Australia current state of care
Now more than ever, governments, public entities, the private sector and all citizens have roles to play in addressing the family (unpaid) carer problem. Carers should not have to face these hardships and inequities alone. As a society, we can help them, together. See why we need to provide more structured support and help from our key findings and insights directly from carers around the world.
What is your country currently doing to support carers?
Find out all you need to know about the current state of care in Australia. Our information covers topics like legislation, working arrangement for carers, respite care, what your country is doing to financially support carers, pension credits and the information and training you have access to.
Legislation
Current practises
Unpaid carers are formally recognized in Australia.i
Opportunities to increase support
Increase levels of discussion and bring awareness to the unmet challenges that unpaid carers continue to face.
Working arrangements
Current practises
Basic work entitlements are protected by Australia’s Fair Work Act (2009). Those who provide unpaid care and are in the workforce are entitled to request flexible working conditions and may be eligible for paid leave, unpaid leave and compassionate leave.iv
Opportunities to increase support
Increase access to flexible working conditions.
Respite care
Current practises
The Department of Social Services funds organizations to help unpaid carers access emergency respite and respite subsidies. Planned respite is available through the Aged Care System.vi
Opportunities to increase support
Increase respite care funding and make respite care services more readily available and easier to access.
Financial support
Current practises
The Australian Government provides a Carers Allowance, an income supplement available to people who provide daily care in a private home to a person with disability or a severe medical condition.ii A Carer Supplement is an annual payment for recipients of the Carer Allowance for each person being cared for.iii
Opportunities to increase support
Address delays that unpaid carers face when accessing support payments.
Pension credits
Current practises
Australia does not have a pension credits system, but the government provides a payment called a Carer Payment to unpaid carers who provide full-time care and pass an income test.v
Opportunities to increase support
Revise Carer Payment eligibility requirements to increase access, especially for unpaid carers of people who have episodic conditions.
Information and training
Current practises
Unpaid carers can access a range of nationally provided digital services including counseling, peer support, coaching and education. Unpaid carers can identify and connect to face-to- face services in their locality through the Government’s Carer Gateway website and call center.vi
Opportunities to increase support
Increase awareness of training and services currently available to unpaid carers.
References
i. Australian Government Carer Gateway. (2017). Legal Rights for Carers. Page1. https://www.carergateway.gov.au/legal-rights-for-carers. [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]
ii. Australian Government Department of Social Services. (2016). Carer Allowance. Page 1. https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers/benefitspayments/carer-allowance. [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]
iii. Australian Government Department of Social Services. (2016). Carer Supplement. Page 1. https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers/benefitspayments/carer-supplement. [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]
iv. Australian Government Fair Work Ombudsman. (2017). requests for flexible working arrangements and the National Employment Standards Fact Sheet. Page 1. https://www.fairwork.gov.au/how-we-will-help/templates-and-guides/fact-sheets/minimum-workplace-entitlements/requests-for-flexible-working-arrangements. [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]
v. Australian Government Department of Social Services. (2016). Carer Payment. Page 1. https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers/benefitspayments/carer-payment. [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]
vi. Australian Government MyAgedCare. (2017). Respite Care. Page 1. https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/respite-care. [Date Accessed: 16 july 2018]
vi. Australian Government Department of Social Services. (2016). Carer Payment. Page 1. https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers/benefitspayments/carer-payment. [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]
GL-NONPR-00328 [September 2022]