Carers’ Week: in recognition of those who care

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PDF printable version of Carers' Week: in recognition of those who care (PDF 16KB)

13 October 2005
JB149/05

Australians should take the opportunity during Carers’ Week to applaud the work that people undertake in looking after frail older relatives, friends or people with a disability, the Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop, said today in Canberra on the eve of Carers’ Week.

While launching a new DVD for carers, Ms Bishop said there are many devoted Australians caring for a spouse, relative or friend.

"They are making an immensely valuable contribution to the nation and they deserve our respect and recognition for this important role," she said.

Ms Bishop said the Australian Government supports carers in many ways.

"Around 95,000 people receive a Carer Payment and 340,000 receive a Carer Allowance, while many carers also receive assistance through the National Respite for Carers Program," she said.

"In 2004-05 more than 56,000 carers were assisted through this program, which gives carers the opportunity to take a break from their caring role.

"A further 33,000 people received assistance through community respite services.

"This year’s Budget provided $207.6 million over four years to build on the Australian Government’s current support programs for carers. This will provide for greater support for carers, including overnight respite in community respite houses, assistance for employed carers, increased residential respite support, and increased rural and regional respite.

"The government is also supporting 414 respite services with funding of up to $192 million over four years." Ms Bishop said the DVD launched today would help make primary carers more aware of respite and other support services available to them.

"This new DVD explains to carers and their families how they can get free information about the many support services made available to them. For instance, the Australian Government now supports 54 Commonwealth Carer Respite and Carelink Centres across the nation which serve as local community information points about carer support services," Ms Bishop said.

More information on local community support services:
Commonwealth Carer Resource Centres, 1800 242 636; or Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres, 1800 059 059.

Media contact: Murray Hansen - 02-6277 7280