Unpaid carers in the Electorate of Parkes will benefit from $85.6 million in additional funding for support services, the Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton said.
Mr Coulton said the new support services are in recognition of the important contribution unpaid carers are providing to their families, the community and the nation.
“The Nationals-Liberal Government will provide a range of new services, including peer support, coaching, targeted financial support and crisis support, to target early-intervention and build carers’ skills,” he said.
“Getting help early can make a big difference to a carer’s life. It can help to reduce emotional or physical strain, assist carers to stay in work or study, take breaks from caring responsibilities, and help plan for the future. We owe a big thanks to our unpaid carers, who make significant sacrifices to support the most vulnerable in our community.”
From October 2018, carers will be able to access new supports and services through the Australian Government’s Carer Gateway website, including peer support, counselling, coaching, and educational resources.
From September 2019, the Australian Government will establish a network of Regional Delivery Partners to help carers access a range of local services such as needs assessments, targeted financial support, information and advice, tailored counselling and coaching, and crisis support where required.
The new services will be funded by a $250,000 family income test threshold to the Carer Allowance payment.
Minister for Social Services Dan Tehan said around 99 per cent of Carer Allowance recipients will have no change to their payment under the threshold.