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PDF printable version of $12m Boost for Respite Services and Carers (PDF 26 KB)

26 February 2009

Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot has announced more than $12 million in funding to 35 separate projects to improve and support respite services for carers in every Australian state and territory.

Almost 2.6 million Australians provide care for family members or friends with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition or who are frail aged. Of these about 500,000 are primary carers – the people who provide the most care.

The $12 million – over two and a half years – is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to carers through the National Respite for Carers Program, which is providing $194 million in 2008-09.

Mrs Elliot said: “This program funds more than 600 community-based respite services deliver services in a variety of settings – including carers’ homes, day centres and overnight cottages.

“Carers across this nation play an important role in Australian society. They dedicate so much to improve the quality of the lives of our nation’s elderly and for people with disabilities.” Mrs Elliot said.

“Caring for someone full time is physically and emotionally demanding and carers need to be able to take deserved breaks,” Mrs Elliot said.

Community-based respite services are funded to provide respite opportunities in a variety of settings, such as:

• Day care centres which provide respite for a half or full day;
• In-home respite services, including overnight care and personal care services;
• activity programs;
• Respite for carers of people with dementia and challenging behaviour; and
• Flexible respite in community settings.

“I am delighted with the response and am pleased to see the funding going to grass roots services that everyday provide much needed respite to caring Australians,” Mrs Elliot said.

“I hear first hand how these important services assist families and carers. Respite can allow the carer to go to work for a few hours, go to the shops or socialise with friends,” Mrs Elliot said.

“This funding will help them offer new or expanded respite services to meet their local needs.

“The services will be able to improve the services to meet the needs of individual carers and the people they care for,” Mrs Elliot said.

“The Australian Government is committed to improving respite services around the country in response to the needs of our ageing population and their carers,” Mrs Elliot said.

Each year for the next two and a half years:

• 10 services in NSW will receive a total of approximately $1.5 million
• Eight services in Victoria, will receive approximately $1.1 million
• Four services in Queensland will receive approximately $913,000
• Three services in South Australia will receive approximately $440,000
• Three services Western Australia will receive approximately $441,000
• Four services in Tasmania will receive approximately $192,000
• Two services in the Northern Territory will receive approximately $96,000; and
• One service in the ACT will receive approximately $106,000.

During Carers Week late last year, Mrs Elliot announced the funding grants and encouraged carers group to apply.

Details: please contact the Minister's office on 02 6277 7280.