Our 2.6M unsung heroes deserve recognition

BILL SHORTEN MP – SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE NDIS
SHADOW MINISTER FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES – MEMBER FOR MARIBYRNONG

EMMA MCBRIDE MP – SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR CARERS
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH – MEMBER FOR DOBELL

OUR 2.6M UNSUNG HEROES DESERVE RECOGNITION

Australia’s 2.65 million unpaid carers – carers of children with disability, of frail, elderly
parents, of partners with chronic health problems – do an incredible and selfless job.

At the best of times this care takes a toll on the physical health, the mental health and the
financial security of carers.

During COVID-19, with formal support declining and wait times growing, the nation’s
unpaid carers have taken on more responsibility than ever before.
This National Carers Week (11-17 October) is an opportunity for all of us to thank
Australia’s carers and recognise their extraordinary contribution.

But carers also deserve more than words of thanks. They need the Government to do
more to support them. The little Government support that exists for carers pales
in comparison to the estimated $78 billion value of informal care across Australia every year.

More than 100,000 older Australians are waiting for care at home.

Parent carers of children with disability are in many cases struggling to cover the costs of
much needed allied health and therapy. Both groups are still being refused the Coronavirus Supplement
payment currently available for job seekers.

Carers are the quiet, unsung, unpaid workforce who are so often the last failsafe between
dignity and neglect. This week the Government should say thank you to the nation’s carers,
and then have their actions mirror their words.”

SUNDAY, 11 OCTOBER 2020