DESPITE the Greens/Labor government promising to “progress actions under the ACT Carers Strategy” in the Parliamentary and Governing Agreement, carers have been forgotten in the 2021-22 Budget. 

Handed down this afternoon (October 6), Carers ACT CEO Lisa Kelly said they continue to await funding to fulfil this commitment and the broader commitment that the government made to carers through the ACT Carer Strategy.

The lack of funding for the ACT Carers Strategy in the 2021-22 Budget is a huge disappointment to the 50,000 unpaid family and friend carers in the ACT community, and puts its continued implementation at risk, she said.

The ACT Carers Strategy provides the framework to recognise carers and the role they play in the community and sets out the actions to achieving a Canberra that “cares for carers”.

Unpaid carers save the government an estimated $77.9 billion annually across Australia in replacement care, she said. 

“Every day more than 50,000 family and friend carers in the ACT provide daily support and assistance to people with disabilities, chronic health, and mental health conditions, are frail aged or require palliative care,” Ms Kelly said.

“Every day they face challenges and difficult choices as they navigate their way  through complex systems, family and work obligations, financial pressures, and the constant worry about the future.

“They do so with minimal support and recognition. Carers have some of the worst  health outcomes and lowest wellbeing of any group in the community. An investment in carers is essential as it is an investment in the health, wellbeing, and economic outcomes of the community.” 

As we prepare to celebrate and recognise the role of carers during National Carers Week from October 10-16, Ms Kelly said it is time to fulfil the government’s commitment to carers in the same way that they fulfil the commitments they make every day to the people they provide care to.

“During Carers Week Carers ACT will be strongly urging the ACT government to fulfil their commitment to supporting the 50,000  carers in the ACT community by announcing funding to support the implementation of the ACT  Carers Strategy in its entirety,” Ms Kelly said. 

“This year, more than ever, we need to acknowledge the role carers have played during the COVID-19 pandemic. Carers have risen to the challenge and have kept some of the most vulnerable people  in our community alive and safe.

“This often came at the expense of carers’ economic stability, health, and wellbeing. Carers have made sacrifices that exceed what was required from an average person, and they have lived with a constant fear and anxiety often without complaint.”