Parliamentary committees and inquiries have an important role in Australian Government. Their main function being to facilitate an in-depth investigation into specific issues, exploring evidence provided by individuals, organisations, advocates and within research. The findings of each inquiry are used to inform legislative decisions.

The process of a parliamentary inquiries will normally include four main steps:

1. Launch of inquiry – they key issue and scope of the inquiry are announced.
2. Evidence gathering – the responsible committee will consider available evidence and submissions provided. They may also conduct public hearings or briefings to provide an opportunity for evidence to be provided in person.
3. Report drafting – the committee will use the research and evidence provided and write a report. This report will outline they key issues and make recommendations for government.
4. Presentation – the report and recommendations will be presented to government as well as published online and in-print. The Australian Government will also usually provide a formal written response to the report.

The Inquiry into the recognition of unpaid carers has only recently been launched and they are now gathering evidence.

To find out more about the parliamentary inquiry process, visit the Parliament of Australia website.

Broadly speaking, this inquiry is looking into the provisions and operation of the Carer Recognition Act 2010 (the Act) in relation to unpaid carers, with a view to reform through legislative amendment.

What does this mean?

The Committee will explore how effective the Carer Recognition Act (2010) (the Act) has been since in raising awareness and recognition of unpaid carers, since its introduction.

This will include policy developments since the introduction of the Act, what state, territory and international carer recognition looks like, and how we can better identify the role of unpaid carers in Australia.

However, the adequacy of payments for carers is not within the scope of this inquiry.

How do we know this?

The Committee has been provided with Terms of Reference to outline the scope and key issues of consideration throughout the Inquiry. These include:

• the effectiveness of the Act and the associated Statement of Australia’s Carers in raising recognition and awareness of the unpaid caring role, including its obligations on public service agencies
• developments in the policy landscape at a Commonwealth level since the Act’s passage in 2010
• the effectiveness of existing state, territory and international recognition of unpaid care (statutory or other practice)
• how to better identify the role of unpaid carers in Australian society and the role of a reformed Act, with regard to:
  • understanding the value of unpaid care,
  • the needs of specific cohorts such as young carers, First Nations carers, LGBTIQA+ carers, or culturally and linguistically diverse carers,
  • the meaningful role that flexible workplaces play in unpaid care, and
  • the Government’s broad agenda in relation to the care and support economy, the importance of employment participation, and a strong focus on gender equity, and
• any other related matters, noting that the adequacy of payments for carers is out of scope for this inquiry.

The Terms of Reference and other information about the scope can be found on the Inquiry webpage here.

Submissions to the Inquiry have now closed.

If you missed the opportunity to contribute to this Inquiry but want to stay involved with carer policy you can reach out to your local carer organisation learn how you can engage with them, visit their website.

Visit your local carer organisation:

• Carers Queensland
• Carers NSW
• Carers ACT
• Carers Victoria 
• Carers SA
• Carers TAS
• Carers WA
• Carers NT 

The Committee received over 140 submissions from various individuals, organisations and representatives.

Five separate Public Hearings have been held, each welcoming different representatives or lived-experience carers and allowing them to further share their experiences and opinions on the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference.

Records of all previous Public Hearings can be found on the Inquiry webpage, as well as updates on any future Hearings that may be coming up.