Government launches plan to bolster health and well-being of millions of Aussies
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As Australia's population ages, the role of unpaid carers becomes increasingly critical.
Recognising this, the government is set to launch a move that promises to significantly change the lives of three million Australians.
This groundbreaking initiative is not just a plan but a beacon of hope for those who give so much of themselves every day.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth is spearheading the launch of both the National Carers Strategy and Action Plan in nearly a decade, which are designed to bolster the health and wellbeing of Australia's carers.
The strategy's core promise is to recognise, value, and empower carers, enabling them to ‘participate fully in society and fulfil their caring roles’ more effectively.
With the number of Australians aged 65 and over expected to double, and those aged 85 and over set to triple in the next 40 years, the demand for carers has risen dramatically.
The majority of these carers are women who often juggle their caregiving responsibilities with work and other commitments.
To address the growing need, the government is introducing 10,000 additional phone counselling sessions, which will provide a lifeline for carers in need of support.
This is part of a broader package that includes extended operating hours for support services accessed via the Carer Gateway, giving carers more flexibility to access help when they need it.
The expansion of peer support services and training is another key feature of the plan, ensuring carers have the resources to manage their roles effectively.
The strategy is backed by substantial funding, with $907 million allocated over four years to 2027-28.
This investment underscores the government's commitment to providing ‘vital support’ for those looking after their loved ones.
‘We know caring is not a one-size-fits-all experience and that carers are a diverse group of people with a variety of needs and experiences,’ Rishworth said.
‘That’s why it was so important for us that the strategy was built with carers, and I want to thank everyone who took the time to participate in our consultation process and shape a strategy that will drive real and needed improvements in the lives of all Australia’s carers.’
The importance of this strategy is underscored by the findings of the National Carer Survey conducted by Carers NSW in October.
The survey revealed that more than half of the 10,096 respondents experienced moderate to low levels of psychological distress, with a similar number reporting low or very low well-being.
Financial stress was also a significant concern, with nearly 60 per cent of respondents feeling the strain despite many balancing work with their caring responsibilities.
How do you think the National Carers Strategy will impact your life or the lives of those you know? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Recognising this, the government is set to launch a move that promises to significantly change the lives of three million Australians.
This groundbreaking initiative is not just a plan but a beacon of hope for those who give so much of themselves every day.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth is spearheading the launch of both the National Carers Strategy and Action Plan in nearly a decade, which are designed to bolster the health and wellbeing of Australia's carers.
The strategy's core promise is to recognise, value, and empower carers, enabling them to ‘participate fully in society and fulfil their caring roles’ more effectively.
The government planned to launch the National Carers Strategy and Action Plan after almost a decade. Credit: Matthias Zomer / Pexels
With the number of Australians aged 65 and over expected to double, and those aged 85 and over set to triple in the next 40 years, the demand for carers has risen dramatically.
The majority of these carers are women who often juggle their caregiving responsibilities with work and other commitments.
To address the growing need, the government is introducing 10,000 additional phone counselling sessions, which will provide a lifeline for carers in need of support.
This is part of a broader package that includes extended operating hours for support services accessed via the Carer Gateway, giving carers more flexibility to access help when they need it.
The expansion of peer support services and training is another key feature of the plan, ensuring carers have the resources to manage their roles effectively.
The strategy is backed by substantial funding, with $907 million allocated over four years to 2027-28.
This investment underscores the government's commitment to providing ‘vital support’ for those looking after their loved ones.
‘We know caring is not a one-size-fits-all experience and that carers are a diverse group of people with a variety of needs and experiences,’ Rishworth said.
‘That’s why it was so important for us that the strategy was built with carers, and I want to thank everyone who took the time to participate in our consultation process and shape a strategy that will drive real and needed improvements in the lives of all Australia’s carers.’
The importance of this strategy is underscored by the findings of the National Carer Survey conducted by Carers NSW in October.
The survey revealed that more than half of the 10,096 respondents experienced moderate to low levels of psychological distress, with a similar number reporting low or very low well-being.
Financial stress was also a significant concern, with nearly 60 per cent of respondents feeling the strain despite many balancing work with their caring responsibilities.
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