The NSW Government is urging the state’s almost one million carers to have their say on a new 10-year strategy that aims to better support them.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the call to action comes as National Carers Week kicks off, which recognises the valuable contribution of carers across the country.
“Carers provide about 1.9 billion hours of essential care to loved ones across Australia each year,” Mr Ward said.
“Our Government is committed supporting that valuable work and wants to hear what’s working and what isn’t, so we can better support and care for NSW carers.”
Carers provide unpaid help to someone who needs support due to disability, mental illness, dementia, frail age or chronic illness.
Businesses play a major role in supporting carers in the workplace through the Carers + Employers program, which assists employers with how to accommodate staff who have caring responsibilities.
“One in eight employees is an unpaid carer, which is a much larger cohort in our community than people might think” Mr Ward said.
“Flexible, carer-friendly workplaces help staff balance the caring responsibilities with paid employment and that’s absolutely critical to ensure long-term support.
“The University of Technology and the Department of Communities and Justice are leading the way and have gained accreditation under this new program.”
The NSW Government is investing $4.9 million in 2019-20 to support carers. This includes the Carers Investment Program, which funds innovative, evidence-based projects to support carers.
The Ageing and Disability Commissioner is also assisting those who are cared for, by protecting vulnerable people from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
For more information, visit www.facs.nsw.gov.au/inclusion/carers/nsw-carers-strategy
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