National Carer Strategy
National Carer Recognition Framework
The Australian Government committed to leading the development of a National Carer Recognition Framework (Framework) to better recognise carers as part of its response to the report: Who Cares …? Report on the inquiry into better support for carers by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Family, Community, Housing and Youth.
The National Carer Recognition Framework comprises two pillars. The first of these is the Carer Recognition Act 2010 (the Act) which commenced on 18 November 2010. The Act acknowledges the significant role of carers and the importance of ensuring that the needs of carers are considered in the development, implementation and evaluation of policies, programs and services that directly affect them or the care recipient(s). The second element of the Framework is the National Carer Strategy.
National Carer Strategy
The Strategy formally acknowledges the vital role of carers. The Strategy will improve on what the Australian Government already provides for carers and complements reforms occurring, or being considered across the aged care, disability, mental health, primary health care, hospital and community care systems. The Strategy reflects the principles of the Carer Recognition Act 2010, and complements state and territory government strategies, policies and plans to support carers.The Strategy has been developed in consultation with state and territory governments, carers, service providers and peak bodies. The Australian Government discussion paper Towards a National Carer Strategy formed the basis for nation wide targeted consultations and a written submission process undertaken in 2010. The Strategy was launched on 3 August 2011 by Minister Macklin, Minister Roxon, Minister Butler and Parliamentary Secretary McLucas.
National Carer Strategy Consultations
Carers have a vital role in participating in the decisions that affect them and in providing feedback on how arrangements can best meet their needs. The planning of the Strategy has been grounded in the voices of carers and carer representative organisations.A targeted consultation process to seek the views of carers, service providers, peak bodies and state and territory government departments regarding the Government’s proposed vision, aim and goals for a strategy to support carers was conducted throughout November and early December 2010. A total of 20 sessions with carer support organisations and service providers were held in 15 metropolitan and regional locations across Australia. The sessions were attended by 377 stakeholders from carer support organisations and service providers.
Consultations with individual carers were conducted by Carers Australia at 12 sessions across Australia from October 2010 to 26 November 2010. Children with Disabilities Australia also held three discussion forums with carers in mid November 2010.
A written submission process was also available for those stakeholders unable to attend a consultation session. Written submissions were received from 301 carers, carer support organisations and service providers.
Copies of the National Carer Strategy are available from the National Carer Strategy page.
For further information or to make an inquiry regarding the National Carer Strategy, email: nationalcarerstrategy@fahcsia.gov.au
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