With 14-20 October marking National Carers Week, Member for Parkes Mark Coulton is encouraging those in his electorate to consider the enormous contribution of our carers.
“National Carers Week gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable work of Australia’s 2.7 million unpaid carers to our families and communities,” Mr Coulton said.
“One in eight Australians care for a family member or friend who needs support due to disability, age, mental illness, or long-term physical illness, which is a remarkable feat.
“Australia’s population of unpaid carers spend an incredible 36 million hours every week caring for family members or friends with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, or those who are frail-aged.”
Mr Coulton said approximately 904,000 people provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend in New South Wales alone.
“The Government provides over $8 billion annually in carer payments, allowances and supplements to give carers financial relief while caring for their loved ones.
“I believe it is important the Government remains committed to the social and economic well-being of carers, whose efforts are estimated to contribute over $1 billion weekly to our national economy.”
Earlier this year, the Liberal National Government announced an additional $85.6 million over four years to deliver a range of new supports through the Integrated Carer Support Service.
New online services include peer support, counselling and educational resources to be designed and tested with carers and delivered through the Carer Gateway website from later this month.
A network of Carer Gateway regional delivery partners will also be established nationally from September 2019, giving carers access to expanded services such as financial support packages, face-to-face counselling and emergency crisis support.
Media Contact: Anna Tickle – 0400 050 729