance to carers aged 12 to 25 to help with educational needs and resources and reduce their need to undertake paid work at the same time as their study and caring duties.

Media Release

Let’s #EmbraceEquity for carers this International Women’s Day

8 March 2023 – 195.33 KB

“Every day, carers do unpaid work that is essential to our society and our economy. The majority of the carers fulfilling this work are women.” said Alison Brook, Carers Australia CEO. “They do not need to be facing additional disadvantage for undertaking this vital role.”

Media Release

Carers also bearing the cost of housing and community maltreatment of people with disability

23 February 2023 – 177.11 KB

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability has released its most recent research on the Economic Cost of Violence, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of People with Disability and highlights that the financial impact of this maltreatment is adversely affecting carers.

Media Release

Joint statement from Carers Australia and Mental Health Carers Australia

7 February 2023 – 204.04 KB

Carers Australia and Mental Health Carers Australia welcome Minister Butler and Assistant Minister McBride’s announcement last week that the Albanese Government will invest $7.5 million to establish two independent national mental health lived experience peak bodies; one for people living with mental ill health and the other for carers, family and kin who care for those with mental ill health.

Media Release

Improved job conditions in Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill a welcome change for carers

2 November 2022 – 200.77 KB

Carers Australia welcomes the shift in policymaking priorities towards the needs of employees. Many carers struggle to participate in the workforce whilst maintaining their care responsibilities, with carers employed at a lower rate than non-carers.

Media Release

Millions of reasons to care: wrapping up National Carers Week 2022

22 October 2022 – 194.83 KB

Today marks the end of National Carers Week 2022. Carers Australia thanks the Australian public, in particular the carer community, for their passionate engagement with the millions of reasons to care.

Media Release

Carers need more mental health and wellbeing supports this National Carers Week, and beyond.

21 October 2022 – 197.04 KB

While a mental ill-health crisis is gripping the nation, new research affirms that carers are at particularly high risk of mental ill-health compared to Australians without caring responsibilities.